Common AODD Pump Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Initialisms Explained

Whether you’re in plant maintenance, purchasing, or operations, if you’re in the market for an air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pump, it’s easy to get lost in the industry jargon. Even experienced process engineers may need a refresher on all of the acronyms, abbreviations, initialisms, and other terms surrounding AODD pumps.  

This blog post is your guide. Bookmark it and return as often as needed to ensure you’re speaking the same language as your team members, distributors, and AODD pump manufacturers. 

AODD

Air-operated double-diaphragm

Semi-displacement pump used in many applications, driven by compressed air.

ESADS+

Externally Serviceable Air Distribution System

Feature that allows for easy access to a pump’s pilot valve and main air valve providing quick and easy serviceability. 

GPM

Gallons per minute

Expression of flow rate, an important factor when specifying a pump.

LPM

Liters per minute

Expression of flow rate, an important factor when specifying a pump.

CFM / SCFM

Cubic feet per minute / Standard cubic feet per minute

A measure of volume of compressed air a compressor is capable of generating. Also referred to as SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute). 

PSI

Pounds per square inch

A measure of air pressure a compressor is capable of generating. 

NPSH

Net positive suction head

A measure of the pressure coming into the pump. 

NPSHa

Net positive suction head available

The pressure at the pump’s inlet. Can be altered based on your system. 

NPSHr

Net positive suction head required

Value required to produce the desired flow. 

CFD

Computational Fluid Dynamics

A type of computer-aided engineering that allows users to simulate fluid motion. 

HDF

Heavy-duty flap

Pumps that can handle line-size solids without clogging. Top suction bottom discharge.

HDB

Heavy-duty ball

Pumps that can handle a range of viscous and small solid-laden fluids with exceptional suction lift capabilities.

CDB

Containment-duty ball

Pumps designed for leak avoidance with excellent performance in harsh chemical environments. 

PTFE

Polytetrafluoroethylene 

Also known as Teflon, a highly chemical-resistant option for AODD pump materials, such as diaphragms.

AFR

Air filter / regulator

An accessory that removes solid and liquid contaminants to increase the service life of AODD pumps and other air system components.

FDA

Food and Drug Administration

The U.S. federal agency that regulates many food products. Pumps and components used in food and beverage production must comply with the FDA’s Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21 Part 177. 

3-A

Sanitary Standards 

Specifications for the design and fabrication of equipment that comes into contact with food. 

CE

European Conformity

Logo indicating a product conforms with European health, safety, and environmental protection standards. Required for goods sold in the European Economic Area. 

EX or ATEX

Atmosphères Explosives

Minimum safety requirements for workplaces and equipment used in explosive atmospheres in the European Union and elsewhere. 

OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

U.S. regulatory agency tasked with ensuring worker safety by setting and enforcing standards, and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.

CIP

Clean-in-place

Commonly used in food applications where product needs to be flushed after each run.

SG

Specific gravity

A ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference material. Also known as relative density.

SSU

Saybolt Universal Seconds

A measure of viscosity defined by the time taken for 60 ml of a liquid to flow through a viscometer.

cP

Centipoise

A unit of viscosity equal to one one hundredth of a poise. May also be seen as cps, cp, and cPs.

EODD

Electric-operated double-diaphragm

Type of diaphragm pump operated by an electric motor.

PVDF

Polyvinylidene fluoride 

Also known as Kynar, another highly chemical-resistant option for pump materials.

NPT

National pipe thread

U.S. national technical standards for screw threads used on threaded pipes and pipe fittings. 

BSP

British Standard Pipe thread

Technical standards for screw threads used on threaded pipes and pipe fittings internationally. 

dB

Decibel

A unit for measuring the relative loudness of sound.

TCO

Total cost of ownership

Estimate used to help buyers determine the direct or indirect costs of a product or service, including operating costs. 

TAM

Total available market

A measure of a business opportunity if 100 percent market share were achieved. Also known as total addressable market. 

If you're still puzzled by some of the nuances of AODD pump terminology, refer to SANDPIPER’S “Answers to Your Most Frequently Asked AODD Pump Questions” blog, our blog post on “Flap Valve vs. Ball Valve AODD Pumps," and our extensive resources library. Or you can simply contact us to answer your questions or help solve your AODD pumping problem.