Blacoh AODDampener User manual

The AODDampener™ is designed specically to handle the large pressure pulses that air operated double diaphragm
pumps produce. The automatic valve on the AODDampener adjusts the charge in the air chamber to compensate for
varying conditions in the discharge piping system, maximizing the reduction in pulsation. When sized correctly and properly
installed the AODDampener will greatly reduce the damaging effects of pressure variations and improve the efciency of
transferring uids.
All dampeners manufactured by BLACOH use pressure bodies made in the USA to ensure quality. Prior to shipment,
each and every dampener is factory pressure tested to assure proper function and leak-free operation.
Installation and Operation Manual

1 AODDAMPENER™
Copyright © 2021 BLACOH Fluid Controls, Inc. All rights reserved.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording for any purpose other than the purchaser’s
personal use without the express written permission of BLACOH Fluid Controls, Inc.
Model No. Serial No. Pump Area and Number
Purchased From Contact Phone Email
Installation Date
MODEL Specications & Installation Information
Table of Contents
SAFETY Warnings .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Safety Symbols ...................................................................................................................................................2
General Safety ....................................................................................................................................................2
Equipment Misuse Hazard ..................................................................................................................................2
GENERAL Information ................................................................................................................................... 3
Must Read Before Installation .............................................................................................................................3
Installation Notes.................................................................................................................................................3
ATEX Standard ...................................................................................................................................................3
Temperature Limits..............................................................................................................................................3
Maintenance........................................................................................................................................................3
Installation & Operation Instructions: AODDAMPENER™ Models........................................................... 4
Installation for Pump Discharge Pulsation ..........................................................................................................4
Maintenance and Repair .....................................................................................................................................5
Replacement Kits and Tools ..........................................................................................................................5
Diaphragm Replacement ...............................................................................................................................5
Exploded View ..................................................................................................................................................10
Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty & Return Policy.....................................................................................11

AODDAMPENER™ 2
Temperature & Pressure Hazard
Temperature and pressure reduce the strength and chemical
resistance of plastic, metal, elastomers and PTFE.
Charging / Pressurization
Charge or pressurize dampener with clean compressed air only.
DO NOT USE OXYGEN.
Dampener Diaphragm Failure
AODDampener models utilize a PTFE diaphragm to separate
system uid from the air supply. When failure occurs, system
uid may be expelled from the air valve. Always perform
preventive maintenance and replace diaphragm before excessive
wear occurs.
Maintenance Hazards
Never overtighten fasteners. This may cause leakage of system
uid and damage to dampener body. Bolts should not be
reused as re-torquing reduces bolt strength. After dampener
maintenance or disassembly, use new fasteners and
torque fasteners according to specication on dampener
tag. If missing, consult distributor or factory for torque
specications.
General Safety
DO NOT misuse dampener, including but not limited to over-
pressurization, modication of parts, using incompatible
chemicals, or operating with worn or damaged parts. DO NOT
use any gases other than compressed air to charge dampener.
DO NOT USE OXYGEN. Any misuse could result in serious
bodily injury, death, re, explosion or property damage.
Over-Pressurization
Never exceed the maximum pressure rating for the dampener
model being used. Maximum allowable working pressure
(MAWP) is specied on dampener serial tag or marked on
dampener. Maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) is
rated at 70°F (21°C).
Temperature Limits
DO NOT exceed the operating temperature limits for the body
and/or diaphragm materials being used. Excessive temperature
will result in dampener failure. For temperature limits, refer to the
“Temperature Limits” section of this Manual. Temperature limits
are stated at zero psi/bar.
Installation and Startup Hazards
Install dampener before charging or pressurizing. DO NOT
start system or assembly without rst charging or pressurizing
dampener. Failure to charge may result in damage to the PTFE
diaphragm.
CAUTION!
Equipment Misuse Hazard
▪DO NOT operate a dampener that is leaking, damaged,
corroded or otherwise unable to contain internal uid, air or
gas pressure.
▪DO NOT pump incompatible uids through dampener. Consult
distributor or factory if you are not sure of the compatibility of
system uids with dampener materials.
▪ AODDampener models are designed to operate with
compressed air only. Other compressed gases have not been
tested and may be unsafe to use. DO NOT USE OXYGEN.
▪ Always shut off air supply, remove internal dampener
pressure and shut dampener isolation valve before performing
dampener maintenance or repair.
▪ Remove all pressure from dampener AND pumping system
before disassembly, removal or maintenance.
▪Static spark can cause an explosion resulting in severe
injury or death. Ground dampeners and pumping system
when pumping ammable uids or operating in ammable
environments.
▪ Observe all safety symbols in installation and operation
instructions.
▪ The internal dampener pressure will equal the maximum uid
pressure of the system in which it is installed.
▪DO NOT exceed maximum allowable working pressure
(MAWP) specied on dampener serial tag or marked on
dampener. If missing, DO NOT use dampener without
consulting distributor or factory for maximum pressure rating.
▪ Always make sure safety shutoff valves, regulators, pressure
relief valves, gauges, etc. are working properly before starting
system or assembly.
▪ Verify dampener model received against purchase order and
shipper.
▪ Before starting a system or assembly make certain the
discharge point of the piping system is clear and safe, and all
persons have been warned to stand clear.
▪DO NOT put your face or body near dampener when the
system or assembly is operating or dampener is pressurized.
CAUTION!
General Safety
NOTES Special instructions for safe and satisfactory installation, operation and maintenance.
CAUTIONS Equipment damage, injury or death could occur if these cautions are not observed.
WARNINGS Danger of serious injury or death could occur if these warnings are ignored.
The following symbols indicate cautions, warnings and notes that must be observed for safe and satisfactory installation, operation and
maintenance of dampener.
Safety Symbols
Dampeners should only be installed, operated and repaired by experienced and trained professional mechanics. Read and observe all
instructions and safety warnings in this Manual before installing, operating or repairing dampeners.
SAFETY Warnings

