In this blog post, we will discuss the first of five industrial compressor capacity control modes. The simplest method of controlling a compressor is Start/Stop mode using pressure switch control. This control simply turns on the compressor to run at full load when the pressure hits a lower pressure level β and turns off the […]
Components
Compressed air fail: Variable displacement
There are five different capacity control modes available for use with North American-built large industrial air compressors. It pays to know how each mode works, especially if you operate or service air compressors or happen to have your compressors operating in one of the least efficient modes. The accompanying photograph shows just one design that […]
Optimize air-operated double diaphragm pump with control unit
Ensuring that air-operated double diaphragm pumps run consistently and optimally through long cycles is easy with Proportion-Airβs new Pump Controller. Many AODD pumps operate with just a ball valve and shop air. This can lead to inaccurate, inconsistent material flow. The Pump Controller is a turnkey system that eliminates these issues. Run-dry situations can be […]
Compressed air fail: Air-oil separator failure
A compressed air auditor regularly flow-tested the compressors under his study. This generally would be done if the air compressor was drawing low amps β a telltale sign that the unit is producing low flow output β or if the compressor has excessive hours. Often times, internal wear due to age will reduce output […]
Clippard launches EHS high-pressure electronic valves
The EHS series of high-pressure electronic valves from Clippard is precision-engineered to deliver robust performance in higher pressure (up to 1,000 psig) applications, prioritizing both safe functionality and the reduction of potential leak points. Building upon the foundation set by the ES series, the EHS incorporates key features such as substantial cross sectional O-rings, proven […]
Why use point-of-use dryers with compressed air systems?
It is common to see the air in a complete plant dried by a desiccant dryer only to service one small end-use that is subject to freezing temperatures. The purge from a large desiccant dryer is much more costly than that of a small point-of-use dryer, which can be placed on the outdoor feed. The […]
New Proportion-Air Supply benchtop testing device saves time
Proportion-Air is expanding its proportional electro-pneumatic pressure and flow control into the testing equipment field with its newest product, the Proportion-Air Supply. This benchtop unit for lab or manufacturing use is designed to regulate compressed air and other gases within prescribed pressure and flow limits for easy use. Suitable for developing, testing, and diagnosing pneumatic […]
Which pneumatic technology is best for linear motion applications?
In linear motion applications, pneumatics, servo pneumatics, and controlled pneumatics each deliver unique motion and force capabilities. Contributed byΒ By Frank Langro,Β Director of Product Market Management, ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟ Automation, Festo ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟ linear actuators are fundamental for automation because of their low cost, ease of installation and operation, high yet compliant force, speed, compactness, safety in hazardous areas, […]
Compressed air fail: No log
A compressed air auditor was excited to see logbooks for each of the compressors at a large mineral processing facility. Each book was protected from the environment by a really nice orange plastic case. The auditor was interested to see the compressor history and opened the book, only to discover it was blank β no […]
Compressed air fail: Clutch play
A compressed air auditor recently performed an energy audit at a mineral processing facility. Plant personnel were constantly complaining about production outages due to low pressure. The problem was that when the pressure dips down below 80 psi, the drive clutches on the large ball mills β that grind the processed down minerals to powder […]
