New Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pump Design Raises Pump Performance Bar

A comprehensive range of Air-Operated Double Diaphragm pumps (AODD) which represent one of the most reliable, rugged and affordable of their type available on the market have been introduced by MICHAEL SMITH ENGINEERS.

The all-new Finish Thompson FTI AIR range has been meticulously designed using the extensive resources available to FTI and include all the benefits of AODD pumps in addition to FTI’s own innovative features.

The FTI AIR range offers the important benefits of using AODD pumps; simple installation, easy to operate and run with low maintenance and running costs, self-priming, portable, dry-running, can handle abrasive, viscous and shear-sensitive liquids and even ‘dirty’ liquids with particles.

In addition, a unique lube-free air valve design contributes towards the philosophy of a simple, rugged and reliable design. This design features significantly fewer components compared to other air valves, resulting in reduced servicing time and the associated maintenance costs and downtime.

The air valve components include; a low friction slide valve on a ceramic plate to allow for long-life and superior sealing, a moulded Buna gasket which ensures total sealing and eliminates flat gasket tearing.

Also, air is used through a slot in the diaphragm shaft to shift the valve, eliminating the need for a separate pilot valve or mechanically operated pilot valve.

In addition to their rugged and simple design with fewer components, is a modular construction which also results in simplified maintenance with individually replaceable, lower cost wearing parts which do not require special tools for fitting.

Single piece flow assembly procedures means that every pump is built to the highest quality of specifications and every pump is tested with a three point test for vacuum, leakage and run ability.

FTI Air pumps provide outstanding installation flexibility. For example, while flooded suction is the most common installation, they can also be used in suction lift applications where the pump is installed above the liquid, or even submerged in the liquid.

Thanks to the numerous benefits of using air-operated double diaphragm pumps they are ideally suited to a wide range of pumping applications in many industries such as; chemical manufacturing, mining, paints & coatings, ceramics, pulp & paper, electroplating & anodising and waste water.