Industrial double diaphragm pump assembly with attached air filter, regulator, and pressure gauge.

Black industrial pump assembly with attached filtration unit and pressure gauge.

Specialty Pumps

Air Operated Dry Powder Diaphragm Pump

Name: Air Operated Dry Powder Diaphragm Pump
Brand: Nuodean
SKU: DP36-XX-XXXXXX

The DP16-XX is a dry powder diaphragm pump designed to replace manual transfer and bulk handling systems. It moves powders up to 45 lbs per cubic foot (721 kg per cubic meter) dry weight using a fluidizing gas assist system. The pump is portable, can be moved between sites, and connects directly to powder containers. It replaces manual scooping, bag dumping and fixed pneumatic conveying systems with a single, self-contained unit that reduces airborne contamination and operator exposure.

Maximum air inlet pressure	50psi (3.4 bar)
Suspended solids max diameter	Dry powder up to 45-lbs. per cubic foot (721kgs. per cubic meter) dry weight
Model series code	DP36-XX-XXXXXX

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Chemical Processing Food And Pharmaceutical

Key Benefits

What The Dry Powder Pump Delivers

It is not a pump for liquids. It is a system for handling dry, free-flowing powders with minimal dust and maximum safety.

No More Manual Powder Transfer

The system is self-contained and does not require fixed piping or complex controls, which reduces both installation cost and maintenance overhead.

Reduced Airborne Contamination

Powder is transferred directly from the container to the process with minimal exposure. The fluidizing gas prevents bridging and pack-out, so the powder moves smoothly without creating dust clouds.

Portable And Reusable

The pump can be moved from one site to another. It does not need to be bolted down or connected to a permanent air line. This makes it ideal for batch operations, maintenance shifts, and temporary setups.

Fluidizing Gas Prevents Blockages

A delay timer ensures the fluidizing gas is applied before the pump starts. This fluidizes the powder in the chamber and prevents pack-out, which is common in dry, cohesive materials.

Multiple Connection Options

The pump supports NPT, BSP and Tri-Clamp connections. This allows it to interface with drums, bins, reactors and process lines using standard fittings.

Safe For Sensitive Materials

The diaphragm and check ball are available in Santoprene or medical grade Santoprene. These materials are non-reactive and suitable for pharmaceuticals and food-grade powders.

Who It Is For

Who Uses This Pump

This pump is for plants that handle dry powders and want a simple, portable alternative to fixed systems or manual handling.

Pharmaceutical facilities transferring active ingredients and excipients from bulk containers to blending vessels
3D printing shops moving powder between storage bins and printing machines
Chemical plants transferring acrylic resins, silicones and expanded mica without dust exposure
Manufacturers of carbon black and pigments who need to reduce operator contact and airborne emissions
Maintenance teams who need to move dry powder from storage to disposal or reprocessing

Problems It Solves

Problems This Pump Solves

Most users come to this pump because their current method has one or more of these issues.

Manual scooping causes dust exposure, inconsistent transfer and operator fatigue
Fixed pneumatic conveying systems require complex piping, high air consumption and frequent blockages
Powder bridges or packs in the hopper, stopping the flow and requiring manual intervention
Inadequate sealing leads to contamination between batches or between materials
A fixed system cannot be moved between different process lines or sites

Application Scenarios

Where It Is Used

01

Pharmaceutical Batch Transfer

The pump moves powder directly from a bulk drum to a blender or reactor. The fluidizing gas ensures even flow, and the medical grade Santoprene parts meet cleanroom requirements.

02

3D Printing Powder Replenishment

It transfers powder from storage to the printer's hopper without opening the container. The portability allows it to serve multiple printers on a shift.

03

Carbon Black Handling In A Warehouse

One person moves the pump from drum to drum, transfers the powder to a mixer, and stores it again. No lifting, no dust, no cleanup.

04

Chemical Plant Replenishment

The pump connects to a bin with a Tri-Clamp flange and feeds powder into a reactor. The NPT and BSP options allow it to work with existing equipment.

Technical Features

How The Dry Powder System Works

This pump uses a fluidizing gas to keep powder moving. It is not a standard AODD pump.

Fluidizing Gas Injection
The pump uses a 2-position 5-way valve to alternately inject inert gas or air into the two fluid chambers. This fluidizes the powder before the diaphragm stroke, preventing pack-out and ensuring consistent flow.
Delay Timer For Start-Up
A delay timer ensures the fluidizing gas is applied before the main air valve opens. This prevents the powder from compacting in the chamber and blocks the pump from starting.
Patented Stall-Free Air Valve
The major air valve uses a stall-free design that shifts cleanly and quickly. It does not hang at mid-stroke, which keeps the cycle consistent and prevents wear.
Air Filter/Regulator Included
The pump comes with an air filter/regulator at the inlet. A piggyback filter/regulator is also available to clean the air supply further.
Dual Air Inlet System
The main air inlet drives the pump. The fluidizing gas inlet supplies the inert gas or air to fluidize the powder. Both are regulated independently.
Wetted Parts In Aluminum Or Stainless Steel
The pump casing is available in aluminum or stainless steel. Choose aluminum for lighter weight, stainless for abrasion resistance or chemical compatibility.

Specifications

Published Performance

Transcribed from the Nuodean data sheet published for this pump.

