Pat PhillipsΒ β’Β Product ManagerΒ β’Β Fluid Power & Mechanical ProductsΒ β’Β AutomationDirect Following these design rules will ensure a successful machine automation application. ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟ cylinders are a popular way to clamp, position and transfer parts in automated equipment. They also offer one of the simplest ways to achieve mechanical motion and fixturing of parts […]
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Compressed air fail: To VSD or not VSD?
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 […]
Miniature proportional pinch valve
When Resolution Air, Ltd. (Cincinnati, OH) started researching components for their new line of Miniature Proportional Pinch Valves (MPPV), they looked for ruggedness and quality first. The valves were being designed to deliver tight specifications for high-resolution flow control for integration into portable and handheld equipment in a variety of key industries, including bio-chemical, food […]
Membrane technology flexes its muscle β precisely
The method of reinforcing elastic items with fibers made of different materials and thus influencing their properties has been around for a long time. Car tires, for example, are given stability and robustness in this way, and garden hoses their flexible and resistant shape. Festo has developed this principle further, resulting in the Fluidic Muscle, […]
Critical safety functions within pneumatic systems
As machine builders become more adept at the science of applying newer safety standardsβsuch as ISO 13849βto their designs, theyβve started to take a deeper look at safety within their systems. Here are five of the most common safety functions within pneumatic systems. 1. Protection against unintended startup Potentially the most common of all pneumatic […]
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 […]
