Pumps 101 — AODD
Air-driven, seal-less, and forgiving. AODD pumps run dry, self-prime, dead-head safely, and handle solids and slurries — a natural fit for transfer, offal, and drum duty.
The Basics
An air-operated double diaphragm (AODD) pump uses compressed air instead of a motor. Air is directed to one side of two connected diaphragms, pushing product out through a check valve while the opposite chamber fills; an internal air valve then reverses the cycle. The diaphragms separate the air from the product, so the flow path is effectively seal-less.
Because they run on air, AODD pumps are self-priming, can run dry without damage, and can be dead-headed against a closed valve safely. They pass solids and slurries, handle a wide range of viscosities, and their air drive makes them a natural fit where electricity is undesirable, including ATEX-classified areas.
The trade-offs are a pulsating flow that suits transfer better than precise metering, and the running cost of compressed air when duty is heavy and continuous.
Where It Fits
The candid version, since we're not tied to selling you a diaphragm pump.
In the Field
Our Lineup
The air-operated diaphragm lines we carry for sanitary and industrial duty.
Related: Peristaltic (Hose) Pumps → | Positive Displacement Pumps → | Seafood Processing →
Worth Knowing
Can an AODD pump run dry or be dead-headed?
Yes. Because it is air-driven and seal-less, an AODD pump can run dry without damage and can be dead-headed against a closed valve safely, which suits intermittent and transfer duty.
Do AODD pumps handle solids?
Yes. They pass slurries and solids well and handle a wide range of viscosities, which makes them useful for offal, waste, and chunky product.
Why choose an air-driven pump over an electric one?
Air drive removes electrical ignition sources, which matters in ATEX areas, and it lets the pump run dry and dead-head safely. The trade-off is the cost of compressed air at heavy duty.
Share your product, flow, and whether you've got compressed air on hand, and we'll spec an AODD or suggest an alternative.
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