An air-powered water pump, often an Air-Operated Double Diaphragm (AODD) pump, works by using compressed air to move flexible diaphragms back and forth, creating suction and pressure to pump water.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Compressed Air Source: The pump requires a source of compressed air, such as an air compressor.
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Dual Diaphragms: AODD pumps have two flexible diaphragms connected by a central shaft. These diaphragms are typically made of rubber, PTFE (Teflon), or other flexible materials.
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Air Distribution Valve: An air distribution valve directs the compressed air to the back of one diaphragm, while simultaneously exhausting the air from the back of the other diaphragm. This controlled air flow is key to the pump's operation.
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Reciprocating Motion: The compressed air pushes one diaphragm away from the center of the pump body. This movement creates a vacuum in one chamber, drawing water into that chamber through an inlet valve. Simultaneously, the movement of the other diaphragm pushes water out of the other chamber through an outlet valve.
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Check Valves: Inlet and outlet check valves (usually ball or flap valves) are crucial. They ensure that the water flows in only one direction – into the pump through the inlet valve and out of the pump through the outlet valve. This prevents backflow.
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Alternating Cycles: The air distribution valve then reverses the air flow, pushing the other diaphragm and drawing water into the now-empty chamber. This alternating back-and-forth motion of the diaphragms provides a continuous pumping action.
In summary, an air-powered water pump uses compressed air to drive two diaphragms. The diaphragms reciprocate, creating alternating suction and pressure, which, combined with inlet and outlet check valves, moves water through the pump.
