Flotronic®– Pioneering the One-Nut® Sanitary Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm Plus
Flotronic® has made its name by developing its unique product, the One-Nut® Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm Plus (AODD+). This pioneering design offers swift disassembly without disconnecting the pump from the process pipework.
Flotronic® One-Nut pumps can transfer a wide range of materials of varying degrees of viscosity and solids content. They can pump chemicals, adhesives, cosmetics, drinks, dyes, foodstuff, paints, pharmaceuticals and solvents. Our clients’ products are extremely diverse, ranging from industrial acids to hand creams and various food products.
Flotronic® Barrel Unloading System
The Flotronic Barrel Unloading System combines our unique One Nut Sanitary Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm Pump with our Barrel Unloading Skid; perfect for high viscosities.
FDA Compliant PTFE AODD Pump machined from a solid block of Virgin or anti-static PTFE, housed completely inside a stainless steel casing, providing safe transfer of your hazardous liquids.
The Minichem is a totally unique design of FDA Compliant PTFE Double Diaphragm Pump machined from one solid block of PTFE, removing the need for separate manifolds.
Flotronic® 500 Series Plastic Pump
Unique Polypropylene / PVC plastic Double Diaphragm Pump design normally used for pumping / transferring solvents, acid or chemicals, often as a low cost option to stainless steel.
Flotronic® One-Nut Double Diaphragm Pump Accessories
A wide range of additional accessories and customization options to ensure your Flotronic® One-Nut pump meets your application requirements.
Flotronic® Sanitary AODD+ Pump
Designed with 3A in mind using FDA, USP Class VI and (EC) 1935/2004 approved materials; our range of Sanitary Diaphragm Pumps help maintain and improve hygienic conditions on your site.
Flotronic® 710 Series Stainless Steel Pump
Fabricated 316L stainless steel or Hastelloy® on all wetted metal parts offers unrivaled versatility. These FDA compliant Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm Pumps are used extensively throughout the industry.
A compact and self-draining Diaphragm Pump available in FDA approved 316L stainless steel, aluminium, Duplex 22, and Hastelloy®; used in an array of industries.
Flotronic® Good Food Pump- Food Grade AODD Pump
Double Diaphragm Pump ideal for pumping your food products, especially on high viscosity low shear applications. Designed for ‘quick strip’ which is tool free or the pumps can be ‘cleaned in place’ (CIP), manufactured throughout from FDA compliant approved materials. The 'Good Food' pump gives food industry customers very specific benefits.
Looking to quickly compare the features and benefits of different pump styles, to find the right one for your application? The Unibloc comparison chart is a great place to start.
Hygienic Pump Comparison Chart
Supplying Sanitary AODD+ Pumps to Industries Worldwide
The pioneering sanitary One-Nut Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm Plus (AODD+) pumps changed the industry by providing:
- Reduced downtime through simplified assembly/disassembly
- Savings in easier maintenance and increased performance
- Best-in-class, when Clean-in-place is a requirement
- Easy / quick maintenance
- Self-draining
- 60% less product left in the pump than any competitor AODD pump, for reduced waste and more efficient cleaning
- Ability to CIP or SIP (steam in place) at up to 7Bar / 100 psi
UHT engineers can provide bespoke pumping solutions to meet your needs, with applications experts working together with you to put the right solution into your production facility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Air-operated double diaphragm (AODD) pumps utilize compressed air to create reciprocating motion in two diaphragm chambers. As one chamber fills with fluid, the other discharges, creating a continuous flow. The reciprocating action is driven by an air distribution system that alternately pressurizes and exhausts each air chamber, while check valves ensure directional flow control. This simple yet effective design enables reliable fluid transfer without electrical components.
AODD pumps use positive displacement through reciprocating diaphragms, while centrifugal pumps rely on rotational energy to generate flow. AODD pumps excel at handling viscous fluids and can run dry without damage, maintaining consistent flow rates regardless of discharge pressure. Centrifugal pumps offer higher flow rates but are pressure-dependent and require priming. AODD pumps also provide superior solid-handling capabilities and gentler product handling. Centrifugal pumps, should not be used with shear sensitive liquids and when the integrity of solids must be preserved.
