Wilden AODD Pumps for Military and Marine Applications

Wilden Military and Marine

• Are Wilden AODD pumps suitable for bilge dewatering of water, oil, and waste solids?

  Wilden AODD pumps are ideal for bilge dewatering across Navy and industrial vessels. These marine-grade AODD pumps are ideal for bilge dewatering since they can handle a combination of water, fuel, oil and waste solids without clogging. Wilden Stallion® AODD pumps are especially effective because they have larger internal clearances due to modified balls, seats, diaphragms and shafts, allowing them to better handle solid-laden slurries. The addition of a polyurethane screen base acts as an additional filter to keep larger solids from damaging the pump.

• Can Wilden AODD diaphragm pumps safely transfer diesel and jet fuel in marine environments?

  Yes. Wilden offers AODD pumps that meet ATEX safety standards for fuel transfer applications. The bolted aluminum pumps, featuring Bunalast™ or PTFE diaphragms, offer chemical compatibility with diesel and jet fuel. When equipped with the metallic Pro-Flo® SHIFT Air Distribution System (ADS), these pumps can be grounded to achieve ATEX rating, making them safe for use in explosive environments. The bolted AODD pump configuration also lacks any mechanical seals, making it the ideal pump for product containment.

• Can AODD pumps handle abrasive materials during marine cargo cleanup?

  Wilden AODD Pumps are commonly used in shipyards and oil spill cleanup operations. These abrasive fluid handling diaphragm pumps can handle a wide combination of water, fuel, oil and waste solids without clogging. Thermoplastic elastomer diaphragms, including Wil-Flex®, Saniflex™, Bunalast™ and polyurethane, offer strong abrasion resistance. This resistance is further enhanced in the Chem-Fuse™ Integral Piston Diaphragm design by eliminating the outer piston abrasion.

• How can I prevent freezing or icing in AODD pump mufflers during cold marine operations?

  Muffler freezing, or "icing," in AODD pumps occurs when the compressed air rapidly expands as it exhausts. This rapid change in air pressure causes the air and the muffler to cool quickly, resulting in ice buildup. This issue is more prevalent in humid, marine environments due to the higher moisture content in the air. If the ice fully blocks the air flow, the pump may stop cycling.

  To prevent muffler icing, several solutions are available:

  • Air Line Heater or Dehumidifier: Installing either of these devices can treat the air before it reaches the pump.

  • Exhaust Piping: Adding a section of piping between the pump's exhaust port and the muffler allows the air more space to expand before reaching the muffler.

• Are Wilden AODD pumps portable for mobile fuel dispensing and dewatering sites?

  Wilden AODD pumps are highly portable. The absence of an electric motor makes the pumps lightweight with a compact frame. These AODD pumps are commonly transported on carts, trucks or even carried around mines.