AODD pumps are similar to positive displacement pumps. They are considered to be versatile. This blog will discuss AODD pumps, cost, and energy efficiency.
AODD pumps are excellent all-rounders in various industries, including construction, mining, electronics, chemicals, and food processing. The pumps are self-priming, so they can run dry without being damaged, and because they run solely on compressed air, no electricity is required. As a result, they are ideal for use in remote or hazardous locations, not to mention unpredictable environments. Low maintenance and low operating costs complete the attractive package.
Waste Liquid Pumping
Pumping wastewater is an essential requirement in many different industries. Liquid wastes can often contain varying amounts of solids, from sludge, slurries, and solids in municipal and industrial waste applications to slurries loaded with rocks, pebbles, and other particulates in the mining industry.
Air-operated double-diaphragm pumps are superior to other pump designs, such as those with close-fitting or rotating mechanisms, where abrasive slurries can cause significant wear on the functional parts. It can result in significant repair costs and interrupt productivity.
Because of the size of AODD pumps, these problems rarely occur. Of course, AODD pumps are not limited to pumping waste containing solids – they are equally well suited for pumping other types of waste, including aggressive chemicals and even viscous liquids since the flow rate and speed are directly proportionate to each other.
The difference in AODD pumps when pumping viscous materials is that the pump automatically reduces flow rate as viscosity increases and stops pumping when the fluid can no longer move to prevent possible damage. Other pumps struggle with viscous materials and can lose friction within the pipe walls and the liquid.
Emptying waste containers
Waste liquids are often stored in containers and must be transferred to other containers, such as a tanker, for removal. AODD pumps are well suited for this type of application because they are inherently dry self-priming, meaning they can draw liquid even when installed above the liquid level of the source, unlike centrifugal pumps, which require an initial liquid charge.
Another significant advantage of AODD pumps in self-priming is their ability to act as dispensers. By connecting a hose to the inlet, the pump can be used as a flushing device to clean and empty drums and barrels. This cost-saving aspect of the pumps offers real added value to the end user.
Unlike most centrifugal and positive displacement pumps that fail when run dry, AODD pumps can run faster when run dry without sustaining damage. In addition, air shut-off valves can also be installed to reduce the amount of compressed air wasted during dry running.
Materials Play a Vital Role
The versatility and range of applications of AODD pumps are due in no small part to the wide range of materials used for both the pump casing and the diaphragms. The diaphragm is considered to be the most crucial part of the pump.
The most important factors to consider in determining the suitability of a diaphragm pump for particular applications are the materials to be pumped, the potential impact on equipment, pump life, and operating temperature.
AODD pump with non-metallic casing.
Various rubber components manufacture diaphragms, and nylon fabric is used for dimensional stability and additional strength. Neoprene, Buna-N, EPDM (Nordel), and Viton are the elastomers most commonly used. Their main property is flexibility, which allows for displacing more volume.
Thermoplastic materials are also available for the production of membranes. These are injection molded and do not require fabric reinforcement for dimensional stability or tensile strength.
Polyurethane is excellent for general-purpose membranes, which are the most economical and have outstanding flexural strength. However, individual pump manufacturers develop many other materials, often derivatives of the above materials.
Despite the low elasticity of Teflon, which can reduce the flow rate by up to one-fifth, an additional rubber diaphragm can provide additional flexibility and resilience.
PFTE membranes have been developed to increase flexibility, storage capacity, and flow rates. In addition, One-piece diaphragms, in which the PTFE diaphragm is directly bonded to a rubber diaphragm, are also available to combine the chemical resistance of PTFE with the elastic properties of an elastomer.
The Cost of Owning an AODD Pump
If a unit isn’t designed to use an AODD pump, the pump may be more expensive to operate than it should be. The operating costs of the pump itself can be broken down into capital and installation costs, maintenance and repair costs, including labor and spare parts, energy costs, and waste removal and disposal costs.
The initial cost, of course, depends on the size of the pump and the materials used, but with many manufacturers to choose from, prices are usually competitive. Installation costs are minimal. However, as pumps can be placed anywhere, there is sufficient space, even submerged, if the liquid is compatible with the pump material and the outlet is out of the fluid.
Additional costs may be incurred if pulsation dampeners are required to compensate for vibration and shock in piping systems. AODD pumps are reliable because they have few moving parts and components that can wear out. They can be easily disassembled for maintenance or diaphragm replacement.
The valves, valve seats, and diaphragms are the most important functional parts. Replacement parts are usually relatively inexpensive, but it is vital to choose the right parts. Neoprene, for example, is excellent for general purposes because it is a cheap diaphragm with the highest flexural strength.
Teflon Based
Teflon-based membranes are generally the most expensive, with other materials falling in between. While the diaphragm must be compatible with the fluid being pumped, care should be taken not to “over-specify” it, resulting in unnecessary costs.
Cost of Energy
The energy cost for the pump is derived from the consumption of the compressed air required to operate the pump. Since compressed air is relatively expensive in many facilities and requires compressors and air distribution systems, this is the primary operating cost for an AODD pump. However, AODD pumps can be used where electricity isn’t available or is prohibited. In addition, it makes AODD pumps more flexible than centrifugal and positive displacement pumps.
Environment Friendly
AODD pumps are generally environmentally friendly because most use oil-free compressed air for pollution-free operation. As a result, no oil mist is emitted into the atmosphere, and no oil contamination of the pumped fluid can occur. In addition, with few components to maintain, it is relatively easy to overhaul AODD pumps, extending their life and further reducing operating costs.
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier, there is a massive selection of AODD pumps available from various manufacturers, so it may be prudent to seek advice from independent pump suppliers who are not tied to a particular manufacturer regarding which pump is best suited for a specific application within the allocated budget.
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