By Ron Marshall for the Compressed Air Challenge A mineral processor purchased a VSD controlled compressor for their plant, to save energy. This unit very nicely supplied the variable compressed air load, automatically ramping up to full speed when peak demands required full flow, but efficiently turning down to low speed when normal demands consumed […]
Compressed air fail: Poor control by design
By Ron Marshall for the Compressed Air Challenge A highway coach manufacturer had a large compressed air system feeding their growing plant. Over the years, the plant had expanded three timesβand each time, new air compressors were installed. There wasnβt room to install all the compressors in one location so new compressor rooms were built […]
Compressed air fail: Wet storage
By Ron Marshall for the Compressed Air Challenge A metal products manufacturer was well aware of the benefits of large storage receivers installed on its system of load/unload compressors. The receivers act as a quiet zone where water and lubricant can settle out of the air before entering the system dryers. In this zone, the […]
Compressed air fail: Dryer sensing issue
By Ron Marshall for the Compressed Air Challenge A building products manufacturer installed a completely new compressed air system to increase reliability and reduce compressed air costs. A new two-stage VSD, externally heated dryer with dew point demand switching, and low differential filters all combined for excellent system energy performance. The power utility installed a […]
Technology Tuesday podcast on fluid power distribution
Design World has launched Technology Tuesdays Podcasts in 2015, and the latest episode focuses on the business of fluid power and industrial distribution. Click below to listen to Design World Editorial Director Paul J. Heney discuss impact of the Internet on distribution, along with some thoughts on the future of fluid power,Β with Bill Tulloch, Executive […]
Compressed air fail: The knowledge gap
By Ron Marshall for the Compressed Air Challenge A manufacturer of computer hard drives recently designed and installed a cutting edge compressed air system made up of premium efficiency components. The company installed six lubricant-free screw compressors, including one VSD. For air quality, premium efficiency heated blower style dryers were selected and came equipped with […]
Compressed air fail: Gray cloud has a silver lining
By Ron Marshall for the Compressed Air Challenge A plastic film manufacturer chose to purchase a very efficient VSD-style lubricant-free compressor and heat of compression dryer for a new plant expansion. The unit was designed to supply partial loads very efficiently by turning down the speed of the air end, with a proportional reduction in […]
Festo unveils its latest bio-creations
Iβve written extensively in the past about how German-based Festo AGβs Bionic Learning Network has developed some stunning robots based on nature. From elephants to kangaroos and birds to jellyfish, itβs been a great process to watch. Today, the company finally unveiled what theyβll be showing off at next monthβs Hannover Fair, and instead of […]
9 transformational trends manufacturers need to be aware of
The term βfuturistβ normally brings to mind something along the lines of Johnny Carsonβs old Carnac the Magnificent routine. But I was pleasantly surprised to hear futurist Jack Uldrich present at this week’s National Fluid Power Association Annual Conference in San Diego. Uldrich stressed that there are about a dozen transformational trends that are changing […]
Cleanliness, cushioning, and kits lead pneumatic-actuator trends
ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟ actuators, often called air cylinders, are an inexpensive and easy-to-use design choice for many industrial applications that require linear motion. While the technology has been around in nearly its current form for more than half a century, there are some interesting trends and design advances that engineers should be aware of. Air cylinders have […]
