Air-Operated Double Diaphragm (AODD) Pumps
When suction is tough and fluids are mean, AODD is the cheat code. These pumps self-prime, run dry, dead-head without damage, pass soft solids, and handle everything from slurries and resins to high-purity chemicals—all without mechanical seals. We size and ship AODDs in aluminum, 316SS, PP, PVDF and with elastomers like PTFE, Santoprene, EPDM, Nitrile.
- Flow envelope ~0.1–300 GPM (size/air pressure dependent) with broad turn-down via air regulator
- Self-priming to ~20+ ft (wet) and tolerant of intermittent dry-run and dead-head
- Solids handling with low shear—great for inks, slurries, food particulates
- Available in sanitary 3-A builds and ATEX conductive configurations
Manufacturers We Represent for AODD
Featured AODD Products
What Makes AODD Different (and When It Beats Other Pumps)
How AODD Pumps Work
- Compressed air alternates sides of an air valve, flexing two diaphragms in tandem.
- Check balls/valves create one-way flow; no dynamic mechanical seal to fail.
- Speed and head are air-controlled—no VFD or motor starter required.
Where AODD Wins
- Challenging suction (drums, totes, above-grade lifts, intermittent feeds)
- Viscous, abrasive, or air-entrained fluids; fluids that off-gas
- Portable/utility uses, spill response, batch transfer
- Sanitary or hazardous (ATEX) environments
Best-Fit AODD Configurations by Service
| Service | Ideal Configuration | Recommended Brands | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosives / solvents (acids, CIP, etchants) | PP/PVDF body; PTFE diaphragm & checks; FEP-lined seats | Wilden • Yamada • ARO • Graco | Sealless wetted path and top chemical compatibility |
| Slurries / pigments / mining fines | Metal body (aluminum/SS); Santoprene or abrasion-resistant checks | Wilden • Yamada • ARO • Graco | Low internal velocities minimize wear; robust check geometry |
| High-viscosity (oils, syrups, resins) | Oversize suction, full-port valves, air regulator + muffler | Wilden • Yamada • ARO • Graco | Self-priming with variable speed—no VFD needed |
| Sanitary & hygienic | Polished SS, clamp ends, FDA elastomers | Wilden • Yamada • Graco | Gentle transfer; easy CIP/SIP and teardown |
| Hazardous areas (ATEX) | Conductive body & diaphragms, ground kit, anti-static parts | Wilden • Yamada • ARO • Graco | Air motor is non-sparking; static dissipative build |
| IBC / drum transfer (portable) | Compact PP/Aluminum with cam-locks; trolley options | Wilden • Yamada • ARO • Graco | Lightweight, dead-head tolerant, easy deployment |
Sizing inputs: duty flow/head, fluid SDS (viscosity/SG/temp), solids size, suction geometry, available air (PSI & SCFM), sanitary/ATEX requirements.
Materials & Performance Cheat-Sheet
Wetted Materials
- PP / PVDF — aggressive acids/oxidizers, broad compatibility
- 316SS — solvents, foods, elevated temps; sanitary builds
- Aluminum / Cast — general transfer, non-corrosives
- Diaphragms — PTFE (chemicals), Santoprene/EPDM/NBR (utility), FKM (select solvents/heat)
Real-World Ranges
- Flow: fractional to ~300 GPM (size/air-pressure dependent)
- Head: typically 60–120+ ft TDH (fluid/air permitting)
- Solids: “soft” particulates within ball/check clearances
- Viscosity: handles thick fluids with proper suction & porting
Accessories That Make AODD Installations Bulletproof
- Air prep: filter/regulator/lubricator (FRL) to protect the air motor
- Pulsation control: inlet surge suppressor + discharge dampener for meters and hoses
- Noise: high-capacity mufflers and flexible mounts
- Safety: ATEX ground kit; non-sparking accessories; proper hose ID to avoid starvation
- Sanitary: clamp ends, polished internals, FDA elastomers, drainable manifold options
AODD vs. Other Common Pump Types
| Use Case | AODD | Centrifugal | Gear | Peristaltic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-priming / run-dry | Excellent | Fair w/ jet/primers | Poor (needs flooded) | Excellent |
| Viscous / abrasive | Great (low shear) | Fair (drops quickly) | Good on clean viscous | Great (hose-limited) |
| Precision dosing | Fair (pulsed, air-set) | Fair | Fair/Good (steady) | Excellent |
| Sanitary capability | Available | Available | Limited | Available |
| Capex/Controls | Low (air) | Motor/VFD | Motor/VFD | Drive + hose |
What We Need to Size Your AODD (5-Minute Worksheet)
- Flow & head: target GPM, total dynamic head, hose lengths, fittings, elevation
- Fluid: SDS, viscosity/SG, temperature, solids size/percentage, off-gassing risk
- Suction: flooded vs. lift, hose size/length, available NPSH, foot/ball valves
- Air: available PSI and SCFM at the skid (not just compressor nameplate)
- Environment: sanitary/3-A, ATEX classification, washdown, portability needs
Top AODD Lines We Stock (Placeholders)
Send your duty point and fluid—We’ll return curves, air consumption, material compatibility, and a complete BOM.
Send Us Your Fluid and Duty Point—We’ll Match the AODD in Minutes
Share flow/head, viscosity/SG, temperature, solids size, suction setup, and available air. We’ll return curves, air usage, and a parts-common build that’s easy to own.
AODD Pump FAQs
When should I choose AODD over centrifugal or gear?
Pick AODD for self-priming, run-dry/dead-head tolerance, solids handling, or when viscosity and suction conditions vary. Centrifugals excel on clean, steady duty; gear pumps shine on clean viscous oils with constant flow.
How much air do I need?
We confirm required PSI and SCFM at your duty point. Provide plant air pressure and available SCFM at the drop; we’ll size FRL, regulator, and hose to prevent starvation and noise.
Can AODD pumps be used in sanitary or ATEX areas?
Yes—choose sanitary stainless with clamp ends and FDA elastomers for food/bev; for ATEX zones use conductive bodies/diaphragms with proper grounding and documentation.
Which diaphragm material is right for my fluid?
PTFE for aggressive chemicals; Santoprene/EPDM/NBR for broad utility and abrasion; FKM for select solvents and higher temperatures. We’ll verify compatibility with your SDS and temperature.