Determining what size of compressor to buy is a very difficult problem. This is especially true if the compressor will be for a new system that hasnβt been built yet. If you answer this question wrong, you might end up with pressure problems if the compressor does not have enough output to feed peak air […]
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How many horsepower should a 100 hp compressor consume?
CAGI Sheets tell the story! When you buy a 100 hpΒ compressor, how many horsepower do you think it should consume? Yes, this is a trick question. Compressor ratings are often confusing when it comes to checking the specifications of screw compressors. The 100 hp associated with the Compressed Air and Gas Institute (CAGI) compressor data […]
What’s more efficient, reciprocating compressor or screw air compressors?
Often, when it comes to choosing an air compressor for a service shop, there is a choice between types and sizes of compressors. Do you choose a standard reciprocating compressor or do you go with a more modern lubricated screw? But depending on the way you use your compressed air, and how the compressor is […]
Where do you use pneumatic hose and tubing?
THE basic function of pneumatic tubing and hose is to convey pressurized air to actuators, valves, tools and other devices. But there are countless types and sizes of tubing and hose on the market, so engineers should consider a number of important factors to select the right one for aΒ given task. Start with construction. Tubing […]
Compressed air fail: Compressor lubricant release
By Ron Marshall for the Compressed Air Challenge A food products company used lubricated screw compressors to feed the process machines in their plant. The compressors contained food grade lubricant because some of the compressed air came in contact with the product. The lubricant is an important item within the compressor, acting as a lubricant, […]
Can water damage my compressed air system?
In a previous post, we discovered that air compressors will produce significant amounts of water, which is squeezed from the ambient air the compressor ingests through its intake. This water, if left in the system, can damage the air compressor and components connected to your compressed air system and possibly contaminate your product. Piping will […]
A Lego-like pneumatic solution for customized machines
ByΒ Ken Korane, Contributing Editor Food and beverage processors and packagers strive to move goods as quickly, efficiently and safely as possible without damaging the end product. Sometimes the work is done by hand, but automated systems are often preferred to speed throughput and ensure quality. Devices like pick-and-place gantries, delta robots, and SCARA pickers work […]
Why is there water in my compressed air system?
Depending on inlet conditions, air compressors can produce lots of water. If this water is not removed, it can travel through your piping and overwhelm your air dryer (if you have one). The water will rust steel pipes, and act as a solvent for compressor lubricant. The water picks up the rust, oil, and dirt […]
New friction cup range keeps every sheet safe
Expanding its family of DURAFLEX friction cups, Piab is making sure that they meet emerging market requirements, and are able to offer the best and safest possible solution for any type of sheet metal handling. Safer handling of often oily sheets offers the opportunity to increase the number of strokes per minute in stamping, cutting, […]
How can I tell how many leaks I have in my plant?
If yours is like most compressed air systems, there is usually no simple way of directly measuring leaks. Most air compressors have no flow gauge installed for you to read. But a good rough estimate can be made by indirectly measuring during some special testingβusing a watch and determining the flow using a calculator. If […]
