Specifying air-operated double-diaphragm pumps

Abstract

Air-operated, double-diaphragm pumps (AODDP) find themselves in a host of difficult pumping applications ranging from municipal sump pumping to high purity operations. They have become the cost effective choice of engineers, industry professionals, and maintenance personnel. This is attributed to inherent features which include: ease of maintenance, variable speed, variable pressure, ability of self-prime and run dry, dead-head capability to pass solids, and the absence of leak prone dynamic seals. Due to the ease of specifying an AODDP, it is easy to overlook a variety of considerations. Long term satisfaction and high return on investment can be assured if reasonable care is exercised throughout the specification process. This feature aims to offer some guidelines, and is followed by World Pumps' survey of the principle manufacturers.