Air operated diaphragm pumps utilize flexible diaphragms to separate the fluid and compressed air supply. The diaphragms are driven by compressed air to minimize mechanical stress and improve their lifespan. The air valve system, which has two outlet and inlet valve balls, opens and closes as fluids pass through the pump.
The AODD pump starts the operation when the air distribution system directs the air to the air chamber and the diaphragm. The air is usually directed to the back side of the diaphragm, which moves the diaphragm toward the liquid chamber. In this process, the opposite diaphragm is pulled inward. The atmospheric pressure forces the fluid to reach the inlet manifold. This makes the liquid to flow into the liquid chamber, moving past the inlet valve ball.
Once the liquid chamber on one side of the AODD pump reaches capacity, compressed air is redirected to the back of the opposite diaphragm, causing it to pull away while the other is forced towards the liquid chamber. This process closes the intake valve ball and lifts the discharge valve ball off its seat, allowing the liquid to flow through the discharge manifold. The process is then repeated on the opposite side, with each diaphragm going through one discharge and one suction stroke before returning to its original position.