A compressed air audit at a metal parts painting plant yielded some puzzling results. Pressure loggers were placed at the compressor discharge and in the plant, but the readings were showing an unexpected and significant pressure drop between the instruments. Visual checks showed that the only thing between the loggers was an air dryer with […]
Components
High-precision pressure regulator offers stability under variable conditions
ControlAir LLC today announced the introduction of the new Type 410 high precision pressure regulator. The Type 410 provides a high level of regulation accuracy and repeatability during variable operating conditions. Designed with precision and reliability in mind, the Type 410 serves as a cost-effective yet highly efficient solution for controlling industrial processes. Despite its […]
Series 5000 operator system for higher pressures and increased flow
Spartan Scientific announces the launch of its Series 5000 Operator System. Designed to meet the demands of applications requiring higher pressures and increased flow rates, the Series 5000 fills a void in the market for reliable, high-performance solenoid solutions. Featuring a range of orifice sizes from 0.6 to 4.0 mm, and available in both 2-way […]
Compressed air fail: Dryer balance
A compressed air auditor was monitoring a system in a plant that produces plastic film. Part of the measurement involved analyzing the flow from the compressor room and the dewpoint of the compressed air. When examining the data, a strange pattern developed on the flow and dewpoint profiles (Fig. 1). We can see the output […]
Free pneumatic positioning optimizes gripping
ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟ grippers are revered for being an economical, easy-to-maintain solution with high force density. However, force control and precision can prove challenging, especially when handling delicate parts and parts of different sizes. Sensory feedback is essential in such applications to measure parameters such as the force applied, object position, and speed. Position sensing is especially […]
One Cajun beef, please, but hold the air compressor oil
No one wants air compressor oil contaminating production. And in food processing applications, quality and safety are essential. E2M Kitchen, a fresh and ready-to-eat meal provider, knows this all too well. The Charlotte-based company significantly evolved its food preparation and packaging process for creating gluten-free, dairy-free, and preservative-free meals. Every tool used in its production […]
Distributed electro-pneumatics streamline equipment designs
Machinery builders and OEMs save space and improve functionality by applying electro-pneumatic I/O and solenoid systems throughout their equipment. By: Chip McDaniel, AutomationDirect For machine builders and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) alike, there is an increasing push to deliver smarter, more modular, and physically compact systems. Among the many design choices required to make this […]
High resolution proportional regulators for sensitive applications
Pressure regulation applications that require sensitive, high-resolution performance have found success with the Proportion-Air QPV series electro-pneumatic proportional pressure regulator. The QPV line boasts accuracy of up to Β±0.2% and resolution of Β±0.005%, regulating pressures up to 150 psig or equivalent. Calibration of ranges as low as 0-2 inches of water column are possible. These […]
Sauer Compressors announces two new managing directors
Two new managing directors strengthen the management team of the Sauer Compressors Group. The compressor manufacturer has appointed Nicole FΓ€ssler as CFO and Mladen Milcinovic as COO as of January 1. As CFO, business economist Nicole FΓ€ssler is responsible for the new management area of Finance, HR and IT. The Swiss national has extensive experience […]
Compressed air fail: Unexpected water
Itβs always frustrating to find water in a compressed air system, and especially so in locations where the air is supposed to be dry. During a recent compressed air audit, a survey of the piping found that poor dewpoints were being experienced in the system. Investigation found that significant amounts of free water mixed with […]
