The Inventor of Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm Pump Technology

Wilden Pump & Engineering Company was founded in 1955 with sketches of a unique but reliable technology: the air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pump. Today, corporate ownership and regional local management provide Wilden with the clarity and focus needed to produce quality products engineered for demanding hygienic and sanitary applications.

Wilden's commitment to the customer is undoubtedly the reason why we are the market leaders in our industry. We listen to the comments of engineers, maintenance personnel, and end users to develop general and specialized products to meet our customers’ needs. Wilden is constantly pursuing excellence, always innovating and designing new products.

Benefits of the Wilden Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm Pump Design

Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm pumps, (AODD Pumps), are positive displacement pumps driven by compressed air. AODD pumps operate by having the air distribution system direct the air supply to one air chamber and back side of the diaphragm that act as a separating membrane between the compressed air supply and the liquid. This moves the diaphragm away from the center block and into the liquid chamber, displacing any fluid in the liquid chamber through the discharge piping. This process pulls the opposite diaphragm inward filling the liquid chamber with fluid from the suction piping. When the diaphragm has fully extended into one liquid chamber, the air distribution system redirects the compressed air into the previously unpressurized air chamber, moving the diaphragm in the opposite direction, repeating the liquid discharge and suction process in the opposite liquid chambers.

The unique design of AODD pumps enables only a few wetted parts: the diaphragms, inlet valves and outlet valves. This makes them especially suitable for hygienic and sanitary applications. Because AODD pumps are driven by compressed air, mechanical stress is minimized.

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Advantages of Wilden AODD pumps include:

Protection for shear-sensitive products with gentle, low-shear operation that preserves product integrity
Free-draining flow path for CIP capability
Dry-run capabilities that offer flexibility and protect equipment

Reliable, efficient performance across a wide range of viscosities
Tri-Clamp connections that enable easy maintenance
Greater flow with more gallons pumped per SCFM

Products

Wilden Hygienic Series

Uniquely designed to meet high cleanliness standards
Free-draining flow path prevents contamination and provides CIP capability
Gentle, low-shear operation protects the integrity of delicate, shear-sensitive products

Wilden FDA Series

Designed for ease of use with quick breakdown and reassembly for faster cleaning
Engineered for durability with a robust design and dry-run capabilities
Provides low-shear operation to protect the integrity of shear-sensitive products

The History of Wilden

As the inventor of AODD pump technology, Wilden has become known for high-quality pumps well-suited for sanitary applications.
A chart of Wilden history

The 1955 Flood that Inspired Wilden’s Innovation

Conceived out of necessity, born in the arms of innovation and inspired by sheer will and determination, Wilden Pump & Engineering Company began in a walnut grove in San Bernardino County, CA, through the genius of Jim Wilden.

In 1955, a large water pipe ruptured several feet below ground, flooding a shop at a steel factory. A cool-headed foreman surveyed the inundated workshop and drenched workmen and yelled out to "Slim,” Jim’s nickname, "Hey, Slim, you would make a million dollars if you could invent a pump to get this stuff out of here." And thus history was set in motion, changing the landscape of industrial and commercial processes forever.

Jim went on to invent the air-operated double-diaphragm pump to meet the need for a pump tough enough to handle the job of pumping water, slurry and any other finely-divided substances, such as cement. His engineering genius developed a new type of pump with the right air valve and diaphragms to meet the stringent demands of the mining and heavy-construction industries. After years of trial and error, Jim Wilden began successfully manufacturing and selling M16 and M14 model AODD pumps.

The 1960s

During the 1960s, Jim began to refine his manufacturing processes and eventually hired a salesman to sell Wilden AODD pumps. This decision allowed Jim to focus on his strengths: engineering, design and production. By 1964, the air valve, which once took six hours to produce, could now be made in 60 minutes; the entire pump build, once a 40-hour project, was reduced to less than four hours. These manufacturing improvements and the hydraulic-fluid efficiencies his pumps delivered enabled Jim to innovate and develop new products, such as the M8, which form the basis of the current models available today. As the company's success and growth continued, the old metal building in the walnut grove proved inadequate, so a new 10,000-square-foot building was constructed to house the operations of Wilden Pump & Engineering.

The 1970s

The 70s were a time of political and economic turmoil that would test Jim Wilden's values. During the 1974 recession, Jim was faced with lean economic times and tough decisions. As the country was implementing mass layoffs, Jim’s main concern was for the welfare of Wilden employees, and he ultimately decided against any layoffs. He creatively reallocated resources and used the workforce to make internal improvements, such as refurbishing and repainting the Wilden plant. As the United States slowly crawled out of the recession, Wilden began to expand its operations and product lines, improving business and adding to the legend of Jim Wilden.

The 1980s and 1990s

The 80s and 90s saw unprecedented growth in many areas. Wilden began expanding its operations globally, practicing lean manufacturing principles and introducing new air distribution systems (ADS) to extend its lead in the AODD pump market. Wilden established a global distribution network spanning more than 160 countries, with more than 180 distributors worldwide. Sadly, Jim passed away in 1989, right before he could see the full stride of the new product lines take hold in the chemical, sanitary and pharmaceutical industries. The company continues its legacy of innovation and product development designed to lead markets into areas they never thought possible.

2010 and Beyond

After the turn of the century, Wilden continued to innovate. With a global shift towards energy-efficient pumps and best-production practices, Wilden’s focus has evolved to address these concerns while still maintaining the high performance, quality and customer satisfaction for which it is known. With the advent of the energy-efficient Pro-Flo® SHIFT ADS, Wilden promises to keep alive the innovative spirit and customer-focused culture that Jim left behind. Wilden looks forward to being part of your pumping application when selecting a trustworthy solution partner.