3 AODDAMPENER™
After the initial torque of fasteners, bolts may lose strength when re-torqued. Failure to replace both nuts and bolts upon each vessel
reassembly will void the product warranty given by the manufacturer and the manufacturer will have no liability whatsoever for any
vessel failure or malfunction.
CAUTION! Replace nut and bolt fasteners at each reassembly with fasteners of equal grade/strength value. DO NOT
reuse old nuts and bolts.
Dampeners require very little maintenance.
PTFE diaphragm replacement should be part of a preventive maintenance program. As with any pumping system, wear is dependent
on many factors including material, temperature, chemicals, uid abrasiveness and system design. This suggested maintenance
program may need to be adjusted according to specic applications.
Periodic inspection of the dampener and fasteners should be conducted to visually check for signs of over-pressurization, fatigue,
stress or corrosion. Body housings and fasteners must be replaced at rst indication of deterioration.
Remove all pressure from dampener AND pumping system before disassembly, removal or maintenance.
Maintenance
Material Temperature Limit
PTFE Diaphragm +40°F to +220°F (+4°C to +104°C)
Buna-N +10°F to +180°F (-12°C to +82°C)
Operating temperatures are based on the maximum temperature
of the wetted dampener components only. Non-wetted dampener
components may have a lower temperature limit. Temperature
and certain chemicals may reduce the maximum allowable
working pressure (MAWP) of the dampener.
Temperature Limits
Certain models made for the European market are intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres and meet the
requirements of ATEX directive 2014/34/EU. These models have the AT designation at the end of the part number, comply with
ISO 80079-36, and have an ATEX rating of II 2GD Ex h IIB T4 Gb Db. AT models have a grounding lug and must be grounded
(earthed) before operation.
ATEX Standard
Dampening of ow pulsations can only be effective if a minimum of 5 to 10 psi (0.4 to 0.7 bar) back pressure downstream of
dampener is available. A Blacoh back pressure valve may be required downstream of dampener, except when dampener is
used as an inlet stabilizer for the inlet side of the pump.
It is recommended that a Blacoh pressure relief valve be installed in all pump systems to ensure compliance with pressure
limits on system equipment.
To avoid possible damage to diaphragm from a system pressure test, prior to test dampener must be equipped with a constant
source of compressed air with pressure equal to or greater than system test pressure.
Install dampener inline as close to the pump discharge/inlet or quick closing valve as possible. Dampener installation should
be no more than ten pipe diameters from pump discharge/inlet or quick closing valve.
It is recommended that an isolation valve be installed between the dampener and system piping.
Installation Notes
DO NOT use Oxygen to charge dampener. Use clean
compressed air only.
DO NOT exceed maximum allowable working pressure
(MAWP) specied on dampener serial tag or marked on
dampener.
Turn pump off and remove all pressure from system prior
to dampener installation.
Always wear safety glasses and other appropriate
safety equipment when installing, charging or repairing
dampener.
Danger of static spark! Grounding precautions must
be considered when dampener is used in ammable or
explosive environments.
ATEX models must be grounded (earthed) before
operation.
DO NOT operate a dampener that is leaking, damaged,
corroded or otherwise unable to contain internal uid, air
or gas pressure.
Temperature, pressure and chemicals affect the strength
of plastic, elastomer and metal components.
Due to the nature of the material, PTFE diaphragm will
cold ow. Prior to installation, tighten bolts to torque
specication on dampener tag.
Must Read Before Installation
For safe and satisfactory operation of dampener read all safety warnings, caution statements and this complete Manual before
installation, startup, operation or maintenance.
GENERAL Information

