Technical Resources
Guides and reference information to support pump selection, application planning, and installation.
How to Select the Right Pump
Pump selection requires matching the pump capability to your specific process requirements. The following parameters are the most important to establish before requesting a quotation.
Fluid or Material
What is being pumped? Specify whether it is a liquid, slurry, or powder. Note if it is corrosive, abrasive, flammable, food-grade, or contains solids. This determines the correct wetted materials.
Flow Rate
How many litres per minute or cubic metres per hour does your process require? This determines the pump size and air consumption for AODD pumps.
Discharge Pressure or Head
What is the required discharge pressure in bar, or the total head in metres? High back-pressure applications such as filter press feed may require the 2:1 high-pressure pump series.
Viscosity & Solids
Is the fluid viscous? Does it contain suspended solids, fibres, or particles? Solids size and concentration affect the valve design and pump size required.
Operating Temperature
What is the fluid temperature? Temperature determines which elastomers and body materials are suitable. High temperatures may exclude certain materials like PTFE or polypropylene at their limits.
Available Air Supply
For AODD pumps: what compressed air pressure and volume are available at the pump location? This determines achievable flow rates and discharge pressure.
How AODD Pumps Work
Air-operated double diaphragm pumps are a widely used positive displacement pump type for industrial fluid transfer.
Operating Principle
An AODD pump uses compressed air as its motive power. The air motor in the centre of the pump alternately pressurises one side of the pump while the other side fills, creating a reciprocating pumping action. The two diaphragms are connected by a central shaft — when one is pressurised (discharge), the other is in suction.
Key Advantages
- No electricity required at the pump — compressed air only
- Safe for flammable and volatile liquids
- Handles corrosive, abrasive, and viscous fluids
- Self-priming — can run dry without damage
- Flow rate controlled by adjusting air supply
- Can handle fluids containing solids (ball or flap valve types)
- No rotating seals — minimal leak risk
- Simple maintenance with common wear parts
Note: Final pump selection must be verified for the specific product, construction material, and operating conditions. Contact our team to confirm suitability before placing an order.
Construction Material Options
BSK AODD pumps are available in a range of wetted materials. The right choice depends on your fluid chemistry, temperature, and regulatory requirements.
| Material | Typical Applications | Notes |
| Aluminium | General chemical, paint, adhesive, non-corrosive fluids | Not suitable for strong acids or alkalis |
| Cast Iron | Mining, abrasive slurries, heavy industrial use | Not suitable for corrosive chemicals |
| 316 Stainless Steel | Pharmaceutical, food, mild acid/alkali | Good general corrosion resistance |
| 316L SS (polished) | Sanitary pharmaceutical and food processes | Ra 0.8 finish for CIP/SIP applications |
| Polypropylene (PP) | Acids, alkalis, general chemical | Max ~80 °C; not for strong solvents |
| PVDF | Aggressive acids, strong oxidisers, high-purity | Excellent chemical resistance; higher cost |
| FEP-lined (centrifugal) | Highly corrosive chemicals, up to 180 °C | SEL series centrifugal pumps |
| PFA-lined (centrifugal) | Highly corrosive chemicals, up to 200 °C | SEL series centrifugal pumps |
Important: Material compatibility must be verified for your specific fluid, concentration, and temperature. Contact us with your fluid details and we will advise on the appropriate wetted materials for your application.