Blog posts tagged with 'food processing industry'

Air-operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps are highly versatile, reliable devices widely used across various industries for handling viscous, abrasive, and shear-sensitive fluids. Powered by compressed air, these pumps use two diaphragms in a reciprocating motion to transfer liquid. With no need for electricity, these pumps offer a versatile option for hazardous and demanding environments.

AODDs: Basic Parts and Operation

1. Diaphragms: Located on either side of the pump, the diaphragms are flexible membranes typically made of materials like PTFE or rubber. 
2. Air Chamber: The air chamber (also known as the air valve chamber) is where compressed air is introduced to alternate between the two diaphragms. 
3. Inlet and Outlet Manifolds: The inlet manifold allows the fluid to enter the pump chamber, while the outlet manifold directs the fluid out of the pump after it has been moved by the diaphragms. 
4. Check Valves: Each diaphragm chamber has two check valves, one at the inlet and one at the outlet. These valves are responsible for directing fluid flow in a single direction. Typically a ball and seat style check valve.  
5. Valve Assembly (Air Valve): The air valve assembly, typically located in the center section of the pump, controls the distribution of compressed air to the diaphragms. 
6. Fluid Chambers: Fluid chambers are located on either side of the diaphragms. 
7. Exhaust Port: As compressed air pushes one diaphragm, the air on the opposite side is expelled through the exhaust port. This port vents the air used to move the diaphragms, and in some applications, exhaust air is collected or muffled to reduce noise.
8. Center Section: This is the core of the pump, housing the air valve and the air distribution system. 

 

 

How These Parts Work Together

When the pump starts, compressed air is directed into the air chamber behind one of the diaphragms, causing it to push outward and transfer fluid out through the outlet manifold. Simultaneously, the opposite diaphragm is pulled inward, creating suction in its fluid chamber, drawing in new fluid through the inlet manifold. The air valve then alternates the air supply to the other diaphragm, repeating the process. This alternating motion allows AODD pumps to handle viscous, abrasive, and shear-sensitive materials efficiently and reliably.

 

 

This design makes AODD pumps ideal for industries where the safe handling of various fluid types—especially in explosive or corrosive environments—is essential. 

 

Advantages of an AODD Pump

1. Corrosion Resistance

Advantage: Built with materials like PTFE, Viton, and Santoprene, AODD pumps can handle a wide variety of fluids, including those that are abrasive, viscous, corrosive, or contain solids.

Benefit: This versatility allows them to be used in many different industries and applications, from chemical processing to food and beverage production.

2. Self-Priming Capability

Advantage: AODD pumps are self-priming, meaning they can start pumping without needing to be filled with fluid first.

Benefit: This makes them ideal for applications where the fluid source is below the pump or where frequent starts and stops are required.

3. Ability to Run Dry

Advantage: AODD pumps can run dry without damage, unlike many other pump types. This means operating the pump without fluid moving through it.

Benefit: This is valuable in situations where the fluid supply may be inconsistent or may be interrupted. For example, you could use an AODD to pump out the contents of a barrel without needing to monitor the liquid level and shut off the pump immediately when the barrel is emptied to avoid damage to the pump. 

It should be noted that although an AODD pump can run dry, prolonged operation with no fluid can be hard on the diaphragms and other components. 

4. Safety 

Advantage: While not all AODD pumps are inherently explosion-proof, they are powered by compressed air and don’t require electricity, eliminating the risk of sparks.

Benefit: This generally makes them safe for use in hazardous environments where flammable or explosive materials are present, such as in the oil and gas industry. Always be sure to check that your pump and pump materials are compatible and designed for your application and environment.

5. Gentle Pumping Action

Advantage: The reciprocating diaphragm movement in AODD pumps produces a gentle, low-shear pumping action compared to other pump types. 

Benefit: This makes AODD pumps preferable for handling shear-sensitive fluids, such as emulsions, suspensions, and biological materials, without damaging them.

6. Easy Maintenance

Advantage: AODD pumps have relatively simple designs with few moving parts, making them easy to maintain and repair.

Benefit: Maintenance can typically be performed on-site without the need for specialized tools, reducing downtime.