AODDAMPENER™ 4
AODDampener automatic dampener models are designed specically for use with air operated diaphragm pumps,
and are not recommended for use as Inlet Stabilizers at pump inlets or as Surge Suppressors at quick closing valves.
Use Inlet Stabilizer models on the inlet side of pumps and metal Surge Suppressors for water hammer or quick
closing valve applications. Consult factory for options.
ATEX models must be grounded (earthed) before operation.
Turn pump off and remove all pressure from system prior to dampener installation.
Remove all pressure from dampener AND pumping system before disassembly, removal or maintenance.
Equip dampener with constant source of clean compressed air. DO NOT USE OXYGEN.
DO NOT exceed 150 psi (10.3 bar) maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP). Check maximum pressure rating
specied on dampener. If missing, consult distributor or factory for specications.
Always wear safety glasses and other appropriate safety equipment when installing, charging or repairing dampener.
Read and observe all safety warnings and instructions in this Manual before installation, operation or repair.
IMPORTANT! After maintenance or disassembly, use new fasteners and torque fasteners according to specication
on dampener tag. If missing, consult distributor or factory for specications.
Before performing a system pressure test, an air line with a constant source of compressed air must be attached to dampener
to avoid possible damage to diaphragms. Compressed air pressure must be equal to or greater than system test pressure.
Installation & Operation Instructions: AODDAMPENER™ Models
DO NOT use dampener if the fasteners (nuts and bolts) are corroded. Check for fastener corrosion frequently, especially in
atmospheres containing salt or corrosive chemicals, or if dampener leakage has occurred.
IMPORTANT! After maintenance or disassembly, use new fasteners and torque fasteners according to specication on
dampener tag. If missing, consult distributor or factory for specications.
Where dampeners are used in corrosive environments, nut and bolt fasteners should be regularly inspected and replaced with nut and
bolt fasteners of equal grade/strength value if corrosion is observed. Failure to conduct such regular inspections and replacement will
void the product warranty given by the manufacturer and the manufacturer will have no liability whatsoever for any vessel failure or
malfunction.
Step 1 — Installation Position
Install the dampener inline as close to the pump discharge as possible to absorb the pulse at its source and before any downstream
equipment such as risers, valves, elbows, meters or lters. Dampener installation should be no more than ten pipe diameters from
pump discharge. If using a exible connector on the discharge side of the pump between the pump and system piping, the dampener
should be installed at the pump discharge manifold. The exible connector should be attached to the dampener’s tee and system piping
(Figure 1). Since pressure is equal in all directions, the dampener can be installed in a vertical, horizontal or upside-down position. A
vertical installation is recommended for better drainage of the dampener. Limitations for horizontal and upside-down mounting include
high specic gravity, high viscosity, settling of solid material or possible air entrapment which could result in shortened diaphragm life
and/or reduced dampening performance. An isolation valve installed at the dampener inlet is suggested to assist in removal for repairs
(Figure 1).
Due to the nature of the material, PTFE diaphragm will cold ow. Prior to installation, tighten bolts to torque specication on
dampener tag.
Read Before Installation
Installation for Pump Discharge Pulsation
Step 2 — Air Line Connection
AODDampener models have an automatic valve with two NPT ports tted in the non-wetted housing.
Supply compressed air to the dampener using a 1/4” or larger air line to ensure adequate air supply
to the dampener. Using a suitable adapter, connect the air line to the NPT inlet connection indicated
by the arrow. Attach the air line to the existing pump air supply line before any regulator used at
the pump’s air valve (Figure 1). The compressed air pressure to the dampener must be equal to or
greater than the air pressure supplied to the pump.
Compressed air should be applied to the dampener charge port at all times for proper operation. In
case the compressed air supply to the dampener is interrupted, it is recommended that a check valve
be added to the compressed air supply line to prevent the charge from escaping through the air inlet
while the dampener is depressurized.

