--- title: Testing Your Air Operated Diaphragm Pump description: We design positive displacement pumps, strainers, valves, sight glasses, bubble traps and other solutions that get the job done for your sanitary image: https://blog.unibloctech.com/hubfs/uht_flo_blog-advantages.jpg --- [![](https://unibloctech.com/wp-content/uploads/Unibloc-Hygienic-Technologies-logo.png)](https://unibloctech.com/) - [Products](https://unibloctech.com/products/) - [Overview](https://unibloctech.com/products/) - [Hygienic Pumps](https://unibloctech.com/products/hygienic-pumps) - [Industrial Pumps](https://unibloctech.com/products/industrial-pumps) - [Bubble Traps](https://unibloctech.com/product/hygenitec-bubble-traps/) - [Sight Glasses](https://unibloctech.com/subcategory/sight-glasses/) - [Strainers](https://unibloctech.com/subcategory/strainers) - [Oil Coolers](https://unibloctech.com/product/hygenitec-oil-coolers/) - [Valves](https://unibloctech.com/subcategory/valves/) - Brands - [Unibloc® Pumps](https://unibloctech.com/brand/unibloc-pumps) - [Flotronic® One-Nut Pumps](https://unibloctech.com/brand/flotronic-one-nut-pumps) - [Hygenitec Flow Control](https://unibloctech.com/brand/hygenitec) - [Standard Pump](https://unibloctech.com/brand/standard) - [Industries](https://unibloctech.com/industries/) - [Overview](https://unibloctech.com/industries/) - [Bakery and Confection](https://unibloctech.com/industries/bakery-and-confection/) - [Beauty and Personal Care](https://unibloctech.com/industries/beauty-and-personal-care/) - [Beverages and Spirits](https://unibloctech.com/industries/beverages-and-spirits/) - [Dairy](https://unibloctech.com/industries/dairy/) - [Food Processing](https://unibloctech.com/industries/food-processing/) - [Poultry](https://unibloctech.com/industries/poultry/) - [Beef and Pork](https://unibloctech.com/industries/beef-and-pork/) - [Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology](https://unibloctech.com/industries/pharmaceutical-and-biotechnology/) - [Transportation](https://unibloctech.com/industries/transportation/) - [Industrial](https://unibloctech.com/industries/industrial/) - [Innovations](https://unibloctech.com/innovations/) - [Resources](https://unibloctech.com/resources/) - [Product Documentation](https://unibloctech.com/resources/documentation-library/) - [White Papers](https://unibloctech.com/resources/white-papers) - [Blog](https://blog.unibloctech.com/) - [Case Studies](https://unibloctech.com/resources/case-studies) - [Videos](https://unibloctech.com/resources/videos) - [In The News](https://unibloctech.com/about/#in-the-news) - [Webinars](https://unibloctech.com/webinars) - [About](https://unibloctech.com/about/) - [About Us](https://unibloctech.com/about/) - [News Releases](https://unibloctech.com/about/#news-releases) - [Events](https://unibloctech.com/about/#events) - [Contact](https://unibloctech.com/contact/) - [Contact Us](https://unibloctech.com/contact/) - [Request a Quote](https://unibloctech.com/contact/#quote) - [Request Parts and Spares](https://unibloctech.com/parts-and-spares) - [Jobs](https://unibloctech.com/contact/#jobs) - [Request a Quote](https://unibloctech.com/contact/#quote) - - [English](https://unibloctech.com/) - [Deutsch](https://uniblocpump.de/) - [Español](https://unibloctech.com/es) - [Français](https://unibloctech.com/fr) View Our [Sanitary 3A Certification](https://unibloctech.com/certifications/) Unibloc Blog # Testing Your Air Operated Diaphragm Pump By [Leighton Jones](https://blog.unibloctech.com/author/leighton-jones) | January 19, 2021 Topics: [Flotronic One-Nut Pumps](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/flotronic-one-nut-pumps) ![](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hubfs/uht_flo_blog-advantages.jpg) Share   [mailto:?subject=Unibloc%20Hygienic%20Technologies%20Blog%20Post&body=https://blog.unibloctech.com/testing-your-air-operated-diaphragm-pump](mailto:?subject=Unibloc%20Hygienic%20Technologies%20Blog%20Post&body=https://blog.unibloctech.com/testing-your-air-operated-diaphragm-pump)         ### Testing Your Air Operated Diaphragm Pump #### HOW DO YOU TEST AN AIR OPERATED DOUBLE DIAPHRAGM PUMP AFTER MAINTAINING IT? If you have carried out maintenance on an [AODD Pump](https://unibloctech.com/brand/flotronic-one-nut-pumps/) it’s always best to ensure it is working correctly before putting it back into your process. #### SAFETY FIRST - Check that original manufacturers spare parts have been used – non-original parts can be dangerous and will invalidate any warranty or certification issued on the pump. - Check all connections are tight and have been correctly torqued as per manufacturer’s instructions #### TO TEST Connect a suitable airline to the pump - Min 10mm on pumps with 7" or 10" Diaphragms or 20mm on pumps with 12" or 14" Diaphragms. #### DRY LIFT - Connect a [vacuum gauge](https://tameson.com/vacuum-pressure-gauge.html) to the pump inlet – turn the air on to the pump – check the vacuum reading is as per the dry lift on the manufacturer’s literature. - Turn off the air to stop the pump. #### PUMP OPERATION - Connect the pump via suitable pipework to a liquid source (Clean Water) and connect up an outlet to the