7. Pumping of Solids and Slurries

Advantage: AODD pumps can easily handle fluids containing solids or slurries without clogging.

Benefit: This capability is crucial in industries like wastewater treatment, mining, and construction, where the fluid being pumped often contains particles or debris.

8. Simple Control

Advantage: The flow rate of AODD pumps can be easily adjusted by regulating the inlet air pressure without the need for complex controls.

Benefit: Common air regulators are all that is required to adjust the pump. A simple ball valve can be used to turn the pump on and off.

9. Suction Lift Capability

Advantage: AODD pumps can achieve significant suction lift (30 feet or more!), making them capable of drawing fluid from deep or difficult-to-access locations.

Benefit: This makes them useful in situations where the fluid source is located below the pump, such as in sump pits or underground storage tanks.

 

Specific AODD Pump Applications Across Industries

The unique design of AODD pumps allows them to fit into several different applications. Let’s examine some specific scenarios where an AODD pump can excel while other transfer pumps fall short.

Safe Transfer of Corrosive and Hazardous Fluids

In the chemical industry, AODD pumps are essential for safely transferring corrosive and hazardous substances. Their seal-less design significantly reduces the risk of leaks, enabling secure handling of acids, solvents, and aggressive chemicals.

Specific applications: AODD pumps with poly body and Teflon diaphragms can be used to pump high concentrations of phosphoric acid and Kynar body pumps with Teflon diaphragms can handle sulfuric acid. 

AODD Pumps in Food and Beverage Production

AODD pumps are widely utilized in the food and beverage sector to handle products like sauces, syrups, and beverages. Their mild pumping action preserves the quality and consistency of materials that can change in viscosity when agitated or stirred (creams, sauces, condiments, etc.).

Specific applications: There are also AODD pumps designed for handling large solids and slurries associated with the meat and poultry processing industries. These pumps are sanitary pumps designed for quick and easy cleaning. Typically featuring high-grade stainless-steel bodies.

Mining and Construction: Heavy-Duty AODD Pumps for Slurry and Dewatering

Mining and construction industries present unique and rugged applications. The need for dewatering dirty water and sludge where the contents and solids sizes are often varied and unpredictable. The right AODD pump can withstand tough environments. They are also portable and can run dry without damage, making them a reliable choice in these demanding fields.

Specific Application: Warren Rupp offers durable pumps with metal bodies (aluminum, cast iron, stainless). The Sandpiper Beast is a tough, clog-resistant pump designed to move fluids with debris up to 2 inches in diameter.

Petroleum Industry

In the oil and gas industry, AODD pumps move crude oil, gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum fluids. The pumps’ lack of electrical components provides explosion-proof safety, making them ideal for hazardous environments. 

AODDs are ideal for handling oils and hydraulic fluids of various weights making them a versatile option for fleet maintenance. 

Specific Applications: The Zeeline NS1040UL is a UL-rated AODD that will safely pump gasoline and diesel fuels up to 37 gallons per minute. 

AODD pumps also work excellent for handling waste oil. 

Car and Fleet Wash

Transferring different soaps, detergents, wax, and sealers requires a pump that can move the fluid without resulting in foaming. It also must handle a wide range of different chemical combinations and viscosities.  

Specific applications: This Yamada poly pump is versatile and has wide chemical compatibility for soaps, detergents, and other cleaning products. 

 

 

What Materials are AODD Pumps Made From?

AODD pumps are constructed from a variety of different materials. Different materials are used for the main components: the housing, check valve balls, seats, and diaphragms. 

The housing (or body) of an AODD pump consists of the fluid chambers and inlet/outlet manifolds. Common materials include:

• Aluminum: Lightweight and suitable for oils, coolants, and certain solvents but may corrode with acidic or abrasive fluids.
• Stainless Steel: Durable and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and certain chemical applications.
• Polypropylene: A cost-effective, lightweight plastic that resists a wide range of chemicals. 
• Kynar (PVDF): A chemically resistant plastic with excellent durability, often chosen for aggressive chemicals like acids and solvents.
• Cast Iron: Highly durable but susceptible to corrosion with certain chemicals. They are commonly used for demanding applications in construction and mining. 

