How to Select an AODD Pump — Parameters to Consider — Antlia Engineering Works Mumbai

How to Select an AODD Pump — 6 Key Parameters to Consider

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Audio version — How to Select an AODD Pump

Selecting the right AODD pump for your application requires careful consideration of several key parameters. Getting the selection right ensures long pump life, reliable performance, and compatibility with your fluid. Here are the 6 factors to consider.

6 Key Selection Parameters

AODD Pump Selection at a Glance

1

Fluid Type & Nature

2

Viscosity

3

Pressure

4

Flow Rate

5

Temperature

6

Service Type

Parameter 1

Fluid — Type, Composition & Nature

One of the most important factors is the type, composition, and nature of the fluid — to avoid corrosion of wetted parts and prevent wear and tear of the pump. Key questions to ask:

  • What is the chemical composition of the fluid?
  • What is its consistency — clean fluid, slurry (thick suspension of solids), or viscous paste?
  • Is it corrosive, abrasive, toxic, flammable, or shear-sensitive?

Nature of Fluid — 6 Categories:

Corrosive

Corrosive Fluids

Examples: Sulphuric acid, nitric acid, sodium hydroxide. These fluids destroy and damage materials on contact — careful selection of wetted parts and diaphragm material is essential.

Abrasive

Abrasive Fluids

Examples: Paints, inks, ceramic slurry. Contain solid particles that scrape and wear contact materials. Recommended: PTFE diaphragm + SS316 wetted parts.

Toxic

Toxic Fluids

Examples: Lead, mercury compounds. Diaphragm pumps are seal-less and have a leak-free design — making them ideal for safely transferring toxic or poisonous liquids.

Flammable

Flammable Fluids

Examples: Acetone, benzene, petroleum. AODD pumps are air-driven and intrinsically safe. Note: some liquids generate static charge — the pump must be fully grounded.

Shear Sensitive

Shear Sensitive Liquids

Examples: Tomato ketchup, emulsions, curd, paste. Churning changes product characteristics. AODD pumps run at low speed — ideal for such liquids. Recommend running at slower than normal speed.

Low Vapour Pressure

Low Vapour Pressure Fluids

Examples: Diesel, hydrocarbons. Ensure the pump runs at low speed and suction lift is limited — otherwise the AODD pump may not deliver the required flow.

Parameter 2

Viscosity — Resistance to Flow

Viscosity is the resistance to flow — in other words, the "stickiness" of the fluid. It is important to determine how viscous the liquid is. Depending on the viscosity and frictional losses in the pipeline, the appropriate pump size needs to be determined.

Viscosity chart for AODD pump selection — Antlia Engineering Works
Pump Size Recommendation: For liquids above 5,000 CPS viscosity, use 1.5" or 2" size AODD pumps (depending on the required head). Larger pump sizes have bigger flow passages that allow thick fluids to move through without excessive restriction. Maximum recommended viscosity: 12,000 CPS.
Parameter 3

Pressure — Suction & Discharge

Determining the pressure conditions at the suction (inlet) and discharge (outlet) will help select the appropriate AODD pump size.

a) Suction Pressure: The pressure at the inlet of the pump. AODD pumps can work on both flooded suction and suction lift conditions as they are self-priming. It is also important to check if high suction back-pressure is present, as this may hamper the lifting of the suction valves and affect pump performance.

b) Discharge Pressure: The head requirement at the discharge of the pump — at what height the fluid must be delivered, along with frictional losses in the pipeline. The discharge pressure directly determines the required inlet air pressure.

Reference: Use the pump's performance curve to find the exact inlet air pressure and SCFM required for your specific discharge pressure and flow rate combination. How to read the performance curve →
Parameter 4

Flow Rate — Selecting the Right Pump Size

To select the size of the AODD pump, the required flow rate is the primary consideration. For higher flow rates, select a larger pump with larger port sizes (suction and discharge connections) — and vice versa.

Flow Rate Units: LPM (litres per minute), GPM (gallons per minute), or m³/hr (cubic metres per hour). Antlia AODD pumps range from ½" (AOD 15, ~50 LPM) to 2" (AOD 50, ~600 LPM) and beyond.
Parameter 5

Temperature — Operating & Ambient Conditions

Pump materials have temperature limitations. It is essential to know both the operating temperature of the fluid and ambient conditions to ensure that the diaphragm pump material is best suited for the application.

AODD pump temperature selection guide — Antlia Engineering Works
Temperature Limits to Note:
  • Santoprene diaphragm — max. 104.4°C
  • PTFE diaphragm — wider temperature range, suitable for high-temperature acid and chemical applications
  • Buna-N (NBR) — suitable for oils and petroleum products at moderate temperatures
  • Viton (FKM) — excellent high-temperature and solvent resistance
Parameter 6

Service — Continuous or Intermittent

AODD pumps can be used for both continuous and intermittent applications. They are mainly used for unloading and transfer purposes.

Air pumps are simple to operate and can also be mounted on a movable trolley — making them easily deployable at the required location whenever needed, with only a compressed air connection required.

Continuous Duty: For 24/7 continuous operation, ensure proper FRL filtration and lubrication, and inspect diaphragms every 4–6 months.
Intermittent Duty: Always flush the pump with a compatible cleaning agent after each use to prevent fluid solidification inside the pump.

Need help selecting the right AODD pump for your application?

Share your fluid name, required flow rate, discharge pressure, and temperature with our engineers — we will recommend the correct pump model, body material, and diaphragm material free of charge.

Get Free Pump Selection Help Call +91 9819395995