5 AODDAMPENER™
AODDampener Model AOD-10 (1”) AOD-15 (1.5”) AOD-20 (2”) AOD-30 (3”)
PTFE Diaphragm Kit AOD-10-100 AOD-15-100 AOD-20-100 AOD-30-100
PTFE Diaphragm Kit, ATEX AOD-10-100-AT AOD-15-100-AT AOD-20-100-AT AOD-30-100-AT
O-Ring Installation Tool AD10-032 AD00-032 AD00-032 AD30-032
Replacement Kits and Tools
Diaphragm replacement kits include all parts necessary for replacement, including hardware and O-rings. The O-Ring Installation Tool
is intended solely for use when installing O-rings in the automatic valve on the non-wetted housing of the AODDampener to ensure
proper O-ring placement on reassembly.
Regularly inspect compressed air line for damage. If compressed air to dampener is reduced or stopped, diaphragm failure will
occur.
DO NOT use dampener if the fasteners (nuts and bolts) are corroded. Check for fastener corrosion frequently, especially in
atmospheres containing salt or corrosive chemicals, or if dampener leakage has occurred.
Read Before Installation
Maintenance and Repair
Figure 1
Prior to starting the pump, dampener must have the air supply connected and available to the dampener to avoid possible damage to
diaphragms. Once the air supply connection is complete, the dampener is fully functional and will operate automatically when the pump
is started.
To avoid damage to diaphragms, DO NOT start the pump before compressed air is supplied to dampener.
Step 3 — Startup
If a diaphragm failure occurs, it is possible for the pumped product to enter the dampener air chamber and be expelled from
the dampener exhaust. It is recommended that the exhaust be plumbed to a safe area or to a Blacoh SPILLSTOP™ unit if the
dampener location and/or the nature of the pumped product presents a hazard.
If a diaphragm failure occurs, it is possible for the pumped product to enter the dampener air chamber and into the
compressed air line. It is recommended that a one-way check valve be installed at the air connection to prevent backow of
product.
The exhaust port in the automatic valve is supplied with a mufer. Dampener will not operate if the exhaust port is blocked or, if
an air supply is attached to that port.
Pump must be turned off and system pressure must be zero prior to dampener disassembly. In systems with a static
head pressure, it is not sufcient to simply isolate the dampener. To prevent damage to the PTFE diaphragm, uid system
pressure must be relieved prior to removing charge pressure from dampener.
Diaphragm Replacement
Disassembly
1. Turn pump off and allow system pressure to drop to zero pressure. Disconnect compressed air line to dampener.

