In December, I shared with you three common installation traps for Air Operated Diaphragm Pumps (AODD). Today, I want to discuss three additional traps that maintenance teams often encounter. Understanding these can save you significant time and hassle, preventing pump failures and ensuring smooth operations.
Many plants use AODD pumps for their self-priming capabilities. However, a common mistake is switching the air flow from off to the required rate too quickly. This can prevent the pump from drawing fluid effectively, leading to priming issues.
Solution: Turn down the compressed air at the regulator for a few seconds. Allow the pump to operate at reduced pressure initially, enabling it to draw the fluid into the pump and prime it correctly. Once primed, you can then increase the air flow to the full operating speed.
For more detailed guidance, please visit this article.
By avoiding these common traps, you can enhance the efficiency and longevity of your AODD pumps. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us at sales@pyebarker.com or call our Customer Service team at (404) 363-6000.
Q1: How do I know if my AODD pump is properly primed? A1: Listen for consistent pump cycles and check for steady fluid flow.
Q2: What should I do if my pump is not priming correctly? A2: Reduce the air pressure, allowing the pump more time to draw in the fluid.
Q3: How often should I perform maintenance on my AODD pump? A3: Regular maintenance should be performed based on the manufacturer's recommendations and the pump’s usage frequency.
Q4: Can I use any type of fluid with an AODD pump? A4: Ensure the fluid is compatible with the pump materials to avoid damage and maintain efficiency.