The check valve balls are in direct contact with the fluid and must be resistant to the medium you are pumping. Common materials include:

• Santoprene: A thermoplastic elastomer with good chemical resistance, typically used for water-based fluids and certain chemicals.
• PTFE (Teflon): Highly resistant to chemicals, suitable for aggressive solvents, acids, and high-temperature applications.
• Nitrile (Buna-N): Good for petroleum and certain chemicals but less resistant to extreme temperatures.
• Viton: Excellent for high-temperature and a variety of chemical applications.

Seats create the sealing surface for the balls, and their material affects the pump’s fluid compatibility. Common seat materials:

• Polypropylene
• Stainless Steel
• Santoprene and Buna-N

Diaphragms are crucial in AODD pumps, as they directly handle fluid and pressure. The choice of diaphragm material influences chemical resistance, flexibility, and temperature tolerance.

• Santoprene: A flexible, durable option for a range of chemicals, commonly used in general applications.
• PTFE (Teflon): Excellent chemical resistance, suitable for aggressive fluids, and has a longer lifespan in abrasive applications. 
• Buna-N (Nitrile): Good for petroleum-based fluids and general applications but limited by lower chemical and temperature resistance.
• Hytrel: A thermoplastic polyester with good chemical resistance, flexibility, and durability for various industrial fluids.

 

AODD Pump Limitations

The AODD family is very versatile and offers unique benefits but there are some limitations:

Requires Continuous Air Supply

AODD pumps need a reliable, continuous supply of compressed air to function. In remote locations or applications where compressed air is not readily available, additional equipment (like air compressors) may be needed, adding to setup costs.

Efficiency and Air Consumption

AODD pumps rely on compressed air to operate, which can lead to high air consumption, especially when running at high flow rates or under heavy loads. This can increase operating costs.

Compared to other types of pumps (like centrifugal pumps), AODD pumps typically have lower energy efficiency. This can be a drawback in applications where energy efficiency is a primary concern.

If energy efficiency is a priority, Graco offers electric motor-driven double diaphragm pumps. This provides you with the benefits of an AODD with significantly lower (up to 80%) operating costs. 

Pulsing

The “back and forth” nature of the pumping operation can result in a pulsating flow. This can be mitigated with pulsation dampeners, but it may still not be ideal for applications requiring a steady, continuous flow.

Pressure

An Air-Operated Double Diaphragm (AODD) pump typically operates at a maximum pressure of around 100 psi, although certain specialty models can handle higher pressures. These pumps are generally not suitable for high-pressure applications that exceed their design limits. Most AODD pumps have a 1:1 pressure ratio, meaning the liquid discharge pressure matches the air inlet pressure. For example, if the air supply is set to 50 psi, the pump will produce a liquid discharge pressure of approximately 50 psi.

 

Ready to Choose the Right AODD Pump?

Explore our selection of Air-Operated Double Diaphragm (AODD) Pumps, tailored for a wide range of applications. Our team is ready to assist you in finding the perfect pump for your industry’s needs.

We speak a lot about sanitation and disinfection these days. From the office and classroom to our own personal spaces, we are focused on cleaner, safer areas more than ever. And while many businesses are just now taking a closer look at how they clean their facilities, disinfecting in food processing has long been serious business. That doesn't mean all disinfectants for food processing cleaning are made equal.

Disinfectants come in a variety of forms, each with its distinct advantages and disadvantages. In fact, which disinfectant you choose for your application is just as important as the why and how you disinfect. As we'll cover in this article, understanding the basics of each disinfectant type and the general rules behind applying them ensures a more comprehensive and cost-effective cleaning regimen. Read on for our breakdown of disinfection basics for more effective disinfecting.

Why Disinfecting in Food Processing is So Important

While commercial processing facilities spend the majority of their time up and running, their most important activity occurs when the production floor is empty and silent. Maintaining clean, sanitary workstations and equipment, particularly in food processing, is integral to public health and safety. In the United States, such standards are overseen by government agencies such as the EPA, CDC, and USDA.

But why disinfect at all?

E. coli, a common bacterial target of disinfecting food processing facilities

Well, for starters, food processing plants are not the cleanest places once production gets going. Soils, in the form of fats, oils, blood, and other animal protein and production byproducts, quickly collect on equipment and surrounding surfaces. Such deposits, if left unaddressed, make these surface areas ideal breeding grounds for countless hosts of bacteria, viruses, and other potentially harmful microorganisms.