AODD pumps typically achieve discharge pressures up to 125 PSI (8.6 bar), though specific models can reach higher pressures. The maximum pressure is directly related to the input air pressure, usually with a 1:1 ratio. However, for sanitary applications in food processing, most operations run at lower pressures to ensure gentle product handling and maintain diaphragm longevity.
AODD pumps achieve mechanical efficiency rates of 65-80% depending on operating conditions. Sanitary diaphragm pumps comply with FDA, 3A, and EHEDG standards, featuring materials like 316L stainless steel and food-grade elastomers. These standards regulate surface finish (typically 32 Ra or better), material compatibility, cleanability, and CIP/SIP capabilities. Modern designs emphasize energy efficiency while maintaining strict sanitary compliance.
Hygienic diaphragm (AODD) pumps are sanitary when designed to meet specific standards. FDA, 3A, and EHEDG standards establish strict requirements for material compatibility, surface finish (typically 32 Ra or better), cleanability, crevice-free design, and CIP/SIP capabilities. The 3A standard in the United States and the EHEDG standard in Europe require the pump body to have specific characteristics intended to reduce points where bacteria could hide and to enhance cleanability. The pump manufacturer must submit drawings to the authority to receive sanitary certification. Some pump manufacturers offer pumps that meet the requirements without a certificate as a way to lower pump cost. Compliance with the FDA standards basically means that wetted parts are made of stainless steel and food-grade elastomers; FDA compliance is typical of any hygienic pump. The FDA does not certify pump designs, but 3A and EHEDG do.
Diaphragm (AODD) pumps excel in transferring sensitive food products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics where gentle handling is crucial. They're ideal for viscous fluids, shear-sensitive materials, and products containing solids. Common applications include transferring yogurt, sauces, purees, and slurries. Their ability to run dry and self-prime makes them particularly valuable in batch processing operations.
Diaphragm (AODD) pumps offer numerous significant advantages that make them particularly valuable in various industrial applications. Their key benefits include the ability to run dry without damage, excellent handling of viscous fluids and solid-containing materials, and consistent flow rates regardless of discharge pressure. They excel at gentle product handling, making them ideal for shear-sensitive materials, while their self-priming capability and simple maintenance requirements contribute to reliable operations. Additionally, their design allows for easy cleaning and maintenance, and they can operate without electrical components, making them both versatile and dependable for a wide range of pumping applications.
The term "food grade" specifically indicates compliance with FDA 21 CFR 177 and similar global standards. Food grade pumps must meet FDA, 3A, and EHEDG standards for material compatibility and cleanability. Food grade compliance requires non-contaminating materials on gaskets and seal, stainless-steel construction, polished surface finish, sanitary connections, and a crevice free design. Some pump manufacturers mill pump housings out of a single billet of steel to avoid seams and welds that could harbor bacteria.
At least six types of hygienic pumps are commonly used in the food industry, including AODD pumps, lobe pumps, gear pumps, screw pumps, progressive cavity pumps, and centrifugal pumps. To be FDA-compliant, the materials of construction must be food grade. The best pump for foodstuffs depends on the product viscosity, product sensitivity to shear, size of entrained solids, requirements of the application (priming, deadheading, pulsation), ease of cleaning and . Key types include:
- AODD pumps for viscous, self-priming applications.
- Lobe pumps for viscous products.
- Gear pumps for filling applications.
- Centrifugal pumps for high-volume, low-viscosity transfer.
AODD pumps lead in handling heavy solids due to their large flow paths and gentle operation. Other suitable options include:
- Progressive cavity pumps for abrasive slurries.
- Peristaltic pumps for concentrated solids.
- Heavy-duty centrifugal pumps with specialized impellers.
- These pumps can handle particle sizes up to 75% of the pump's inlet size.
