Buyers Guide: What AOOD do I need?

Buyers Guide: What AOOD do I need?

Buyers Guide for AODD's

Air Operated Diaphragm Pumps (AODD's) are used in a variety of applications under countless different conditions. Choosing the right AODD for your application can be overwhelming at first, but following this guide will help you get started in the right direction.

There are 5 main things to consider when selecting an AODD:

  • 1. Fluid Type
    2. Flow Rate
    3. Pressure
    4. Temperature
    5. SCFM Available 

1.) Fluid Type 

Fluid type will be a key factor on determining what pump will work for your application. Fluids can be corrosive to some materials while working well with other materials. Having a compatible pump material to the process fluid is essential in prolonging the life of the pump, reducing down time, and creating a safe work environment. View our Corrosion Guide now to determine what pump material will be compatible with the chemical that you are working with. 

2.) Flow Rate

When searching for an AODD pump, you will most likely be looking for a pump that can handle a specific flow rate. AODD pumps have a variety of flow rates that they can handle depending on the discharge pressure and PSI available. The best tactics on finding the right pump include completing the following steps:

  • Knowing what flow rate you are looking for: It may seem intuitive, but first you must understand how much flow you are looking for form the pump. 
  • Selecting a pump that can handle the max flow rate with ease: If you are looking for 50GPM, it is recommended to not select a pump that has a max flow of 50GPM. This will require the pump to work harder decreasing the mean time between failures. Rather, select a pump where the operating point is in the middle of the curve. If you need further assistance on reading AODD pump curves, check out our Guide that references how PSI affects flowrate.
  • Sizing the discharge piping relative to flow rate: Many times customers will select a pump that can handle high flows with out understanding that the discharge ports are changing. Ensure that the piping or hose connections that you currently have will corelate to the size pump you have. The flow rate of a 3" pump may be restricted if the discharge piping is less than 3". This can cause issues with pressure and flow rates that you are expecting

3.) Pressure

AODD pumps function solely on compressed gasses as the motive. AODD pumps operate at a 1:1 ratio of PSI in to discharge pressure capabilities out. Knowing what system pressures you have will key vital in making sure that the pump can handle the flow rates you are expecting. A general rule of thumb is the higher the pressure, the lower the flow rate. Ensure that the pressure of your system will not exceed the PSI limit of the pump. 

4.) Temperature

Temperature of your process fluid is highly important when determining what AODD to select. Various diaphragms and internal components can be susceptible to damage at high or low temperatures. Always ensure that the wet end components are compatible with the temperature of your process fluid to reduce diaphragm failure and increase longevity of the pump life. Housing material can also be a factor depending on the material. It is important to understand that the housing material may be able to handle high temperatures but the internals may not. Just because a Stainless Steel housings can handle high temperatures does not mean the the PTFE diaphragm inside will be able to. 

5.) SCFM 

SCFM is a term that relates to the volume of air being used over time. This is a key factor in selecting an AODD because it corelates directly to the pumps ability to function over time. Having a large AODD pump that consumes more air than your air compressor is capable of producing is a common issue customers have. Ensure that the air compressor you have available will produce enough SCFM to properly supply the AODD. This will ensure the pump will function to your expectations. If you have additional questions regarding SCFM, check out our SCFM Article explaining more. 

 

If you have further questions regarding selecting an AODD for your application, reach our to our team today for expert help. Our applications engineers will be able to assist you in making the best choice. 

(225)-454-0860
Sales@industriflo.com