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Did you work with Wilden Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm (AODD) Pumps, Metallic and Plastic Models for Chemical, Paint, and Slurry Transfer? According to publicly filed asbestos litigation records, it allegedly contained asbestos. Here is what it was, who was exposed, and who is responsible. Wilden Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm (AODD) Pumps, Metallic and Plastic Models for Chemical, Paint, and Slurry Transfer, made by Wilden Pump, sold from 1955 until 1985 (asbestos era). Plaintiffs alleged that Wilden air-operated double-diaphragm pumps installed at chemical plants, refineries, and paint operations contained asbestos flange gaskets and packing that released respirable fibers during maintenance and rebuilds. According to publicly filed asbestos litigation records, this product allegedly contained the following: asbestos-containing flange and body gaskets between pump halves, air-valve interface plates, and manifold connections; asbestos sheet packing at valve seats — released during diaphragm replacement, gasket scraping, and pump rebuilds. Workers allegedly exposed around this product included Millwrights, Pipefitters, Chemical Plant Operators, and Maintenance Mechanics. Asbestos claims are brought against the companies that made the products. If you worked with or around Wilden Air-Operated Double-Diaphragm (AODD) Pumps, Metallic and Plastic Models for Chemical, Paint, and Slurry Transfer and were later diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related disease, you may have a legal claim against the manufacturer. This is educational information from an independent publisher — not a law firm — and is not legal advice.
Product Description
Wilden Pump & Engineering, founded by Jim Wilden and headquartered in Grand Terrace, California, was one of the original manufacturers of air-operated double-diaphragm (AODD) pump technology. Wilden AODD pumps were installed at chemical plants, refineries, paint and coatings operations, mining sites, food processing facilities, and municipal wastewater treatment plants across the United States. Wilden pumps handled corrosive acids, solvents, slurries, adhesives, and abrasive fluids.
Plaintiffs alleged in publicly filed U.S. asbestos personal-injury and wrongful-death litigation that Wilden AODD pumps used during the asbestos era contained asbestos-based flange gaskets between the pump body halves, at inlet/outlet manifolds, and at the air-valve assembly interface. Replacement gasket kits and sheet-gasket stock used to rebuild Wilden pumps allegedly incorporated chrysotile asbestos supplied by Garlock, John Crane, and Anchor Packing.
Workers Exposed
Plaintiffs alleged that workers exposed to asbestos through Wilden AODD pumps included:
- Chemical-plant and refinery millwrights who broke down Wilden pumps for diaphragm and gasket replacement
- Pipefitters and maintenance mechanics who cut and scraped asbestos flange gaskets during pump rebuilds
- Paint-plant operators servicing Wilden transfer pumps handling pigments, resins, and solvents
- Wastewater and mining maintenance workers rebuilding AODD pumps handling abrasive slurries