Centrifugal pumps dominate industrial applications, representing approximately 65% of the pump market. However, in hygienic processing, AODD pumps are increasingly prevalent due to their versatility, reliability, and compliance with hygiene standards. The choice depends heavily on specific application requirements, including flow rate, temperature, and product characteristics such as viscosity.
A chemical manufacturer based in the US required a mobile cleaning skid; to be used on their plant, in the production of intermediate chemicals, for flavors, fragrances, cosmetics, aroma
DRUM UNLOADING SYSTEM ON SILICON AT 500,000CPS An Original Equipment Manufacturer based in Belgium and Specializing in Medical Grade Silicones for scar prevention and treatment, needed to be able to safely
A Multi-National manufacturer of Flavoured Iced Tea and Soft Drinks required a solution to their flavour distribution pumps. The area was plagued by unreliable pumps and an intensive
A major pharmaceutical manufacturer in Dublin, Ireland came to Flotronic Pumps looking for a pumping solution. The application was to decant chemicals safely from 220 litre containers into
A leading Global Pharmaceutical company took on a project to modernise the taking of samples from reactors. In order to do this they required a bespoke pump which
AODD PUMP FOR OEM SERVICING THE SNACK FOOD INDUSTRY Snack Engineering is a company based in Northern Ireland who offer specialist support and bespoke machinery mainly to
A Japanese food manufacturer transferring Kimchi Sauce with Rotary Pumps were having a problem with stainless steel particles caused by stainless steel friction within their Rotary Pump. Metal detectors
A French Confectionary manufacturer needed to transfer Warm Chocolate containing Whole Almonds. Obvious concerns were the Viscosity of the Chocolate at 6,000Cps, Whole Almonds at up to 13mm and a
Flotronic provide Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm Pumps to a Pharmaceutical Skid Manufacturer for Clean Chemical Transfer Solutions. A Global Skid Manufacturer required pumps with very specific application requirements to transfer chemicals in a
A Skid manufacturer based in the USA, working on behalf of a major Pharmaceutical Manufacturor of a COVID-19 Vaccine, required very reliable pumps on an application pumping CIP chemicals
A major producer of flavours and fragrances in Germany was faced with problems controlling their flow rates caused by the electric-driven pumps that were being used on their filling machines.
An International Car Manufacturer needed to Pump Sulphuric Acid at one of their plants in the UK. Obviously this material needed to transferred safely; with pump longevity and the time between
A Global Personal Care manufacturer required a Sanitary Double Diaphragm Pump to add a food grade ingredient to its process at a very low flow rate. The problem was that
A Food manufacturer in the UK needed to pump Tomato pieces / purees from 220 ltr 'Bag in a Drum' barrels. The pump needed to be self priming, even on
Flotronic‘s unique 'One Nut' sanitary style AODP is being utilised by a major UK food manufacturer in the transportation of flavoured waters and oils to their food products
A prestigious automotive manufacturing plant in the UK required specialist pumps for safely transferring a variety of liquids including but not limited to petrol, diesel and
A personal care intermediate chemical manufacturer in the USA had an issue pumping a chemical that goes off at ambient temperatures, tending to solidify if left to go cold.