Proper cleaning removes these unwanted soils and contaminants, providing significant benefits downstream. Maximized production efficiency, increased product shelf life, safer work conditions, and fewer mechanical failures and delays are but a few positive outcomes to attentive housekeeping. Scheduled cleaning and disinfection also significantly decrease the chances of costly product recalls due to food hazard risks such as food poisoning or foreign body contamination.

A processing plant's commitment to a culture of health and food safety can easily be seen by how devoutly they approach the cleaning and disinfecting processes. And yes, there is a difference between the two.

Cleaning vs. Disinfecting

For most of us, cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting are all one and the same concept. They are, however, three distinct steps within the larger cleaning process. Cleaning is the process of physically removing unwanted substances and contaminants from a given surface. The cleaning stage, sometimes referred to as the detergent stage, is often characterized by the removal of common soils such as dirt, grease, or oils via manual scrubbing with brushes or wipes or washing with a high-pressure spray wand. Cleaning a surface in this manner alone; however, will not kill germs present.

Heavy Duty Cleaning Wipes for removing difficult soils

Disinfecting on the other hand, does kill bacteria and other microorganisms left behind following the cleaning stage. While similar to sanitizing agents, which merely reduce the number of bacteria and other germs to acceptable levels of health safety, surface disinfectants make a surface truly contaminant-free. Their high bactericide concentrations of chlorine or bleach eliminates the ideal growing conditions bacteria and other microorganisms thrive on.

Every cleaning application will follow a distinct set of variables, generally known as TACT. The four aspects of this cleaning/disinfection concept are time, temperature, action, and concentration. How prominently each phase is in the disinfecting cycle depends specifically upon your unique needs, including the soils you're wanting to destroy, and the chemicals being used. Followed properly, the combination of them all will achieve the desired result of a clean, disinfected space.

It's important to understand that cleaning must take place before the disinfecting stage. Since disinfectants do not break through heavy soils on surfaces, removing such deposits ahead of time ensures the disinfectants are able to work with the greatest efficacy.

Choosing the Right Disinfectant for the Environment & Application

Today, disinfectants cover a wide spectrum of chemical concentrations and applications. Choosing the right disinfectant for a specific environment, therefore, can be a task in and of itself. A few things to consider.

First, the choice of disinfectants depends foremost on a user's requirements. In other words, where are they disinfecting and what type of contaminants are they trying to eliminate. After that, the type of processing and cleaning equipment used, the application method, and, to some degree, the personal preference of the user all play a role in selecting a disinfectant.

Also, review a disinfectant's toxicity, leftover residues, and any possible chemical reactions related to water hardness and various surface types. This is particularly important within the food processing industry. Any residual chemical compounds left behind after disinfecting can adversely affect product taste, curing, and shelf life. In the brewing industry, for example, certain disinfectant cleaners are avoided because they linger on glass surfaces. (Soapy beer anyone?) Understanding a disinfectant's proper application process and any residue properties it has helps prevent product quality from suffering.

Once a disinfectant is chosen, the most important thing to remember is to always read your disinfectant product labels! Always. With effective cleaning practices, disinfectants will kill 100% of germs listed by the label-when used properly.

Ignoring what's detailed on the label-or choosing not to read it altogether-is a great way to undermine a disinfectant's effectiveness and cause mechanical failure of your disinfecting systems. It's also quite dangerous. Later in this article, we'll cover some of the safety considerations and equipment needed when dealing with disinfectants. For now, just remember that the label is the law. By following the label, you keep you, your cleaning staff, and anyone who comes in contact with the disinfected area, directly or indirectly, safe.

Disinfectant Type Comparison: Foam, Spray & Steam

Most of the food processing industry today relies on three common disinfectant application types: foam, spray (aerosol), and steam. Since no two environments are exactly alike, no two disinfectants will perform equally across the board either. Below we've provided some comparisons for these three disinfectant types and some general considerations to have before choosing the right disinfectant for your situation.

