With our complete range of air-operated double-diaphragm pumps (AODD) in metal, plastic and clamped-profile designs — across a wide choice of sizes and flow rates — we make pumping easy.
- AvailabilityIn stock, ready to shipAir-operated diaphragm pumps ship immediately; double-diaphragm pumps at short notice from stock.
- ManufacturerOne of the largest worldwideAn award-winning facility and an operation that set the performance standard for AODD pumps.
- ChoiceMetal, plastic, clamped profileThe versatility and flexibility you need to make pumping simple.
We are committed to supplying high-quality AODD pumps to customers who value reliability, fast delivery and convenience .
Our air-operated diaphragm pump series
Versamatic has been building air-operated double-diaphragm pumps for more than three decades. Four series cover virtually every industrial transfer application — from the small 1/4-inch metering pump to the 3-inch pump for solids-laden slurries. Every model is self-priming, run-dry safe and runs on compressed air alone, with no electrics.
Elima-Matic
The classic AODD series with an externally mounted air valve. Serviceable without removing the pump, available in aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron, polypropylene and PVDF.
View Elima-Matic pumps
Ultra-Matic
A compact design with high flow per frame size. Proven in chemical processing, surface finishing and anywhere floor space is tight.
View Ultra-Matic pumps
Valor Series
The most efficient series in the range: markedly lower air consumption at the same flow rate. It pays off above all in continuous duty, because compressed air is the most expensive form of energy in the plant.
View Valor pumps
Rockstar
A flap-valve pump for abrasive slurries and solids up to 45.7 mm in size. It keeps pumping where ball-valve pumps and progressive cavity pumps give up.
View Rockstar pumps
Not sure which series fits? The pump finder narrows things down in a few steps by medium, flow rate and material. For a direct comparison: Rockstar versus a classic AODD pump and flap valve versus progressive cavity pump.
Air-operated diaphragm pumps by port size
Port size determines the pump maximum flow rate and how well it handles solids. Our range runs from 1/4 inch to 3 inch — every size ships from stock.
- 1/4 inch (6 mm)
- 3/8 inch (10 mm)
- 1/2 inch (DN 15)
- 3/4 inch (19 mm)
- 1 inch (DN 25)
- 1 1/2 inch (DN 40)
- 2 inch (DN 50)
- 3 inch (DN 80)
Select by flow rate
Once you know the flow rate you need, the fastest route is to start from the capacity class. Figures apply to water with a free discharge.
Housing and diaphragm materials for every medium
The service life of a double-diaphragm pump almost always comes down to the material. Acids, solvents, paints and abrasive slurries place completely different demands on the housing, diaphragms and valve balls. We configure every pump to suit the medium.
Housing materials
- Polypropylene (PP) — the standard for acids and alkalis
- Conductive polypropylene — for hazardous areas with flammable media
- PVDF / Kynar® — for aggressive chemicals and higher temperatures
- Stainless steel — food, pharmaceutical and hygienic applications
- Aluminum — light, rugged, for oils and paints
- Cast iron — for heavy-duty applications and high pressures
Diaphragm materials
- Santoprene® — the all-rounder, with very good service life
- PTFE — near-universal chemical resistance
- Hytrel® — abrasion resistant, ideal for slurries
- FKM (Viton®) — for solvents and high temperatures
- Nitrile (NBR) — for oils, greases and fuels
- Neoprene — proven with neutral aqueous media
You know your medium but not the right material? Use our chemical resistance check to verify compatibility before you order.
Special versions: ATEX, FDA, hygienic and high pressure
Alongside the standard range we supply special versions for regulated environments — from explosion-proof hazardous areas to certified food production.
- ATEX diaphragm pumps — explosion protected to Directive 2014/34/EU, for solvents and flammable media
- FDA pumps — food-compliant materials to EC 1935/2004
- Hygienic pumps — easy-clean design for pharmaceutical and cosmetics production
- 3-A Sanitary pumps — certified for dairy and beverage processing
- High-pressure diaphragm pumps — 2:1 ratio for discharge pressures above 8.6 bar
- Flap-valve pumps — for fibrous media and high solids content
- Centrifugal pumps — for high flow rates at low viscosity
- Surge suppressors — smooth out the flow and protect the pipework
Air-operated diaphragm pumps by industry and application
An AODD pump handles thin acids just as well as high-viscosity adhesives, color pigments or ceramic slips. The industry pages show the proven combinations of series, housing material and diaphragm material for each case.
How does an air-operated diaphragm pump work?
An air-operated double-diaphragm pump ( Air Operated Double Diaphragm, or AODD) works with two diaphragms connected by a shared shaft. The air valve directs compressed air alternately to one diaphragm and then the other. The pressurized diaphragm pushes the medium out of its chamber into the discharge line, while the opposite diaphragm draws in fresh medium at the same time. Four check valves — usually ball or flap valves — set the direction of flow.
This principle gives AODD pumps the characteristics industry values them for: they are self-priming, run dry without damage, can be run against a closed valve, and let you control flow and pressure simply through the air pressure. Because there are no electrics, they are suited without elaborate extra measures to use in hazardous areas.
They handle thin to highly viscous media, including those carrying solids: chemicals, solvents, acids, alkalis, fuels, adhesives, paints, resins, inks, foodstuffs and wastewater. You will find detailed practical guidance in our diaphragm pump guide.
Repair kits and spare parts from stock
Diaphragms, valve balls, valve seats and air valves are wear parts. Replacing them in good time prevents production downtime and leaks. We keep the common kits in stock and normally ship within 5 to 10 working days.
Frequently asked questions about air-operated diaphragm pumps
What does the abbreviation AODD stand for?
AODD stands for Air Operated Double Diaphragm, an air-operated double-diaphragm pump. The terms air-operated diaphragm pump, pneumatic diaphragm pump and double-diaphragm pump are also in common use — they all refer to the same pumping principle.
Can an air-operated diaphragm pump run dry?
Yes. Unlike centrifugal or progressive cavity pumps, an AODD pump takes no damage from running dry. It can start up without medium, run empty and work against a closed valve without damaging seals or impellers.
What solids sizes can be handled?
That depends on the series and the valve design. Classic ball-valve pumps handle solids up to roughly 6 mm; the Rockstar flap-valve pump handles particle sizes up to 45.7 mm.
How much compressed air do they consume?
Consumption depends on frame size, back pressure and flow rate. The Valor Series is designed for minimum air consumption and, in multi-shift operation, often pays for itself within the first year.
Which diaphragm suits my medium?
Santoprene® is the proven all-rounder, PTFE covers almost every chemical, and Hytrel® is particularly abrasion resistant with slurries. Check compatibility in advance with the chemical resistance check.
Are the pumps approved for hazardous areas?
Yes. We supply ATEX-compliant versions to Directive 2014/34/EU, including conductive plastic housings and grounding kits.
How quickly do you deliver?
Air-operated diaphragm pumps are available immediately from stock; double-diaphragm pumps in special configurations at short notice. Details on lead times and costs can be found under shipping costs.
Is technical advice available before purchase?
Yes. Tell us the medium, the flow rate and where the pump will be installed, and we will propose the right configuration. You can reach us through customer service.
Guides and technical know-how
- The AODD pump features that really make pumping easy
- Pumping slurries and solids-laden liquids successfully
- 8 tips for improving AODD pump efficiency
- When a plastic pump is the right choice
You can read more about us as a distributor under About us. The complete range is in the category Air-operated diaphragm pumps.