Unibloc Blog

Advantages of Using an Air Operated Diaphragm Pump

By | June 7, 2021
        

Advantages of Using an Air Operated Diaphragm Pump

AODD PUMPS HAVE EXCELLENT CHEMICAL COMPATIBILITY AND TEMPERATURE RESISTANCE

There are a vast range of Wetted Construction materials available for Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pump construction; including but not limited to 316L Stainless Steel, PTFE, Aluminium, Polypropylene, PVC, Duplex 22 and Hastelloy; ensuring Chemical Compatibility with your product.

AODD Pumps can be used from -40°C to 135°C dependent on material selection for the wetted parts.

AODD PUMPS CAN COVER A NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS

Very good "all-round" pumps - AODD Pumps can be operated at a range of air pressures / volumes without harming the pump in any way. One size of AODD Pump can therefore be used on a variety of products, giving a variety of flow rates; this means that one pump can be specified on a variety of applications.

This versatility is especially useful when specifying a 'standby' pump.  

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EASY TO MAINTAIN

Being air operated, AODD Pumps in general are simple to maintain - However the Flotronic range of AODD Pumps is especially easy to maintain.

  • The unique 'One Nut' design means that only one nut needs to removed to inspect or clean the diaphragms - this can be completed while the pump remains in the process pipework if required - Diaphragms can be cleaned / inspected in less than 10 minutes (Video Available).
  • Our external air valve can be replaced or maintained by removing a maximum of 4 bolts  - this can also be completed while the pump remains within the process pipework.
  • We have less than 50% of the number of parts than alternative AODD Pumps, with obvious savings on spares costs and maintenance times 

AODD PUMPS CAN BE RUN DRY

Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pumps can be run dry without damage to any of the internal parts. This is especially useful when priming the pumps, or on any transfer application where dry running cannot be ruled out.

AODD PUMPS CAN BE DEAD HEADED.

A Valve fitted into the delivery line can be used to stop the flow of liquid, and the pump running. The pump stops when the liquid pressure in the delivery line reaches the same pressure as the driving air you are giving the pump. Then once the valve in the delivery line is opened the pressure drops in the delivery line and the pump starts pumping again.

Especially useful when transferring product to filling heads.

Also means that the pump cannot cause overpressure in the delivery line as it cannot produce higher pressure than the driving air.

Many alternative styles of pumps require diversion or recirculating lines meaning that they are working the product at all times.

AODD PUMPS ARE SELF PRIMING

Dry suction lifts of up to 4m are possible, rising to 8.2m when the pump is in a flooded application. This is especially useful when pumping products with high viscosity

AODD PUMPS ARE ‘LOW SHEAR’

Perfect for use with shear sensitive materials, transferring products as diverse as ketchup, shampoos, polymers, personal care & pharmaceutical creams, cosmetics.

AODD PUMPS CAN HANDLE SOLIDS EASILY

Large internal clearances which are common to Air Operated Diaphragm Pumps allow the easy handling of solids, size depending on model / type selected.

AODD PUMPS CAN PUMP HIGH VISCOSITY PRODUCTS.

While easily transferring low viscosity liquids the Air Operated Pump can also transfer liquids of up to 300,000Cps as stand-alone pump; with viscosities in excess of 500,000Cps possible when aligned with Drum Unloading Systems.

AODD PUMPS CAN BE EASILY CLEANED IN PLACE / SANITIZED

The Flotronic ‘One Nut’ Pump fitted with reinforced diaphragms can be Cleaned In Place at up to 7 Bar without damaging the pump.

Can be used with external CIP rigs or the pump itself can be used to transfer the CIP materials.

Can also be easily modified to fully drain once CIP has been completed.

AODD PUMPS ARE EASY TO INSTALL

No need for costly alignment, no need for costly foot plates. An Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pump has a smaller footprint than other pump styles.

Simply connect to an air supply.

AODD PUMPS CAN BE VERY PORTABLE

Smaller pumps can easily be carried, while larger pumps can easily be supplied with a range of 2 wheeled or 4 wheeled trolleys making them very easy to take to the application if required.

AODD PUMPS ARE EASY TO CONTROL

Pumping speed and pressure can easily be adjusted with the air pressure and volume that you give the pump. Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pumps are a very ‘forgiving’ pump. One pump can be used to supply different flow rates and pressures without any differences required internally.

AODD PUMPS DO NOT REQUIRE ELECTRICITY TO OPERATE.

Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pumps do not require electricity to operate and can be safely grounded if they are going to be used in an explosive area or when pumping highly flammable products.

ATEX certification is available across all material selections.

LOW COST OF OWNERSHIP

Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pumps have a low initial cost when compared to other pump types, this along with easy maintenance and the low cost of spares keeps the total cost of ownership comparatively low

AODD PUMPS CAN BE FULLY CERTIFIED

Full certification packages are now a normal requirement. Some of the more common certifications that Flotronic Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pumps comply with include:

ATEX  

FDA

(EC) 1935/2004

(EC) 2023/2006

3A

EHEDG

 

 


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