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.
Air-operated double-diaphragm
Semi-displacement pump used in many applications, driven by compressed air.
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.
Gallons per minute
Expression of flow rate, an important factor when specifying a pump.
Liters per minute
Expression of flow rate, an important factor when specifying a pump.
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).
Pounds per square inch
A measure of air pressure a compressor is capable of generating.
Net positive suction head
A measure of the pressure coming into the pump.
Net positive suction head available
The pressure at the pump’s inlet. Can be altered based on your system.
Net positive suction head required
Value required to produce the desired flow.
Computational Fluid Dynamics
A type of computer-aided engineering that allows users to simulate fluid motion.
Heavy-duty flap
Pumps that can handle line-size solids without clogging. Top suction bottom discharge.
Heavy-duty ball
Pumps that can handle a range of viscous and small solid-laden fluids with exceptional suction lift capabilities.
Containment-duty ball
Pumps designed for leak avoidance with excellent performance in harsh chemical environments.
Polytetrafluoroethylene
Also known as Teflon, a highly chemical-resistant option for AODD pump materials, such as diaphragms.
Air filter / regulator
An accessory that removes solid and liquid contaminants to increase the service life of AODD pumps and other air system components.
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.
Sanitary Standards
Specifications for the design and fabrication of equipment that comes into contact with food.
European Conformity
Logo indicating a product conforms with European health, safety, and environmental protection standards. Required for goods sold in the European Economic Area.
Atmosphères Explosives
Minimum safety requirements for workplaces and equipment used in explosive atmospheres in the European Union and elsewhere.
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.
Clean-in-place
Commonly used in food applications where product needs to be flushed after each run.
Specific gravity
A ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a reference material. Also known as relative density.
Saybolt Universal Seconds
A measure of viscosity defined by the time taken for 60 ml of a liquid to flow through a viscometer.
Centipoise
A unit of viscosity equal to one one hundredth of a poise. May also be seen as cps, cp, and cPs.
Electric-operated double-diaphragm
Type of diaphragm pump operated by an electric motor.
Polyvinylidene fluoride
Also known as Kynar, another highly chemical-resistant option for pump materials.
National pipe thread
U.S. national technical standards for screw threads used on threaded pipes and pipe fittings.
British Standard Pipe thread
Technical standards for screw threads used on threaded pipes and pipe fittings internationally.
Decibel
A unit for measuring the relative loudness of sound.
Total cost of ownership
Estimate used to help buyers determine the direct or indirect costs of a product or service, including operating costs.
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.