Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pumps: Efficient, Reliable, and Cost-Effective Solutions

 

Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pumps: Efficient, Reliable, and Cost-Effective Solutions

A type of positive displacement pump, the Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm (AODD) pump, has two chambers that are filled and discharged via diaphragms.  AODD pumps, thanks to their versatility, are a popular choice among industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food and beverage, mining, and wastewater treatment. They are capable of handling different kinds of fluids, from aggressive chemicals to purest liquids and really viscous slurries.

AODD pumps are air-operated, which means they use compressed air as their source of power. So, in an AODD pump, there are two diaphragms connected by a shaft, which move back and forth within a chamber. It all starts when compressed air enters and moves the diaphragm inside the pump chamber. When one diaphragm is pushed outward, a vacuum is created in the chamber, which pulls the liquid via the inlet. While all this happens, the other diaphragm is busy retracting and expelling an equal amount of fluid from the other chamber. The pump continuously cycles back and forth, delivering a consistent flow of the liquid. That’s all!

Let's talk about the efficiency of AODD pumps. First of all, AODD pumps are self-primed, which means they don't require any external priming to start operation. This feature eliminates downtime (the idle period when a pump can't be operated as is waiting to be primed), resulting in a more extended pump operation. Secondly, AODD pumps are also highly energy-efficient due to their air-powered mechanism. They need only compressed air to operate, reducing energy wastage and ensuring operation in areas where constant electricity supply could be an issue. The design of AODD pumps also allows for dry-running capabilities and the ability to handle varying fluid viscosities, further increasing their efficiency. Dry running capabilities are especially important in applications which handle inconsistently supplied fluids.

AODD pumps are popular because they are reliable. Built to withstand harsh operating conditions, these pumps can perform amidst varying pressure and temperature levels. Since they do not need electricity to operate, they are safe to use in hazardous and explosive environments. The absence of complex mechanical seals and rotating parts reduces wear and tear, leading to longer service life and minimal maintenance requirements.

Another standout feature of AODD pumps is their ability to handle a wide range of fluids, such as highly viscous liquids, shear-sensitive fluids, slurries and fluids with solids in them, highly corrosive liquids and delicate food-grade products. As a result, AODD pumps can be used by several industries. Even one company can use AODD pumps for various applications as these pumps can handle different types of media.

AODD pumps come with the benefit of easy maintenance. With fewer moving parts and no need for complex mechanical seals, AODD pumps do not run the risks of frequent parts change. The design also allows for easy disassembly and reassembly, reducing downtime during servicing. The easy maintenance leads to significant cost savings for the operator.

AODD pumps are used in chemical industries to handle acids, solvents, and hazardous chemicals. In the food and beverage industry, AODD pumps are tasked with the responsibility of transferring ingredients such as sauces, syrups, dairy products, and beverages. Their gentle pumping action ensures minimal shear stress, preserving the integrity of delicate food products. Since AODD pumps allow precise flow, they are also popular in the pharmaceutical industry, where accurate dosing and stringent hygiene standards are the norm. Their ability to handle high-viscosity and solids-laden fluids makes AODD pumps an excellent choice for the mining industry as well.

Before you choose the right AODD pump for your company, it is essential to understand if the pump's body and diaphragm material are compatible with the fluid that will be handled. One must also consider factors such as the desired flow rate, the pressure at which the pump will work, and the temperature conditions.

Besides the criteria above, it is equally important to check if the AODD pump supplier is trusted in the market for delivering quality products. Afterall, there are several AODD pump manufacturers out there. A brand like Sandpiper has been providing excellent quality AODD pumps since 1965. Operating under the IDEX umbrella in India, Sandpiper has been customers' preferred choice for decades.

All Sandpiper pumps are self-operated and self-primed, which means they can operate effectively even when not fully submerged. All bolted constructed offers the promise of safety and reliability. These pumps can handle fluids with solids effectively without halting or degrading. Their lube-free air valve gives the pumps abrasion resistance. All Sandpiper pumps come with a 5-year limited product warranty.

Sandpiper's range of pumps includes standard duty pumps, which are ideal for intermittent and on-demand operations and can handle moderately abrasive fluids, and Signature Series pumps, which can operate in the most severe applications and environments.

To know more about Sandpiper air-operated pumps, check out their website today: https://www.idexindia.in/sandpiper/