International specialty chemical manufacturer needed to pump ethanol from road tankers into their storage tanks. The Flotronic 710 range of 316L stainless steel Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm Pump is perfect for this
An international producer of flexible printed packaging needed to pump solvents safely at one of their plants in the UK. The pumps were needed in an ATEX rated area, and
European ready meal manufacturer were having problems with incorrect weights of product going into their mixing vessels at one of their 3 plants in the UK. One of the accessories available
An international specialist chemical manufacturer; branching out into the production of bulk hand sanitizer needed an hygienic pump that was able to keep up with their production requirements, and deliver
International Paint manufacturer with plants in Europe was having problems with standard AODP due to thermal expansion in pipelines outside the factory. Product was being heated up in the pipelines
A global contract personal care manufacturer with plants based in the UK are using the Flotronic 'One Nut' sanitary style Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm pump, to pump their full range of personal
International aerosol filler / manufacturer with plants all over Europe needed ATEX certified pumps to pump acetone from IBCs to volumetric filling heads. Their existing piston pump suffered from constant
One of the Top 10 decorative paint manufacturers in the World, needed to pump water based decorative paints from their storage tanks to filling lines at one of their plants
When an international Personal / Household care manufacturer needed sanitary Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm pumps for its manufacturing plant based in Hungary; Flotronic were happy to provide one of their
UK based personal care products manufacturer need to ramp up its hand sanitiser production line. Flotronic were able to supply one of their Sanitary style 316L stainless steel range of
A global soft drinks manufacturing company – for whom Flotronic Pumps Ltd are the preferred Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm pump supplier – came to Flotronic with a non-Air-Operated Diaphragm Pump
International active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) manufacturing company with plants based in the Republic of Ireland were having problems with tubular diaphragm Pumps. Tubes would fail meaning that oil was able
Leading contract cosmetics manufacturer based in the UK working with many of the leading Global health and beauty brands, needed a reliable and safe method for pumping the many and
United Stated based pharmaceutical ingredient manufacturer in Rochester, NY had severe issues pumping a zinc oxide / water slurry. The traditional AODD design pump was being overhauled or replaced a minimum
A Sauce and Chutney manufacturer with manufacturing plants in the UK needed to update their methods for getting Triple Concentrate Tomato Puree from 220lt drums. Previously they were using ‘stick’ pumps
UK based quilt and pillow makers based in relies upon several Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm Pumps from FPL in their production processes. The company uses 20 million kgs of feathers and 10 million
When an International Adhesive manufacturer needed to increase their flow of adhesive they turned to their supplier of Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm pumps. For over six years thier "One Nut" fast maintenance AODD
For over four years now, a UK Based Brewery have been using two Air-Operated Diaphragm Pumps from Flotronic Pumps Limited to transfer yeast at different stages of their brewing process.
World leading paint manufacturer needed to improve their tanker offloading of Acrylic Acid. Having used Flotronic Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm Pumps for many years throughout their site, they asked if Flotronic
A UK sauce manufacturer who is a supplier to one of the world's most popular fast food chains, has been able to speed up its filling process using a fast maintenance,
UK based laboratory with expertise in the development and manufacture of branded products for the pharmaceutical, toiletry and household markets. Specialising in liquids, lotions, creams, gels, suspensions and alcohol-based formulations;
A ready made salad manufacturer based in the UK were having problems pumping their mayonnaise and after trying both progressing cavity and air operated stick pumps they turned to Flotronic
UK based manufacturers of industrial cleaning and maintenance chemicals have been using the Flotronic 'One Nut' Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm Pump for nearly twelve years at the heart of their process. Three
After replacing their older style 'figure of eight' AODP which regularly failed, with Flotronic 'One Nut' pumps, they have almost forgotten they are there. The Flotronic Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm pumps have
It is well known that Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm pumps are often specified in the chemical industry where explosive/flammable environments exist, but less commonly known in alcoholic drinks production. But not
A renowned UK producer of luxury bathing products, some years ago switched from electrically driven pumps to the unique 'One Nut' fast maintenance double diaphragm pumps from FPL and saved both time
Leading soft drinks manufacturer based in the UK needed to speed up their concentrates pumping so turned to Flotronic Pumps and following a successful trial purchased a number of their
