Overview
Air operated pumps, also known as pneumatic pumps or AODD pumps (Air Operated Double Diaphragm), are engineered to deliver exceptional performance in industries where safety, versatility, and durability are key. These pumps operate using compressed air rather than electricity, making them naturally safe for hazardous or explosive environments and ideal for handling a wide range of fluids—from corrosive chemicals and viscous liquids to abrasive slurries and waste streams.
As one of the leading UAE pump suppliers, The Standard Group provides high-quality air operated pumps designed to meet the demanding requirements of industrial, chemical, marine, construction, and oil & gas sectors across the GCC.
How Air Operated Pumps Work
Air operated pumps function through a reciprocating motion created by alternating air pressure between two flexible diaphragms. This design allows the pump to:
Move thick, abrasive, or shear-sensitive fluids
Transfer corrosive chemicals safely
Handle solids-laden liquids without clogging
Operate in remote or electricity-restricted environments
This simple yet robust mechanism is one of the reasons these pumps are widely used across industrial applications in the UAE and Middle East.
Key Advantages of Air Operated Pumps
- A. Intrinsically Safe for Hazardous Environments : Because they contain no electrical components, pneumatic pumps eliminate ignition risk, making them ideal for:
ATEX-rated zones
Oil & gas platforms
Fuel handling stations
Chemical plants
Marine engine rooms
- B. Self-Priming and Dry-Run Capable : Air operated pumps can prime themselves even in dry conditions and can run without fluid without internal damage—unlike many electric industrial pumps.
- C. Excellent Chemical and Abrasion Resistance : With materials like stainless steel, polypropylene, PVDF, and aluminum, these pumps handle:
Acids
Alkalis
Slurries
Solids up to several millimeters
Abrasive compounds
- D. Easy Flow Control : Flow can be adjusted simply by increasing or reducing air supply—no VFDs, controllers, or electrical adjustments required.
Important Factors That Impact Pump Performance
- A. Air Pressure and air supply : The available air pressure directly affects flow rate, head, and efficiency. Clean, regulated air ensures smooth operation and reduces wear.
- B. Diaphragm Material Selection : Common diaphragm materials include:
- EPDM (water, detergents)
- PTFE (high chemical resistance)
- Santoprene (general industrial use)
- Neoprene (light oils)
The right diaphragm minimizes wear and ensures long service life. Choosing between flexibility, chemical resistance, and cost requires careful evaluation.
- C. Pump Body Construction : Our air operated diaphragm pumps are available in:
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Polypropylene
- PVDF
- Cast iron
Selecting the correct housing material ensures compatibility with fluids and environmental exposure.
- D. Fluid Characteristics : Performance is influenced by:
- Viscosity
- Temperature
- Solid content
- Corrosiveness
AODD pumps excel at handling difficult fluids, but abrasive materials increase diaphragm wear.
Common Challenges and How We Address Them
- A. Air Consumption : Compressed air can be expensive. We provide pumps engineered for maximum air efficiency to reduce operating costs.
- B. Flow Pulsation
- Reciprocating motion causes pulsation. We supply dampeners where smooth, consistent flow is required.
- C. Maintenance Cycles
We offer high-quality replacement diaphragms and valve kits to ensure long-term performance with minimal downtime.
Applications Across Key Industries
Our air operated pumps are used extensively in:
Oil & Gas
Petrochemicals
Water & Wastewater
Marine
Paint & Coatings
Food & Beverage
Pharmaceuticals
Construction
General Industrial Manufacturing
Their versatility and safety make them one of the most widely used industrial pumping technologies in the UAE.
How The Standard Group Can Help
With over 35 years of experience supplying industrial pumps across the GCC, The Standard Group provides one-stop solutions for air operated pumps and pneumatic pumping systems.
Our Services Include:
Expert product selection for your application
Access to global OEMs of AODD pumps
Full range of spare parts & diaphragms
Local inventory to support fast delivery
On-site technical consultation
After-sales and performance support
We understand UAE industrial environments and ensure the best balance between performance, cost, safety, and long-term reliability.