Portable electronic measuring instruments have been indispensable in capturing compressed air system baselines over the past number of years. Rarely are there enough permanent instruments installed at a typical industrial plant to use to get a clear picture of how well the compressors and dryers are operating. Very often, all a compressed air auditor finds […]
Air Preparation
Norgren Excelon Plus air prep components available from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added Norgren Excelon Plus air prep components to its existing lineup of pneumatic air prep products. Norgren, a well-known name for pneumatic components, manufactures products that provide exceptional performance, and its Excelon Plus air prep components are compact, lightweight, and suitable for most industrial applications. Norgren Excelon Plus 82 series air prep products […]
What are electropneumatic flow controllers?
An electropneumatic flow controller provides precision control of the flow of a gas to an actuator β representing the latest flow control option. They are most commonly used to control the flow of air to an actuator; thereby controlling the speed which the actuator extends/retracts or rotates. To appreciate the advances that electropneumatic flow valves […]
A compressed air rust problem?
Q: We have a problem with rust in a plant.Β Our downstream filters keep filling up with rust particles. Please see the attached picture. What do you think has gone wrong? A: I suspect that part of the steel piping in the plant is getting wet, likely from compressor overheating during hot days, or dryer […]
What is an air compressorβs pressure rating?
Air compressors come in many makes, styles and ratings.Β One of the most important ratings is the compressor rated pressure.Β This is the maximum pressure a compressor should operate, but as many people have found, the compressors will run above their maximum pressure, but should they? The primary issue is safety β compressors often have […]
The necessity of clean, dry compressed air
Learn some tips to ensure reliable, high-quality compressed air output at an affordable cost. By Ron Marshall, Contributing Editor It is crunch time. That important order needs to be processed by the end of the day. You are up against a deadline, and you only need a few more hours of production, and then the […]
What is compressed air’s water carrying capacity?
If experiencing troublesome βwater in the compressed airβ problems, it often helps to understand the moisture carrying capabilities of compressed air.Β A rule of thumb is often used to help understand the effect of temperature on the water content of saturated compressed air.Β The rule states: βAt 100 psi, every 20Β° F increase in air […]
New research reveals air compressors are most important equipment on service vehicles
A recent survey by VMAC has revealed that nearly two-thirds of owner-operators consider their air compressor to be the most important piece of equipment on their service trucks. This was followed by cranes, generators, welders, and a variety of job-specific pieces of equipment. Respondents also shared their preferences for air compressor types, with 80% stating […]
What are electropneumatic pressure regulators/controllers?
By Justin Fluegel, Contributor A simple example of explaining a self-relieving pressure regulator is to imagine having a balloon with two normally closed ends. Call the ends supply and exhaust. Assume the balloon is empty and you ask for more pressure in the balloon. The supply end opens until the balloon pressure equals the requested […]
Compressed air fail: The last 30 feet
An automotive plant was having trouble with a finishing tool.Β The device was sluggish and would easily stall.Β It had no power.Β It even sounded weak.Β It didnβt have that nice “Vrrip, vrrip!” sound like a normal air tool.Β A compressed air auditor was called in the investigate. The auditor took one look and frowned.Β […]
