Assets / Pumps

Air operated diaphragm pump

An air-operated diaphragm pump (AOD pump) uses compressed air instead of an electric motor. That makes it a safer fit for hazardous areas and a dependable option for fluid transfer across industrial applications. Ironclad Powered by Mersino rents AOD pumps built to handle viscous fluids, corrosive fluids, and abrasive slurries with minimal downtime on site.

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Air-operated diaphragm pump

Transfer viscous fluids safely.

Our air-operated diaphragm pump rentals are cost-effective and simply require an air supply to operate. Versatile enough to transfer sensitive fluids of varying viscosities, they maintain a constant flow in the liquid chamber. These flexible diaphragm pumps can run dry safely and operate with on-demand systems without pressure-relief accessories.

Our Air-Operated Diaphragm Pumps Provide: 

  • Flow and discharge pressure up to 125 psi
  • Built with stainless steel, carbon steel, polypropylene, and aluminum for superior durability
  • Flow rate adjustable from 0 – 238 GPM without frothing or separating the medium
  • Lube-free air valve system
  • Higher tolerance of abrasive fluids
  • Elevated safety when pumping flammable liquids

Uses: 

  • Manufacturing processes in which exhaust fumes from diesel pumps are a hazard, such as in large warehouses
  • Mining operations
  • Applications where the external inert gas or compressed air supply pressure is available at a higher pressure than the TDH demand of the pumped fluid
  • Refinery applications dealing with corrosive chemicals, flammable liquids, viscous fluids, or slurry
  • Glycol transfer in the oil and gas industry or for winter application at airports
  • Transfer of inks and resins in pulp and paper applications

Spec sheets (Download PDFs)

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Industries

We’re used to operating in the toughest industries with the strictest safety standards. That’s prepared us well as we grow our business and expand into new spaces. To put it simply: If an industry creates waste, Ironclad will have the solution.

Industry solutions offered:

Construction Chemical Manufacturing Oil And Gas Exploration

FAQs

What is an air-operated diaphragm pump?

An AOD pump is a positive displacement pump that uses compressed air as its power source instead of an electric motor. Two flexible diaphragms move back and forth inside separate air chambers, drawing fluid in on one side and pushing it out on the other. That operating principle lets the pump run safely in hazardous areas where an electric diaphragm pump would not be a fit.

Why rent an AOD pump instead of buying one?

Renting an AOD pump takes the capital cost of the equipment off the table, along with the ongoing expense of maintenance, testing, and storage. For project-based work like refinery turnarounds, emergency response, or seasonal transfer jobs, a rental gives you the right pump for the length of the job and nothing more. Ironclad handles delivery, setup, and pickup, and every AOD pump is inspected between rentals so it shows up ready to run.

What fluids can an AOD pump handle?

AOD pumps are well suited for fluid transfer applications involving viscous fluids, corrosive fluids, shear-sensitive fluids, and abrasive slurries. Ironclad builds these pumps with stainless steel, carbon steel, polypropylene, and aluminum to stand up to chemical attack and abrasion, and the gentle pumping action moves sensitive fluids without breaking them down. Adding pulsation dampeners helps produce smooth flow when the specific application calls for it.

What is the difference between an air-operated diaphragm pump and an electric diaphragm pump?

Choose an AOD pump when the job site already has compressed air available, when the pumped fluid is abrasive or corrosive, or when the work happens in a hazardous area where sparks from an electric pump would create a safety concern. AOD pumps also work well for shear-sensitive fluids because the pumping action is gentle enough to move them without damage. For high-pressure applications or long-duration duty on clean water, other pump technology may be a better match.

When should I use an AOD pump?

An AOD pump is a positive displacement pump that uses compressed air as its power source instead of an electric motor. Two flexible diaphragms move back and forth inside separate air chambers, drawing fluid in on one side and pushing it out on the other. That operating principle lets the pump run safely in hazardous areas where an electric diaphragm pump would not be a fit.

What industries use AOD pump rentals?

AOD pumps show up on job sites across manufacturing, petroleum refineries, oil and gas exploration, pulp and paper, mining and quarries, and wastewater treatment work. Any industrial application that involves moving fluids in a spark-sensitive area is a strong candidate for this pump technology. Ironclad rents AOD pumps built for the durability, energy efficiency, and minimal downtime these industries require. Request a quote for your site today.