Foam Disinfectants

Pros:

• Better coverage of surfaces
• Greater visibility of coverage
• Lower pressure application
• Less product needed to work
• More cost-effective than other disinfectants

Cons:

• More challenging mix ratios
• Added costs if needing separate surfactant agent
• Greater attention to spray nozzle orifice size
• Greater flow needed to apply

Foam disinfectants are quite common in most food processing and industrial operations. Why? For starters, foam disinfectants can offer up to 50% more coverage than sprays. This is because foam expands as it comes in contact with a surface, greatly increasing coverage and disinfecting performance. In large production spaces, such as production floors or livestock barns, this helps keep cleaning costs down. Users can realize up to 50% cost savings on chemical alone, with additional savings possible in application time as well. Foaming is also a great option for disinfecting ceilings and vertical surfaces since the foam adheres better than sprays and therefore extends disinfection dwell time.

One challenge with foam disinfectants, however, is the need to include a surfactant. A surfactant is a foaming agent that chemically reacts with your disinfectant chemicals. Surfactants also lower the surface tension between two materials, such as water and dirt, making the soil easier to remove. Without a surfactant, your disinfecting solution will not foam properly, making it less effective. While some disinfectants include a surfactant already, most do not. Be sure to read your labels prior to starting your cleaning process to ensure proper solution effectiveness.

Additionally, check that your application equipment is compatible with foam solutions. Using a high-pressure pump without the appropriate chemically compatible elastomers is a great way to ruin an expensive pump. It is imperative, therefore, to check the chemical compatibility of ALL components throughout your entire cleaning systems. That includes examining the largest pump to the tiniest o-ring. In doing so, you not only avoid costly equipment damages or failures, but also prevent ineffective treatment from taking place.

Opt for chemical spray foamers and accessories that feature downstream injectors that bypass incompatible seals and components. Better still, invest in a complete foaming system like the Hydro FoamMaster. Available in multiple mounting styles, the FoamMaster is ideal for larger industrial cleaning applications, from washdown facilities and meatpacking plants to animal production buildings, such as the dairy barns shown in the video above. These compressed air units allow a user to set the desired dilution rate for their specific application. From there, the system mixes the chemical and surfactant with the carrier agent (generally water) to create rich, clinging foam.

Dultmeier has even helped develop custom disinfecting systems. Check out our work on the JBI Poultry Disinfectant Foaming Trailer here.

Spray Disinfectants

User disinfecting with spray in an industrial kitchen

Pros:

• Fewer chemical compatibility issues
• Quick-and-easy to apply
• Wide variety of disinfectant types
• Usable for almost any application/environment

Cons:

• More chemical usage to achieve adequate coverage
• Generally higher pressures applications
• Greater health concerns due to aerosol emissions

Dultmeier's DC1 Air-Driven Disinfectant Applicator

Aerosols are the most widely used disinfectants used for industrial cleaning tanks to their incredible versatility and ease-of-application. You can find disinfectant sprays for nearly every circumstance and apply them using a commercial pressure washer, handheld or backpack sprayer, or similar system without any chemical compatibility issues. Dultmeier's DC1 disinfectant applicator system, for instance, features an air-powered diaphragm pump, a 25 gallon storage tank with an automatic mixing valve, and a trigger spray wand that can easily store and apply most disinfectant products without a problem.

Complete Plant Washdown/Industrial Clean System

The thing about spray disinfectants is that they can be costly. For one, most disinfectant sprays require a high-pressure system to be applied well. These systems; while effective, can be expensive to fund. Furthermore, since so much energy goes into turning a disinfecting solution into spray, an operator may have to use more product to disinfect an area compared to if he used foam.

Steam Disinfectants

Dry steam disinfecting for food processing sanitation

Pros:

• Effective against a wide range of microorganisms
• Not affected by soils or hard water
• Non-corrosive or chemically reactive
• Leaves behind zero residue

Cons:

• Cannot be used on heat-sensitive equipment or surfaces
• Does not remove large soil deposits
• Dangerous high temperatures to human contact
• Difficult to maintain consistent temperature and exposure

As their name suggests, steam disinfectants work using steam to kill bacteria, spores, and other contaminants. The prolonged exposure to the moist high heat destroys microorganisms, leaving surfaces truly decontaminated.