Maximum air inlet pressure	50psi (3.4 bar)
Suspended solids max diameter	Dry powder up to 45-lbs. per cubic foot (721kgs. per cubic meter) dry weight
Model series code	DP36-XX-XXXXXX

Materials

Material Options

Set in the model code. Ask us if you need a combination the code allows but the sheet does not show.

Diaphragm options	Santoprene, Medical Grade Santoprene
Ball check options	Santoprene
Seat options	Santoprene, Stainless Steel

Performance figures are transcribed from the Nuodean data sheet for this pump. Flow is measured at the pump discharge with water at ambient temperature; your duty point depends on air supply pressure, suction conditions, fluid viscosity and discharge head. Ask our engineers to confirm the duty point before you order.

Quality Control

Before It Is Crated

Every pump is tested on air and fluidizing gas before shipment to verify cycle stability
The delay timer and air valve function are checked at full air pressure
The fluidizing gas inlet is tested for leaks and proper pressure rating
The pump ships with the data sheet, exploded drawing and part list for both air and fluid sections

Customization

What You Can Change

Pump casing in aluminum or stainless steel
Diaphragm in Santoprene or medical grade Santoprene
Ball check in Santoprene
Seat in Santoprene or stainless steel
NPT or BSP threaded connections
Hardware in plated steel or stainless steel
Tri-Clamp connection option on request

Comparison

Against The Alternatives

Where this pump wins and where you should choose something else.

Versus the 2 inch triple diaphragm pump	The triple pump delivers higher pressure at 100 psi (7 bar) and can be used for spraying or long lines. The dry powder pump moves more material per cycle at lower pressure and is simpler to operate.
Versus a fixed pneumatic conveying system	The fixed system has higher throughput and can move powder over long distances. The dry powder pump wins on portability, cost, and ease of setup for batch or temporary duty.
Versus the 3 inch ZG series AODD pump	The ZG pump moves 378 LPM of liquid at 1.5 inch. The dry powder pump moves dry powder at 45 lbs per cubic foot. Use the ZG for liquids, the DP16 for dry powders.
Versus a manual scoop or drum tipper	Manual methods are slow, dusty and dangerous. The dry powder pump reduces exposure, increases speed and eliminates physical strain.
Versus the 1-1/2 inch triple diaphragm pump	The triple pump has higher pressure and is better for high-pressure spraying. The dry powder pump is better for bulk transfer of cohesive powders with minimal dust.

Use Guide

Getting The Best Out Of It

Five things that decide whether this pump moves powder smoothly or fails to start.

Use The Fluidizing Gas
Always connect the fluidizing gas line and ensure it is at the correct pressure. Without it, the powder will pack in the chamber and the pump will not start.
Set The Delay Timer Correctly
The delay timer must be set to allow 1-2 seconds of fluidizing gas before the main air valve opens. Too short and the powder packs; too long and the cycle is slow.
Match The Elastomer To The Powder
Use medical grade Santoprene for pharmaceuticals. Use standard Santoprene for general powders. Do not use nitrile or Viton unless specified for the material.
Keep The Air Supply Clean
Use a filter/regulator at the inlet. Contaminants in the air can clog the delay timer or the 5-way valve, leading to erratic cycling.
Check The Powder Flowability
The pump works best with free-flowing powders. If the powder is cohesive or sticky, increase the fluidizing gas pressure or reduce the cycle speed.

Documents

Documents For This Pump

Straight from Nuodean's own literature: product data sheets, series catalogues.

PDF Powder Pump Datasheet 2 Product Data Sheets PDF 1.3 MB Download PDF DP11 Series Diaphragm Pump Catalogue Series Catalogues PDF 9.2 MB Download

Need a 2D or 3D CAD model of this pump? CAD on request via WhatsApp.

Answers

Air Operated Dry Powder Diaphragm Pump FAQ

What is the maximum powder density this pump can handle?

45 lbs per cubic foot (721 kg per cubic meter) dry weight. This includes carbon black, expanded mica, silicones, acrylic resins, 3D printing powders and pharmaceuticals. If your powder exceeds this density, it may not fluidize properly.

Does it need a separate air supply for the fluidizing gas?

Yes. The pump uses compressed air or an inert gas to fluidize the powder. The fluidizing gas inlet is separate from the main air inlet and must be connected to a supply at up to 100 psi (6.9 bar).

Can it handle sticky or cohesive powders?

It can handle cohesive powders if the fluidizing gas is properly set. Use the delay timer to allow full fluidization before the pump starts. For very sticky materials, consider increasing the gas pressure or reducing the cycle speed.

Is it safe for pharmaceutical use?

Yes. The diaphragm and ball check are available in medical grade Santoprene. The pump is suitable for active ingredients and excipients. Confirm the material code with us for compliance.

What connections are available?

The pump has NPT, BSP and Tri-Clamp options. The fluid connections are 1-1/2", 2", or 3". The air inlet is 3/4 inch BSPT. The fluidizing gas inlet is 1/4 inch NPT.

Can it run dry?

Yes. The pump can be run dry without damage. However, it must still have fluidizing gas connected to prevent powder from packing in the chamber during idle periods.

What is the model code format?

The code is DP16-XX-XXXXXX. The first two digits are the port size: 40 for 1-1/2", 50 for 2", 80 for 3". The rest of the code specifies material, hardware and connection types.