AODD PUMPS
AODD Pump — Air-Operated Double Diaphragm Pump
Sealless, self-priming and run-dry-safe: the air-operated double diaphragm pump is the workhorse of industrial fluid transfer. We manufacture AODD pumps from 1/4" to 3" in PTFE, polypropylene, stainless steel and aluminium — with OEM/ODM support for distributors and brand owners.
AODD Pump Specifications at a Glance
| Port Size | 1/4" – 3" (BSP / NPT) |
| Flow Range | 0 – 680 L/min (0 – 180 GPM) |
| Max Air Pressure | 8.4 bar (120 psi) |
| Solids Handling | Up to 9.5 mm (3/8") diameter |
| Max Temperature | -60°C to +260°C by material |
| Drive | Compressed air / gas (no electricity) |
| Wetted Materials | PTFE, PP, SS316, Aluminium, PVDF |
| Elastomers | PTFE, Santoprene, Neoprene, Viton, EPDM |
What Is an AODD Pump?
An air-operated double diaphragm pump (AODD pump) is a positive-displacement pump powered entirely by compressed air. Two flexible diaphragms, connected by a common shaft, reciprocate to alternately draw fluid in and push it out through check valves.
Because the drive is air — not an electric motor — AODD pumps run safely in explosive atmospheres without ATEX-rated motors, handle abrasive and shear-sensitive fluids, run dry without damage, and self-prime from a dead stop.
How Does an AODD Pump Work?
Compressed air is directed to the back of one diaphragm, pushing it outward and displacing fluid from that chamber while the opposite diaphragm pulls fluid in. An internal air distribution valve shuttles automatically as the diaphragms reach end of stroke, reversing the cycle. The result is smooth, pulsing flow at whatever rate the air supply delivers.
Working Principle — 4 Steps
- 1
Air Enters
Compressed air is admitted behind Diaphragm A, pushing it out and displacing fluid out of the A chamber through the discharge check valve.
- 2
Diaphragm Movement
The shaft pulls Diaphragm B inward, creating vacuum that draws fluid in through the suction check valve.
- 3
Fluid Suction
At end of stroke, the air distribution valve shuttles — air now flows behind Diaphragm B, repeating the discharge cycle on the B side.
- 4
Discharge
The alternating action delivers near-constant, pulsing flow. Stroke rate and flow are controlled by the air supply volume and pressure.
AODD Pump Types by Material
Wetted material determines chemical compatibility. Pick the body material to match your media — then choose elastomers for the diaphragms and seals.
PTFE AODD Pumps
Full chemical resistance — acids, solvents, plating. -60~260°C.
View DetailsPolypropylene AODD Pumps
General industrial duty, economical, corrosion-resistant to mild chemicals.
View DetailsStainless Steel AODD Pumps
Sanitary and food-grade — CIP-friendly, polished 316L contact parts.
View DetailsAluminium AODD Pumps
Lightweight, cost-effective, ideal for paints, inks and general transfer.
View DetailsKey Features & Benefits
No Electricity Required
Air-powered — safe in hazardous and wet environments, no motor, no seals to fail, no electrical wiring.
Sealless Design
No mechanical seals means zero seal leakage — the biggest failure point of centrifugal and gear pumps.
Self-Priming & Run-Dry
Primes from empty and runs dry without damage — no flooded suction required.
Handles Solids & Slurries
Large ball-check passages pass solids up to 3/8", ideal for sludge and abrasive slurries.
Shear-Sensitive Fluids
Gentle, low-shear action transfers latex, food, paint and other delicate media without degradation.
Variable Flow by Air
Flow is infinitely adjustable from a trickle to full capacity just by throttling the air supply.
AODD Pump vs Centrifugal Pump
| Criteria | AODD Pump | Centrifugal Pump |
|---|---|---|
| Prime | Self-priming from dry | Requires flooded suction / priming |
| Run dry | Safe indefinitely | Damages seal & impeller |
| Seals | Sealless — no leakage | Mechanical seal wear & leak risk |
| Viscous fluids | Handles up to very high viscosity | Efficiency drops sharply |
| Solids | Passes up to 3/8" solids | Clogs easily |
| Hazardous areas | Air-powered — ATEX-friendly | Needs explosion-proof motor |
| Shear-sensitive | Gentle, low shear | High shear damages media |
| Flow control | Infinitely variable by air throttle | Needs VFD |
AODD Pump FAQ
Can an AODD pump run dry?
Yes. AODD pumps run dry indefinitely without damage — one of their key advantages over centrifugal and gear pumps.
How do I control AODD pump flow?
Flow is controlled by the volume and pressure of the compressed air supply. Throttle the air to reduce flow; no VFD or motor controls needed.
What materials are available?
Bodies: PTFE, polypropylene, PVDF, aluminium, stainless steel (316L). Elastomers: PTFE, Santoprene, Neoprene, Viton, EPDM.
Do AODD pumps need electricity?
No — they are powered entirely by compressed air, which makes them ideal for remote sites, hazardous areas and explosion-risk environments.
What is the max suction lift?
Most AODD pumps self-prime from dry up to about 4-6 m (13-20 ft) of water depending on model and diaphragm material.
Need AODD Pumps for Your Plant?
Factory-direct pricing with OEM/ODM support. Send your flow rate, media and material requirements — get a quote within 24 hours.