AODDAMPENER™ 6
2. Close isolation valve (if installed) on dampener inlet. Dampener can be repaired in place however, the preferred method is to
remove dampener from the system.
3. Remove and clean any thread sealant at the connection to the piping system.
4. There should be no residual pressure in dampener, however; slowly loosen all fasteners rst to slowly release any remaining
pressure before removing fasteners. Discard used fasteners. New fasteners are included in Diaphragm Replacement Kits.
5. Remove the non-wetted housing and discard used PTFE diaphragm.
Replace nut and bolt fasteners at each reassembly with fasteners of equal/greater strength value. DO NOT reuse old
nuts and bolts.
Process liquid may be present if diaphragm failure has occurred. Always wear safety glasses and other appropriate safety
equipment when disassembling dampener.
6. The backup diaphragm is attached to the air control shaft. Gently pull down on the diaphragm to slide the shaft out from the
automatic valve in the non-wetted housing. If the shaft does not slide out easily, remove the mufer, insert a small screwdriver
through the hole and push the top end of the shaft down. Take necessary precautions not to scratch or damage the shaft,
otherwise, the automatic valve may not function properly.
7. To remove the shaft from the backup diaphragm, secure the shaft in a vise with soft jaws to protect the shaft from nicks and
scratches. Hold the used backup diaphragm with two hands and gently turn it counterclockwise to unscrew it from the shaft.
Discard used backup diaphragm.

7 AODDAMPENER™
4. Apply a thin coat of lubricant (such as Molycote® 55 or equivalent) to new O-rings and install in grooves 5, 3 and 1 in that order
(Figure 2). The automatic valve will not operate if O-rings are installed in the wrong grooves.
Figure 2
O-Ring Replacement
1. There are ve grooves in the automatic valve with O-ring
seals installed in grooves 1, 3 and 5 (Figure 2). O-rings in
the automatic valve should be replaced with each diaphragm
replacement. New O-rings are included in Diaphragm
Replacement Kits.
2. Secure the dampener non-wetted housing into a vise with soft
jaws with the inside (interior) of the housing facing up.
3. Using an O-ring pick, remove old O-rings from the automatic
valve and discard.
Install O-Rings with O-Ring Installation Tool:
It is highly recommended that the AODDampener O-Ring Installation Tool be used to install O-rings in the automatic valve to
ensure proper placement on reassembly. The tool is engineered to properly install O-rings one at time in the correct position
and is available in three sizes to t 1” inlet models, 1.5 and 2” inlet models, and 3” inlet models. Refer to Replacement Kits
and Tools above.
a. Using the appropriate size O-Ring Installation Tool, insert the O-ring tool slide into the body of the tool until O-ring grooves align.
b. Position the rst O-ring into the rst groove on the tool to install the O-ring in groove 5 of the automatic valve. Use your nger to
cover the top of slide to prevent the O-ring from slipping out of place and push the slide forward to properly position the O-ring
on the tool.
c. With the slide held in place, insert the tool into the automatic valve until the shoulder of the tool is ush with the top of the valve.
Hold the tool in place and carefully remove the slide from the tool body. Remove the entire tool from the automatic valve and
conrm the O-ring is properly seated in groove 5.
d. Reinsert the O-ring tool slide into the body of the tool until O-ring grooves align and repeat steps above to install the two
remaining O-rings. Use the second groove on the tool to install the second O-ring in groove 3 of the automatic valve, and the
third groove on the tool to install the third O-ring in groove 1 of the automatic valve.
8. AODDampener models are equipped with a backup plate attached to the non-wetted housing to minimize damage to the
diaphragm if the dampener loses charge. The backup plate is held in place by two retaining rings. It is not necessary to remove the
backup plate during disassembly, except when necessary to clean any oil residue or remove debris from the non-wetted housing.
To remove the backup plate, remove the retaining ring using snap ring pliers and lift the backup plate off the housing.

