By Ron Marshall, Contributing Editor Fred had been the plant engineer at the packaging facility for nearly ten years, and he thought he understood his compressed air system well. The compressors ran, the machines worked most of the time, and whenever there was a moisture problem someone usually changed a filter or drained a receiver […]
Components
AutomationDirect adds guided cylinders and pneumatic silencers
AutomationDirect has added Metal Work 12 mm dual guide rod cylinders to its guided actuator lineup for packaging, material handling and industrial automation applications. Available with stroke lengths from 10 mm to 250 mm, the double-acting cylinders include dual guide rods for stability, a magnetic piston for position sensing and integrated sensor slots for switch […]
Compressed air fail: The water problem that started at the cooling air intake
By Ron Marshall When Sarahβs phone rang for the third time that week about water in the compressed air system, she assumed she already knew where the problem was. The maintenance supervisor reported water collecting in filter bowls, operators complained that pneumatic cylinders were becoming sluggish, and one production line had experienced quality problems because […]
Festo extends fieldbus connectivity into hazardous locations
In Class I, Division 2 hazardous locations, pneumatic actuators have typically been controlled from cabinets located in safe areas. Long wiring runs can increase installation and commissioning time, make maintenance and troubleshooting more difficult, and limit future system expansion. Festoβs VTUG-EX valve terminal provides fieldbus connectivity for use in Class I, Division 2 areas. Ethernet-based […]
Every compressed air audit should start with a block diagram
By Ron Marshall When engineers begin a compressed air audit, there is often a strong temptation to install instruments immediately. Pressure loggers are connected, power meters are hooked up, flowmeters are positioned, and data begins accumulating. It feels productive, but there is a risk: if you do not first understand how the compressed air system […]
Compressed air fail: Look for your numbers
By Ron Marshall Mike had walked past his compressors thousands of times. Two rotary screw compressors were installed in the corner of the plant, humming away just as they always had. He knew how to start them, how to stop them, and who to call when something didn’t sound right. Beyond that, the control panel […]
Festo simplifies decentralized I/O design with configurable digital I/O module
As automated machines become more capable, increasing amounts of decentralized I/O are needed. Conventional approaches often rely on multiple dedicated input and output modules, increasing hardware, commissioning, and additional components that machine builders and system integrators must engineer, stock, and support. Festo addresses this challenge with a new configurable digital I/O module for the CPX-AP-I […]
Your compressor may not be the problem β but your data might be!
By Ron Marshall When a compressed air system struggles, the compressor usually gets blamed first. Pressure is dropping at the far end of the plant. Production tools are slowing down. Another compressor is running more often than expected. The energy bill is climbing. The first reaction of management is often predictable: βWe need a bigger […]
Suction cup adapter solution from Sommer-Technik
The combination of suction cups and matching adapters from Sommer-Technik creates a system which combines maximum flexibility with high performance. Whether in high-speed automation processes or when handling delicate workpieces, these components are designed to grip reliably, move safely, and position accurately. One key advantage lies in the variety of materials: from HighTemp HT to […]
FRLs for compressed air prep and care
When a pneumatic system suffers a catastrophic failure, such as a blown seal, a ruptured airline, or a seized cylinder, the maintenance team must respond instantly to treat it. These unexpected ailments reduce productivity, increase costs, and work your millwrights ragged. Many pneumatic systems experience chronic unwellness, much as we humans do with cardiovascular disease; […]
