Heavy-Duty Solids Pumps for Large Particle Applications

Wilden Brahma Pumps FAQ

• How does a flap check valve compare to a ball check valve in AODD pumps?

  A flap valve works similarly to the ball valve in air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pumps. They open and close under pressure, forcing fluid to flow in only one direction through the pump. The ball check valve is designed to seal against a seat when closed and allow fluid to flow around the ball when opened. This limits the solid passage due to tighter clearances around the valve ball. The flap valve differs by sealing against a flat surface when closed and fully opening in the pump to provide a larger internal clearance in the check valve, increasing the maximum solid passage through the pump. Flap valve designs in AODD pumps are ideal for slurry and powder transfer applications.

• Can AODD pumps, such as the Brahma Series, handle powder-pumping applications?

  Standard air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pumps cannot typically pump powder without modification. However, Wilden Brahma Series AODD Pumps can pump fluidized powder without requiring any modifications to the pump. The Brahma Series is an excellent choice for powder pumping due to its gravity-assist design, which provides top suction and bottom discharge, allowing the powder to naturally flow to the bottom. The Brahma Series is especially effective at fluidizing powders such as detergents, cement or carbon black for pneumatic transfer.

  There are three essential guidelines for pumping powder using a Wilden Brahma Series AODD Pump:

  • The powder must not clump when squeezed in the palm of your hand
  • The powder must weigh less than 25 lbs per cubic foot
  • The powder must remain fluidized by introducing a small amount of air to the area around the inlet valve balls

• What does “top inlet, bottom discharge” mean on a Brahma Series AODD Pump?

  “Top inlet, bottom discharge” refers to the port orientation that is found on Wilden Brahma Series Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm (AODD) Pumps. The top inlet, bottom discharge porting option enables easier transfer of sediment- and solid-laden fluids, as gravity assists the flow of the process fluid and solids through the pump. With the Brahma Series, solids settle closer to the pump discharge rather than the inlet, allowing the pump to safely remove them during start-up.

• When should I use a Brahma Series AODD Pump instead of a standard pump?

  Wilden Brahma Series Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm (AODD) Pumps handle large solids up to 76 mm (3”) on the 3” pumps and 51 mm (2”) on the 2” pumps, making them suitable for applications where standard pumps cannot be used. If your application has a large, solid-laden fluid, the Brahma Series is ideal to use over a standard pump. These applications include waste transfer, sludge transfer, site dewatering, drilling-mud transfer and sump applications.