Although a viable disinfectant method, we recommend using either foam or spray detergents for most applications. The main drawback to steam is that high temperatures, generally either 250° F or 270° F (or greater), must be maintained throughout the disinfection process to ensure microbial death. Such high temperatures can also damage certain components and surfaces. Foams and sprays have much wider applications, which simply makes them better and more-cost effective options for most operations.

Disinfecting Scope - Know Before You Go

No two areas are created equal when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting. Case in point, you don't clean and disinfect an office space in the same way you do a meat packing processing floor. That makes understanding your scope of disinfection all the more important before ever beginning the cleaning process.

Product Needs

Purehard surface disinfectant; ideal for food processing & food preparation

For instance, the size of the area you're disinfecting will greatly influence the amount of product needed. Do you need a 5-gallon bucket of disinfectant or a 55-gallon drum? Maybe you need more. This is where foam disinfectants really have the advantage. Their enhanced coverage and prolonged contact time with the applied surface allow less product usage.

Make note of the GPM flow of your system. If you have a pump that produces 3 GPM of flow attached to a 50 gallon tank, you effectively have 16.5 minutes of continuous application time. Time is money, so how much time will be spent mixing solution is an extremely important thing to remember when disinfecting large areas.

Disinfectant Systems

Your style of disinfectant system is something else to keep in mind. Most operations have some level of clean-in-place (CIP) process. However; for a vast majority of the disinfecting process, mobile cleaning units are necessary to leave an area truly decontaminated. Portable disinfectant systems equipped with powerful pumps and spray wands allow an operator to spray disinfectant at a variety of angles, speeds, and tailored quantities. This versatility ensures every hard-to-clean space can be adequately decontaminated.

Portable Sani-Mister disinfectant unit

Ventilation

Finally, take a minute to evaluate your space's ventilation. Taking the office vs. processing floor scenario, ventilation is likely very different between the two spaces. On the processing floor, the larger area means aerosols and vapors have more room to dissipate or be dispersed by exhaust fans. In the smaller office space, however, chemical fumes become more of a hazard. Respirator masks may be required based upon the chemicals used and/or size and ventilation capabilities of the application area.

Always be cognizant of how to enter a space for disinfection and understand how your solutions react when in use. Evaluating how to approach an enclosed space for disinfecting and how long someone should be exposed to that environment once they start keeps everyone healthy and safe.

Safety First: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Disinfecting

Regardless of the style of disinfecting you ultimately use, you need to wear personal protective equipment, also known as PPE. This protective equipment ranges from nitrile chemical gloves and safety goggles to full body TYVEK coveralls. These products protect you from spills, splashes, and unexpected contact with the disinfectants which can cause serious chemical burns.

Certain aerosol disinfectants may even require a respirator mask to protect you from harmful chemical vapors. Even if the disinfectant label doesn't list a respirator as required PPE, you may still choose to wear one if working in a small, poorly ventilated space. Each chemical application is different.

Read your product labels for the proper PPE required to handle specific disinfectants safely. Regularly inspect PPE for wear or damages and replace if needed. Also, ensure your facility has clearly marked eyewash stations and safety showers in case of an emergency. Whether you need gloves, eye protection, or water-resistant clothing, we can help you find the gear you need to be best equipped for the tasks at hand.

Conclusion

Proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures will always be a serious focus in the industrial and food processing industries. In fact, one of the most important activities that occurs in any industrial processing facility is their disinfectant regimen. Even so, disinfection practices and policies will continue to change with new health research, product development, and societal perceptions. With that in mind, having a reliable, knowledgeable company you can trust to support you is imperative to your business's success.

Dultmeier is that company you can trust. We carry an extensive catalog of disinfectants, personal protective gear, and cleaning equipment and supplies from trusted brands like Mosmatic, DEMA, Suttner, General Pump, Hydro Systems, Boss, and others. While we cannot ultimately tell you how to disinfect, we can share with you the many different methods and assist your operation regardless of your choice of application. We'll happily help answer all your questions about various disinfecting types and work to get you the equipment and products you need to ensure your workspaces are cleaner than ever.

Reach us at dultmeier.com or give us a call at 888-667-5054. Your Experts in Delivering Fluid Handling Solutions - WE KNOW FLOW!