One of the UK’s leading manufacturer of pies and sausages, with factories in Nottingham and Trowbridge purchased two Good Food Pumps from Flotronic Pumps Ltd and have saved a significant
USA owned flavourings company based in the UK, relies upon Hygienic Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm Pumps from FPL in the production of speciality flavours, used in the food and pharmaceutical
British speciality chemical manufacturer has streamlined its blending operations – and reduced downtime - using six 710 series Hiflo Double Diaphragm Pumps from Flotronic Pumps Ltd. The media being pumped ranges from
One of the worlds leading fragrances, flavours and food ingredients companies are using the Flotronic Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm Pumps as their site standard, replacing the older style 'figure of
As a result of seeing an advert for the 'One Nut' AODP from Flotronic Pumps Ltd, an international essential oils manufacturer based in the UK were impressed with the simplicity of
Well know pizza manufacturing company were planning their new pizza factory in the UK, they turned to Flotronic Pumps to pump their range of tomato toppings and as a result have
When an international toothpaste manufacturer needed to expand and upgrade their toothpaste flavour dosing system they turned to Flotronic Pumps. Due to increasing customer choice the number of flavours had steadily
Zotefoams PLC manufacture a range of closed cell crosslinked polyolefin foams using a unique, environmentally friendly, nitrogen expansion process. Switching from traditional designed double diaphragm pumps to the 'One Nut' fast
When Schefenacker Vision Systems UK Ltd, a major producer of car door mirrors, were looking to improve their Paint Kitchen they trialed a "One Nut" Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm Pump
UK based manufacturer of speciality chemicals has reduced its pump maintenance time from half a day to less than half an hour, using a 'one nut', polypropylene Air Operated Double
UK leading cereal bar producers has recently expanded their production of cereal bars by investing in a new production facility at a cost of between Euro 5 and 6 million
Four years and no maintenance required. Yes that’s what one specialist coatings manufacturer has found since installing the Flotronic 500 Series ‘One Nut’ Double Diaphragm Pump. A specialist manufacturer of coatings to the
UK based creamery replacing older style diaphragm pumps with their "One Nut" quick maintenance pump, Flotronic Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm Pumps are used for pumping caustic and nitric acid as
When Klockner Pentapack switched from drums to pallecons they reviewed their pumping needs. Previously they had been using air operated piston drum pumps but the switch to pallecons enabled them to
For over five years 'One Nut' Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm Pumps from Flotronic have been working reliably in the medicated confectionery plant, requiring minimal servicing. A top end contract manufacturer supplying shops in almost
A leading soft drinks manufacturer had a serious problem with pipework pulsation from a rotary lobe pump, resulting in pipes being ripped from their supports and a fracture to an
Sunjuice Ltd, part of the Jamaica Producers Group, is the European market leader in freshly squeezed juices, crushes and smoothies. Essential to their success has been the importance of supplying
An international, food processor needed a hygienic AODP for the production lines at one of their sauce production plants based in the North of the UK Flotronic was able to supply two of their
As their business grows, SIAS Foods (UK) Ltd realised that they needed to improve their handling of fruit pulps, when they saw an advert for the Good Food Pump from Flotronic.
A leading supplier of specialty chemicals, turned to Flotronic when they had to transfer a 'dense' chemical with an SG of over 2.0 as the existing AODD pumps could not cope.
When Sutton & Son (St Helens) Ltd were looking for a mobile pump to fit on their Emergency Response Units, following a successful trial, they settled on the Chemflo all
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From the Blog
View BlogIt’s certainly the right time of year to think about chocolate in a variety of ways – how it tastes, how it smells – even how it’s made! And that brings us to how both Unibloc® lobe pumps and Flotronic® AODD+ (air-operated double diaphragm) products are found alongside the finest chocolatiers in the world in their process facilities.
Read BlogHow to Select the Right Barrel Unloader
The ultimate guide to choosing a barrel unloading system for process applications. Whether they contain sauces, cosmetics, or dairy products, barrels are a common sight in food and personal care processing facilities. To ensure sanitary transfer of these materials, hygienic pumps are essential.
Read BlogAODD+ Pumps: Innovation That’s a True Game-Changer
Why Flotronic® air-operated double-diaphragm pumps are so different we had to call them AODD+. Air-operated double-diaphragm pumps (AODD) pumps have been around since the 1950s. They are valued in a wide variety of applications because of their versatility. However, the proven, practical design of conventional AODD pumps has a significant drawback: they take too long to clean. Manually cleaning an AODD pump typically consumes two hours of labor or more.
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