Did you know that one of the simplest technologies used in factories and plants is also one of the most potent workhorses in the industry? That’s right – it’s the AODD pumps!
Air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pumps are widely used in factories and plants due to their resilience and versatility in handling harsh fluids in the most challenging environments.
With a minimal number of parts, AODD pumps demonstrate exceptional reliability while requiring minimal maintenance, making them a popular choice across various industries, including mining and food and beverage production. In addition, AODD pumps remain a top contender in industrial workhorses, owing to their impressive performance and simplicity.
Have you ever wondered how a seemingly simple piece of machinery can keep production running smoothly at top speed? The secret lies in the carefully designed AODD pump components.
Understanding the basics of AODD industrial pumps can give you the power to make informed decisions to help your pump perform at its best in any application. Continue reading to find out more about each detailed pump component.
Fluid Suction and Discharge Manifold
The fluid suction and discharge manifold are essential for reliable Industrial pump performance.
The diaphragms serve as a partition that isolates the fluid section of the pump from the air section.
In typical configurations, the diaphragms ensure airtightness at two locations:
Having acquainted yourself with the fundamental elements of an Air-Operated Double Diaphragm (AODD) pump, we shall now delve into its operational mechanism. Presented below is a dissected AODD unit, which exemplifies the functionality of the primary pump components.
The compressed air enters the left inner chamber, resulting in the formation of suction by the diaphragm on the opposite side. This suction lifts the lower valve ball, enabling fluid intake through the inlet. Meanwhile, the left fluid chamber is concurrently engaged in the “discharge” cycle.
The right inner chamber is filled with compressed air, leading to the opening of the upper valve ball and the consequent fluid discharge. At the same time, the left section is in the “suction” cycle.
When opting for an Industrial pump suitable for a particular application, specific pump components can significantly impact overall performance and mean time between failures.
Valve balls constitute a crucial element of the pumping system. For pumping thick, viscous liquids, heavy or weighted valve balls are recommended. This is because the force of gravity enables the heavy valve balls to cut through the thick product and seat faster, enhancing the pump’s effectiveness in handling such fluids. In addition, valve balls made of materials like PTFE or stainless steel are considerably heavier than those made of other substances.
The selection of appropriate valve seats is critical for optimizing the performance of the industrial pumping system. When handling abrasive fluids, opting for valve seats composed of abrasion-resistant materials is advisable. For instance, when pumping abrasive ceramic slips, replacing rubber valve seats with stainless steel is recommended to minimize the wear and tear associated with abrasive applications.
The fluid being pumped does not solely come into contact with the wetted side of the pump. The air side of the unit is also likely to be exposed to the fluid, either through the surrounding environment or in the event of diaphragm failure. In such cases, the air side (air valve, center block, air chambers, etc.) must be composed of materials that are chemically compatible with the fluid. This is essential as the pump may come into contact with fumes or be splashed with chemicals from the process.
Considering material compatibility with the fluid being pumped during a diaphragm failure is also crucial. Such failure can result in the liquid coming into contact with the air side of the pump, causing damage if the materials used in the air side are not chemically compatible with the fluid. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that the air side components are made of suitable materials to withstand exposure to the pumped fluid during regular operation and in case of unforeseen circumstances like diaphragm failure.
Employing a chemically compatible material with the pump’s air and wetted side can significantly enhance its longevity and performance. In most scenarios, the additional upfront cost of certain air-side materials (like stainless steel) that offer chemical compatibility is justifiable. Besides, polypropylene and coated metal air side components can also be advantageous alternatives to consider.
JEE Pumps can effectively handle various chemicals, flow rates, and viscosities, making them suitable for multiple industries.
While diaphragm pumps are relatively easy to comprehend, acquiring knowledge about specific components can facilitate the selection of the optimal pump for a given application.
Selecting a reliable pumping partner is a crucial decision. With nearly 30 years of experience, JEE Pumps has been a leading manufacturer of industrial pumps, including AODD pumps catering to various industries’ unique demands worldwide.
Whether you are searching for a new pump or require replacement parts and accessories, JEE Pumps’ established products and proficiency can be relied upon.
AODD Pump
AODD Pump