pump either taking the liquid to recirculating tank or to drain where applicable. - Ensure you have a valve in the outlet pipework. - Start the pump slowly to prime and build up speed until the pump is running as the speed required on the application. - Pump should be cycling evenly, pumping the liquid. #### PUMP INTEGRITY - While operating the pump at its maximum flow / pressure; slowly close the valve in the outlet pipework until the pump ‘Dead Heads’ and stops running. This is when the liquid pressure in the outlet pipework reaches the same pressure as the air pressure being given to the pump. - No harm is done to the pump – AODD Pumps are designed to be able to ‘Dead Head’ - Inspect the pump, paying special attention to the body / manifold seals as well as the Diaphragm seals, for leaks. - Once the inspection is complete slowly open the valve in the delivery pipework, the pump will start cycling again once the pressure in the delivery pipework drops. - Turn off the air to stop the pump. #### DRAINING THE PUMP - Pump can be run without connection to the liquid source, this will pump most of the liquid out of the pump. - Further liquid can be drained out by tipping the pump where applicable and safe to do so. - Warm air can be passed through the pump if required to fully dry the pump.  [![UNI-AODD-webinar-on-demand-CTA-banner](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/UNI-AODD-webinar-on-demand-CTA-banner.png?width=833&height=198&name=UNI-AODD-webinar-on-demand-CTA-banner.png)](https://info.unibloctech.com/on-demand-webinar-how-to-use-aodd-pump-technology-to-improve-processing) ### Appropriate **Pumps** [**Chemflo PTFE Pump                                     **](https://unibloctech.com/product/flotronic-chemflo-ptfe-pump/)**[Sanitary Pumps ](https://unibloctech.com/product/flotronic-sanitary-pump/)** **[![Capture-Main-Chemflo](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Capture-Main-Chemflo.jpg?width=176&name=Capture-Main-Chemflo.jpg)](https://unibloctech.com/product/flotronic-chemflo-ptfe-pump/)                      [![Sanitary pump](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Sanitary%20pump.jpg?width=165&name=Sanitary%20pump.jpg)](https://unibloctech.com/product/flotronic-sanitary-pump/)** **[Minichem PTFE pump                                   ](https://unibloctech.com/product/flotronic-minichem-ptfe-pump/)[Slimline Pump   ](https://unibloctech.com/product/flotronic-slimline-pump/)** **![Capture-Main-Twin](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Capture-Main-Twin.jpg?width=205&name=Capture-Main-Twin.jpg)       [![Flotronic-Slimline-Pump-1](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Flotronic-Slimline-Pump-1.jpg?width=184&name=Flotronic-Slimline-Pump-1.jpg)](https://unibloctech.com/product/flotronic-slimline-pump/)**   **[500 Series Plastic Pump ](https://unibloctech.com/product/flotronic-500-series-plastic-pump/)** [ ![Capture-500-main](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Capture-500-main.jpg?width=180&name=Capture-500-main.jpg)](https://unibloctech.com/product/flotronic-500-series-plastic-pump/)     ### Related Videos ##### [Flotronic 'One Nut' Pump Service](https://unibloctech.com/video_library/one-nut-air-operated-double-diaphragm-pump-full-service/) ##### [Stripping Down A Sanitary Style Slimline AODD Pump](https://unibloctech.com/video_library/stripping-down-a-sanitary-style-flotronic-air-operated-diaphragm-pump/) ##### [One Nut Animation](https://unibloctech.com/video_library/how-the-flotronic-unique-air-operated-double-diaphragm-pump-works/)       --- ![](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hubfs/blog%20assets/Leighton-Jones.jpg) ### By [Leighton Jones](https://blog.unibloctech.com/author/leighton-jones) Leighton Jones is the director of sales for AODD pumps for Unibloc Hygienic Technologies. Jones has more than 20 years of experience working with applications using pumps within the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food and beverage, and chemical industries. ##### Search the Blog   ##### Subscribe to Keep Up ##### Posts by Topic [All (73)](https://blog.uniblocpump.com) - [Standard Pump (21)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/standard-pump) - [Hygienic Pumps (17)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/hygienic-pumps) All Topics - [Standard Pump (21)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/standard-pump) - [Hygienic Pumps (17)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/hygienic-pumps) - [Pump Design (17)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/pump-design) - [Flotronic One-Nut Pumps (16)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/flotronic-one-nut-pumps) - [Sanitary Pumps (15)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/sanitary-pumps) - [FoodFirst (10)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/foodfirst) - [Food (9)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/food) - [Sanitation (8)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/sanitation) - [Flotronic Pumps (7)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/flotronic-pumps) - [Quickstrip (7)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/quickstrip) - [Poultry (5)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/poultry) - [Pump Safety (5)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/pump-safety) - [Company Information (4)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/company-information) - [CIP (3)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/cip) - [Beverage (2)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/beverage) - [News (2)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/news) - [Events (1)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/events) - [Transportation (1)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/transportation) - [White Paper (1)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/tag/white-paper) ##### Recent Posts --- ##### Recent Posts [![](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hubfs/Unibloc-cleaning.jpg)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/cip-vs.-cop-which-sanitation-method-fits-your-pump) ## [CIP vs. COP: Which Sanitation Method Works Best for Your Pump Technology?](https://blog.unibloctech.com/cip-vs.-cop-which-sanitation-method-fits-your-pump) *January 19, 2021* Understand the difference between clean-in-place and clean-out-of-place pump sanitation— and why it matters for your bottom line. [Read More](https://blog.unibloctech.com/cip-vs.-cop-which-sanitation-method-fits-your-pump) [![](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hubfs/uht-6-reasons-for-aodd-pump-1200x628.jpg)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/6-reasons-to-consider-an-aodd-pump-for-your-hygienic-process) ## [6 Reasons to Consider an AODD Pump for Your Hygienic Process](https://blog.unibloctech.com/6-reasons-to-consider-an-aodd-pump-for-your-hygienic-process) *January 19, 2021* Sometimes pump performance problems do not start at the pump. Rather, they start at the spec sheet, with the wrong pump picked for the job or the right pump set up the wrong way. In a recent webinar, Caleb Summers, Lead ... [Read More](https://blog.unibloctech.com/6-reasons-to-consider-an-aodd-pump-for-your-hygienic-process) [![Unibloc QuickStrip Lobe Pump](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hubfs/uht-blog-quickstrip-pump-disassembling.jpg)](https://blog.unibloctech.com/preventing-cavitation-in-hygienic-pumps) ## [Preventing Cavitation in Hygienic Pumps](https://blog.unibloctech.com/preventing-cavitation-in-hygienic-pumps) *January 19, 2021* A cavitating pump tells you it is failing before the maintenance log does. The sound is unmistakable; the damage compounds quickly, and on a hygienic processing line, the consequences extend beyond the pump itself. [Read More](https://blog.unibloctech.com/preventing-cavitation-in-hygienic-pumps) ##### [See All Posts](https://blog.unibloctech.com)   Unibloc Hygienic Technologies Americas 1650 Airport Road, Suite 110 Kennesaw, GA 30144 USA [+1-770-218-8900](tel:+17702188900) [sales@unibloctech.com](mailto:sales@unibloctech.com) Europe Stromberger Strasse 197 D-59269 Beckum Germany [+49(0)25 21 29918 42](tel:+49025212991842) [sales@unibloctech.com](mailto:sales@unibloctech.com) UK/Ireland/Rest of the World Ricebridge Works Brighton Road Bolney, West Sussex RH17 5NA United Kingdom [+44(0)144 488 1871](tel:+4401444881871) [sales@unibloctech.com](mailto:sales@unibloctech.com) Follow us [![](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hubfs/blog%20assets/LinkedIn.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/unibloc-pump)    [![](https://blog.unibloctech.com/hubfs/blog%20assets/YouTube.png)](https://www.youtube.com/user/UNIBLOCPUMP) Latest News [![](https://unibloctech.com/wp-content/uploads/Unibloc-Hygienic-Technologies-logo.png)](https://unibloctech.com/) - [Products](https://unibloctech.com/products/) - [Industries](https://unibloctech.com/industries/) - [Innovations](https://unibloctech.com/innovations/) - [Resources](https://unibloctech.com/resources/) - [About](https://unibloctech.com/about/) - [Contact](https://unibloctech.com/contact/) © 2026 Unibloc Hygienic Technologies US LLC [Terms & Conditions](https://unibloctech.com/wp-content/uploads/Unibloc-Pump-Terms-and-Conditions-of-Sale.pdf) [Privacy Policy](https://unibloctech.com/privacy-policy/) [GDPR Privacy Notice](https://unibloctech.com/gdpr-privacy-notice) [Terms & Conditions](https://unibloctech.com/wp-content/uploads/Unibloc-Pump-Terms-and-Conditions-of-Sale.pdf)      [Privacy Policy](https://unibloctech.com/privacy-policy/)      [GDPR Privacy Notice](https://unibloctech.com/gdpr-privacy-notice)      Consent Preferences      [Cookie Policy](https://unibloctech.com/cookie-policy/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Leighton Jones", "url" : "https://blog.unibloctech.com/author/leighton-jones" }, "dateModified" : "2025-03-07T15:46:40.955Z", "datePublished" : "2021-01-19T17:41:00.000Z", "headline" : "Testing Your Air Operated Diaphragm Pump", "image" : [ "https://blog.unibloctech.com/hubfs/uht_flo_blog-advantages.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.unibloctech.com/testing-your-air-operated-diaphragm-pump", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "name" : "Unibloc Hygienic Technologies US LLC." } } ```