Versamatic Blog

Specifying an air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pump for sanitary applications in the food processing, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries isn’t a job to take lightly. After all, consumers’ health and safety are on the line. 

Plant personnel choose air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pumps to transfer fluids in countless markets, including cannabidiol (CBD), chemical, food and beverage, oil and gas, and many other industries. In addition to their versatility across applications, AODD pumps are a viable option for multiple pump locations within a system, including suction lift, submerged, and flooded suction positions. 

Do you hear a hissing sound coming from an air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pump at your plant? It could mean your pump is due for new pilot valve O-Rings. Is your pump cycling once but won’t come back? You may have bent actuator pins, improperly installed air valve gaskets, or something else on your hands.

Air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pumps are a simple, reliable tool for plants of all types, but they do occasionally require troubleshooting. One potential issue is a suction malfunction, which can damage the pump and take your equipment offline if not remedied quickly. Fortunately, you can easily prevent, identify, and fix most AODD suction issues if you know the basic components of an AODD pump and you know what you’re looking for. 

The biggest lifetime cost of a pump is powering it. Air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pumps, like their name suggests, run off compressed air to power the repeated back-and-forth motion of two flexible diaphragms mounted on to a common connecting rod. 

Leaks are never a good thing, whether you’re talking about a faucet in your kitchen, the engine of your Chevy, or an air-operated double diaphragm (AODD) pump at your plant. 

Air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pumps are known for reliability, versatility, and ease of maintenance, making them the preferred choice in transfer applications. Their simple design makes them easy to operate and cost-effective to repair. 

If you’re a plant maintenance manager, you understand the importance of keeping all systems and machinery running smoothly, and, in turn, production stoppage as low as possible. Production disruptions lead to lost revenue.

With so many pumps on the market—centrifugal, lobe, gear, screw, hose, piston/plunger—it can be challenging to find the information you need to make the right choice. Product quality, cost, delivery options and post-sale support are all important factors in the decision.

Air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pumps can handle a wide range of chemicals, flow rates and viscosities. They can also perform well in a variety of industries. The more you know about AODD pump specifications, the easier it will be to find the best pump for your application.