A compressed air auditor was performing his work at a large mining operation. He and the site electrician were opening up the various machine electrical panels to enable power factor testing. Within seconds of opening one compressor panel, the electrician jumped back with fright and informed the auditor he was going to be a while. […]
Components
Compressed air fail: Desiccant dryers
When working with desiccant-style compressed air dryers, there are several factors to consider, to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Desiccant dryers rely on two towers filled with desiccant material that alternately dry the air and regenerate, to maintain continuous operation. The regenerative purge is essential to removing the moisture collected by the desiccant, but it […]
Compressed air fail: Winter operation
Preparing an industrial compressed air system for cold winter conditions is essential to ensure reliable operation, prevent equipment failures, and avoid costly downtime. Cold weather introduces unique challenges, such as moisture buildup, freezing, and increased system stress β all of which must be addressed to keep the system running efficiently. Proactive preparation can safeguard your […]
Compressed air fail: Portable flow meter
When performing leakage detection on your compressed air system with your ultrasonic leak detector (if you donβt have one, good grief, run out and get one!), you will run across various leaks in piping and equipment. Many of these are small, so roughly less than $100 value per year. But quite often, you will find […]
Duradry dry screw vacuum pump is designed for harsh industrial use
Leyboldβs new Duradry is a dry screw vacuum pump designed for medium-harsh industrial production processes where high temperatures, high oxygen contents and corrosive conditions prevail. Its features make it suitable for applications like crystal pulling, plasma cleaning, heat treatment, coating and battery production. “The pumpβs main advantages are its ease of operation and low maintenance […]
Festo brings controlled pneumatics to the U.S. with digital closed-loop control
Last week, Festo introduced its Controlled ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟs, a digital closed-loop control strategy for delivering energy efficiency, high dynamic response, and precision movement. Controlled ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟs is a suitable solution for web tensioning; welding; surface processing; flexible gripping, including vacuum gripping; dispensing and pumping; PET bottle blowing; and diaphragm pump control. See a technical overview on how […]
Compressed air fail: Waste measured by flow meter
Do you know how much air your compressed air system is consuming? How about the level of waste during non-production? If you donβt, it may be time to purchase a flowmeter to find out the answers to these questions. Recently during a leak assessment, a compressed air auditor was surprised to see 46 cfm flowing […]
Piabβs FLC enhances capabilities of existing suction cups
Piab has launched its new piGRIP FLC interface that expands the usability of all existing Piab suction cups. βRegardless of application, this product helps handling height differences and off-angle-picking in a simplified yet sophisticated waym,β said Lennart Ryberg, Product Manager of Piab Vacuum Automation Division. FLC stands for ‘Flexible Level Compensator’ and is designed to […]
Festo introduces a robust suite of pneumatic safety solutions
Festo introduces an innovative suite of safety products, including its new CIP safety module, that ensures the safe operation of pneumatic systems and lowers the risk of injury and system and product damage.Β Festo pneumatic safety solutions are compatible with the top industrial Ethernet protocols β EtherNET/IP, PROFITNET, and EtherCAT β which gives them near […]
Compressed air fail: Pipe contamination
The typical piping installed in industrial plants and shops is made of steel, and as a result may be subject to rusting and contamination. Fig. 1 and 2 show what was found at a heavy industrial plant with the air compressors taking in polluted air. Rusting and contamination in compressed air system piping can lead […]
