AIR-OPERATED DOUBLE DIAPHRAGM PUMP PERFORMANCE

E ASE OF MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION MAKE THESE PUMPS A GOOD SOLUTION FOR MANY APPLICATIONS

Written by:

Christine Gfrer

Published: May 1, 2013, Pumps & Systems

Air-operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps are used worldwide to move a wide range of fluids—with
suspended solids, non-suspended solids and line-size solids—from Point A to Point B, above and below ground.
End users select them over other pump types—such as positive displacement—when challenged with difficult
pumping situations.

Although an AODD pump is a displacement type, it is actually a hybrid. While its pressure-versus-capacity
characteristics resemble those of a centrifugal pump, it is best defined as a sealless, semi-positive displacement
pump. The pumping principle provides 100 percent efficiency at zero flow (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. AODD head and horsepower versus flow rate

Advantages
AODD pumps are a good choice for moving abrasive and shear-sensitive materials and high viscosity fluids. They
are self-priming, available with optional discharge porting and run dry without significant damage or heat build-
up.

AODD pumps are air or natural gas operated and differ from other positive displacement pumps. Because of air
pressure acting on the entire surface of the diaphragm, the diaphragm is in a balanced condition while pumping.
This process extends the diaphragm life over that of mechanically operated diaphragm pumps. Because
compressed air is limited, the maximum pressure developed by the pump is also safely limited. As a result, AODD
pumps are appropriate for on-demand intermittent requirements (see Figure 2).
Figure 2. The balanced operation of an AODD pump

AODD pumps are self-priming from a dry start and are frequently installed in flooded suction and suction lift
installations. With caution given to the non-wetted materials of construction, AODD pumps can be submerged for
maximum installation versatility (see Figure 3). They safely operate on deadheaded/standby demand without the
costs associated with the need to relieve pressure. At all deadhead condition points, they consume zero energy (see
Figure 4).
Figure 3. AODD pumps can operate in many different environments
Figure 4. AODD pump performance curve

Flexibility
Fragile materials are safe when pumped with an AODD unit. Low internal velocities handle abrasive slurries
without pump damage or loss of volumetric efficiencies. The gentle pumping action does not shear fragile
materials. High viscosity fluids, heavy and pourable, are capably handled.

Many manufacturers also offer pumps with optional discharge porting:

Bottom porting for a high concentration of heavy solids

Top porting for thin liquids or if the liquid contains entrained air

AODD pumps can be regulated to adjust the pump flow from zero to maximum rated capacity.

Extending Pump Life

When end users decide to invest in AODD pumps, extending the life of the pumps becomes a high priority. Many
pumps have a functional life of 30 or more years, but pump life depends on the application, the pump system and
how the pump is operated and maintained. Many options are available for maintaining and extending the life of an
AODD pump.

Most AODD pump manufacturers offer genuine replacement parts. Some manufacturers sell several different
convenient kits that are developed for specific pump models, making maintenance simple. Kits are available to
support different levels of service—from minimal repairs to full refurbishment. AODD parts and kits provide the
flexibility to switch the internal components to different materials. This allows the pump to change applications—
paint to ceramics, for example—and provide varying levels of performance—such as ball to weighted ball.

From the air valve o-ring to outer diaphragm chamber, AODD pump manufacturers can provide the parts needed
to keep pumps running smoothly. Genuine AODD parts are manufactured to precise specifications and are built for
durability, reliability and productivity. AODD kits can provide end users with everything they need to get their
pumps back to work quickly and more efficiently.

When considering the benefits of replacing versus repairing a pump, kits and replacement parts are an attractive
choice for maintenance personnel and budget conscious end users.