AODDAMPENER™ 8
Install O-Rings without O-Ring Installation Tool:
Installing O-rings using a pick, or any instrument other than the specically designed O-Ring Installation Tool, is not
recommended as it may result in improper placement and/or damage to automatic valve O-rings.
a. Use an O-ring pick to push the rst O-ring into the automatic valve past groove 5 and then pull the O-ring back into groove 5.
b. Repeat the same process for installing the second O-ring in groove 3 and the third O-ring in groove 1.
5. Inspect the automatic valve to ensure all three O-rings are properly installed in grooves 5, 3 and 1. If not, use an O-ring pick to
carefully remove O-rings and discard. Repeat installation steps using new O-rings.
6. Apply a thin coat of lubricant (such as Molycote® 55 or equivalent) on the inside of the automatic valve, ensuring O-rings are
adequately coated.
2. There are no special tools required to install the new backup diaphragm. Secure the shaft in a vise with soft jaws. Apply medium
strength thread locker (Loctite® 243 or equivalent) to the threads on the new backup diaphragm. Gently screw the diaphragm
threads into the shaft with two hands and stop when hand tight. Remove the diaphragm and shaft from the vise, and insert the
shaft into the automatic valve.
Reassembly
1. If removed on disassembly, reinstall the backup plate. Clean and dry the internal housing surface, taking particular care to ensure
the ange area is completely clean and dry. Slide the backup plate onto the non-wetted housing until it rests on the retaining ring.
Reinstall the retaining ring using snap ring pliers.
IMPORTANT! When replacing dampener diaphragms the automatic valve must
be tested for proper function before dampener is reassembled.
3. Before proceeding with reassembly, test the automatic valve to ensure proper operation.
a. With air off, attach a compressed air line to the air inlet port on the top of the
dampener.
b. Place the non-wetted housing in a vise with soft jaws.
c. Push the diaphragm and shaft into the automatic valve until it stops. Turn on
air supply. Compressed air should now be owing into the air chamber. If there
is no air ow, one or more O-rings are installed in the wrong groove.
d. Pull the shaft part way out of the automatic valve. Compressed air should stop
owing. If air ow does not stop, one or more O-rings are installed in the wrong
groove.
e. Remove the compressed air line from the dampener, and the non-wetted
housing from the vise.

9 AODDAMPENER™
4. Place the wetted housing in a vise with soft jaws. Clean and dry the internal housing surface, taking particular care to ensure the
ange area is completely clean and dry.
5. Place the PTFE diaphragm in the wetted housing with the dome (convex) side down. Place the non-wetted housing and diaphragm
sub-assembly onto the wetted housing with bolt holes aligned. Ensure the diaphragms t together snugly to minimize any air
between them.
6. Insert bolts with at washers through the top side. Attach at washers and lock nuts on the bottom side for each bolt. Lubricate bolt
threads with anti-seize compound or oil before installing nuts to prevent galling.
7. Torque bolts in a star pattern according to the following torque specications:
▪ AOD-10, 1” inlet model, (10) 3/8” bolts −17 ft-lb / 23 Nm
▪ AOD-15 and AOD-20, 1.5” and 2” inlet models, (12) 7/16” bolts −30 ft-lb / 40 Nm
▪ AOD-30, 3” inlet model, (24) 7/16” bolts −27 ft-lb / 36 Nm

AODDAMPENER™ 10
Item Description
1Wetted Housing
2Non-wetted Housing
3Bolt
4Washer
5Nut
6 PTFE Diaphragm
7 Backup Diaphragm
8 Air Control Shaft
9 O-Ring
10 Backup Plate
11 Retaining Ring
12 Plug
13 Mufer
14 Automatic Valve
13
3
4
212
10
11
9
8
7
6
1
4
5
14
Exploded View

Details regarding warranty and return policy are available on Blacoh’s website at www.Blacoh.com
M26E11_030
Manufacturer’s Limited Warranty & Return Policy
PROUDLY MANUFACTURED IN THE USA
Blacoh Headquarters
601 Columbia Ave, Bldg D, Riverside CA 92507 USA
951.342.3100 | www.Blacoh.com | [email protected]