A number of years ago, a metal fabrication plant started up an operation in an outbuilding to add to the production capacity of a larger plant. The new plant had several new processes that had never been tried out before, so the air loading was unknown. The plant had a couple of used air compressors […]
Air Preparation
Compressed air fail: A pork plant’s incorrect purchase
A pork processing plant installed a modern compressed air system with excellent components. The compressors were cutting-edge VSD style, connected to a sophisticated controller. Air dryers were desiccant style with dew point control and low differential filtration. Significant storage was installed to assist in keeping the compressors running efficiently without pressure issues. This system should […]
Fabco-Air, Inc. Releases New OEM NFPA Air Cylinder Line
Fabco-Air, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of the new OEM NFPA Cylinder Line. The FCQN Series combines cost-effectiveness with proven dependability. It is a repairable NFPA Interchangeable cylinder line that is specifically designed to give consumers an economical alternative. The product line is loaded with standard features. In fact, the cylinders automatically come […]
ContiTech Offers Air Actuators with ATEX Certification
ContiTech North America is pleased to announce that air actuators with ATEX certification have been added to its product portfolio in the NAFTA region. The new product offering is suitable for use in many branches of industry with explosion-prone areas. They can be used particularly in potentially explosive atmospheres containing gases or dust. The products […]
Compressed air fail: Incorrect equipment for the load
A tire shop was having problems with its small 15-hp air compressor. It had served the shop well over many years, but it was failing due to its ageβand it needed to be replaced. Because it was a single stage reciprocating compressor, the plant employees were not sad to see it go. It had always […]
Miniature pressure regulator for corrosive environments
The Fairchild Model 55 compact precision polymer pressure regulator is designed for high performance applications where space or weight may be limited or material compatibility concerns dictate the use of a polymer construction regulator. It features a separate control chamber that isolates the diaphragm from the main flow and a non-rising adjustment knob for controlled […]
Compressed air fail: The quick tool test
A fiberglass parts manufacturer was having problems with its tools. Despite repeated replacements, its grinding and cutting tools just werenβt performing well; they lacked power and were causing reduced productivity. The tool supplier was contacted to reach an acceptable solution. He, in turn, contacted a compressed air auditor to see if anything could be done. […]
ContiTech Offers New XXL Actuators for Industrial Applications
ContiTech North America is pleased to announce that a new air spring product offering is available for its industrial customers in the NAFTA region. ContiTechβs existing C-series now includes the XXL type air actuators that provide high output forces and extremely low minimum design heights. We are pleased to bring this product line expansion to […]
Compressed air fail: Taking the cheap and easy route
A large automobile auction house on the outskirts of a city was having problems with its small reciprocating air compressor. The 15-hp compressor was used to feed the compressed air tools used in the automotive repair shops within the facility, which previously required about 7 cfm of average flow. At one time, the compressor was […]
Compressed air fail: A little bit of luck goes a long way
A metal foundry was struggling for years with their compressed air system. Dirty water was fouling the air compressor cooling systems. Prying fingers were altering compressor set points. Units were shutting down so often that the plant was forced to rent three expensive diesel unitsβfor two years!βjust to keep their plant pressure from falling like […]









