Compressed air is one of the most expensive forms of energy on a factory floor, and a traditional air-driven diaphragm pump wastes most of it. The electric diaphragm pump, or EODD pump, was developed to fix that: it moves fluid exactly like an air operated diaphragm pump but drives the diaphragms with an electric motor instead of air, cutting running costs sharply.
We supply EODD pumps from Graco (the Husky, Saniforce and Quantm ranges) and Dellmeco, for industrial, chemical, sanitary and food-grade duty, and can source other makes for a specific job. The ranges are below, or call +44 1332 913500 for help choosing.
An electrical double diaphragm pump works on the same positive-displacement principle as an AODD pump. Two diaphragms flex in turn to create suction and discharge strokes, with check valves steering the fluid through. The only real difference is what drives them: an electric motor through a mechanical linkage or geared actuator, rather than compressed air. The full pumping cycle and the case for each drive type are covered in our guide: Air Operated vs Electric Operated Diaphragm Pumps.
Energy is the headline. Generating compressed air is wasteful, with only around 10 to 15 percent of the electricity that runs the compressor ending up as useful work at the pump. Drive the diaphragms with an electric motor directly and you skip that loss, with savings of up to 80 percent against an equivalent air pump on the same duty. There is more to it than the energy bill, though:
Air pumps still win in some places, intrinsic safety in hazardous zones, the ability to stall under pressure unharmed, and sheer simplicity in rough conditions. Which one fits depends on the job, and the blog above lays out the comparison in full.
For food, beverage and pharmaceutical work we supply the Graco Saniforce range of sanitary EODD pumps. These are built for clean-in-place use, with 316L stainless fluid paths, tri-clamp connections, FDA-compliant diaphragms and 3A or EHEDG certification, pairing the gentle low-shear action that suits sensitive products with the efficiency and flow control of electric drive.
Graco covers most needs: the Husky EODD range for general industrial and chemical duty, Saniforce for food-grade and pharmaceutical work, and Quantm, a next-generation EODD pump delivering up to 80 percent energy savings with integrated smart controls in a compact body. Dellmeco offers its proven construction in an electric-drive configuration for chemical, industrial and wastewater duty. We can source other makes where a specific requirement calls for it.
Selecting an EODD pump follows the same logic as an AODD: the fluid (composition, viscosity, solids, temperature), the flow rate and the discharge pressure. The extra questions are whether you have an electrical supply at the pump and whether the area needs ATEX rating. We can help weigh up whether an EODD pump is the right call or whether an AODD pump still suits you better. Call +44 1332 913500 with the details.
If your questions have not been answered here, get in touch with our team for more information.
An EODD pump (Electric Operated Double Diaphragm) is a positive displacement pump that uses an electric motor to drive two diaphragms alternately, creating suction and discharge strokes. It works on the same principle as an AODD pump but replaces compressed air with electric drive, delivering significant energy savings and quieter operation.
An AODD pump is powered by compressed air; an EODD pump is powered by an electric motor. EODD pumps are typically 60–80% more energy-efficient, quieter, and offer more precise flow control via variable speed drive. AODD pumps retain advantages in hazardous environments (intrinsic safety) and where compressed air is already available. See our full AODD vs EODD comparison for more detail.
In most cases, yes. EODD pumps are available in the same port sizes and flow ranges as common AODD models. The main requirement is an electrical supply at the pump location. Where compressed air infrastructure already exists and ATEX rating is required, an AODD may still be the better choice. We can advise on a case-by-case basis.
A sanitary electric diaphragm pump is an EODD pump built specifically for food, beverage and pharmaceutical applications. It features 316L stainless steel fluid paths, tri-clamp connections, FDA-compliant diaphragms and 3A or EHEDG certifications. The Graco Saniforce range is the primary sanitary EODD pump we supply.
Energy savings depend on the duty, but typical figures are 60–80% compared to an equivalent AODD pump. Compressed air generation is inherently inefficient, with only 10–15% of the electrical energy used by the compressor reaches the pump as useful work. Removing the compressor from the equation delivers substantial savings, particularly on continuous-run duties.
EODD pumps are dry-run capable: they can operate without fluid for short periods without immediate damage, as the diaphragms flex regardless of whether liquid is present. However, prolonged dry running will accelerate diaphragm wear, so it should be avoided where possible.
