The benefits of pneumatic power can be realized by following some basic pneumatic design rules for specifying air preparation units, actuators and valves. Contributed by Chip McDaniel, Educational Specialist at AutomationDirect Compressed air use by industrial machines is a close second to the use of electricity in terms of cost, and well ahead of other […]
Air Preparation
Compressed Air Fail: A poor dryer choice
A grain sorting facility purchased a new, larger compressor to renew their compressed air systemβas well as to prepare for future load additions. The previous compressor was a 50-hp size with a 200-cfm desiccant air dryer with dew point control. To prepare for future needs, a new 75-hp compressor was purchased with a new larger […]
Atlas Copco expands desiccant dryer line with CD+ and CD
Atlas Copco has introduced the CD+ 25-260 and the CD 25-260, two new dryer ranges designed for flexible compressed air solutions. The heatless desiccant dryers increase efficiency and reliable operation, even in harsh conditions. The CD+ delivers the highest efficiency for applications that require a constant supply of dry compressed air. It offers minimal purge […]
Compressed Air Fail: Cooling choke
A tire manufacturer used air cooled lubricated screw compressors to feed the production machinery in their medium-sized plant. The plant is located in an extremely hot climate. Over the years, some of the air compressors at the plant reached the end of their useful life and were replaced. Because the production demand was growing, the […]
Safe pneumatic system design
Consider the following safety and design choices for control of pneumatic systems in automated equipment. By Pat Phillips β’ Product Manager, Fluid Power & Mechanical Products at AutomationDirect A safe pneumatic system design starts at the connection to a machineβs air preparation hardware and continues to correctly pairing valves with cylinders. This article reviews the […]
AutomationDirect adds Total Air Preparation (TAP) Units and Ethernet/IP (EIP) modules
AutomationDirect’s line of NITRA pneumatics now includes new Total Air Prep (TAP) units and NITRA Ethernet/IP protocol compact modular valve (CMV series) modules. Both TAP units contain an automatic drain air filter with clogged filter indicator, relieving regulator, lockable shut-off valve, pressure gauge and air dump. Electric models also have an adjustable electric soft start […]
Compressed air fail: The value of measuring
A food processing plant was running out of compressed air capacity and decided to bring in an auditor to assess the size of the new compressor. The auditor hooked up his instruments to measure compressor pressure, power consumption and flow. Very soon, the auditor began to notice that things didnβt quite add up. When in […]
Compressed Air Fail: Dryer control problem
A food processor purchased a surplus air compressor and dryer at auction for their processing facility. The compressor was much larger than required, but the plant manager had hopes for future expansion. Because the air pipes in the plant run in unheated areas, a surplus heatless desiccant dryer was also purchased. The dryer has an […]
What are sizing considerations for an FRL?
Careful consideration to the sizing of the components feeding an end use is important. If not done correctly, the performance of the device can be negatively affected. Too often, low pressure problems will occur because a plant has selected a filter, regulator, lubricator (FRL) combination that is a standard size for all devices in the […]
How do I size air tool hose and connectors?
Perhaps youβve tested your air tool and found that it is getting a much lower pressure that its rating. This could be causing sluggish performance and a lack of power, leading to lower productivity. With a little bit of research you can fix the problem by matching the correct hose and connector to the tool. […]
