This is the first of six blog posts in our air operated double diaphragm pumps series, where you’ll learn everything you need to know about these fantastic pumps. In today’s post we’re looking at how air operated double diaphragm pumps work. Knowing this will help you make the right decision when choosing which pump to buy.
Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pump Mechanisms
Air operated double diaphragm pumps is a type of positive displacement pump but what sets it apart, is that it uses compressed air to operate. In an upcoming blog post we’ll be talking about the advantages of using an air operated double diaphragm pump (AODD), but today, let’s conclude with a quick overview of this type of pump’s control mechanism.
When you connect compressed air to an AODD pump, it goes into an air motor which directs the air to push a diaphragm, ‘pushing the liquid out’. The diaphragm which gets pushed is connected to a shaft which will pull the opposite diaphragm creating a cavity on the other side, ‘drawing in the liquid’.
At the bottom and top of the two cavities, there are one way valves, often a ball valve or a flap valve. So when a cavity is closed it pushes the liquid up and out while on the other side, it opens a cavity sucking in the liquid. This will then alternate back closing the cavity on the other side and opening the other. This can all happen up to 400 cycles per minute.
Is an Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pump Right for You?
In the coming weeks, we’ll be exploring the options an AODD pump provides you and your business, as well as whether it’s the right fit for you needs. Until then, contact us today and one of our experienced technicians will be happy to answer any of your questions.