A large automotive service shop had two 100-hp compressors, one being a VSD, both available to supply the compressed air they needed for painting and body assembly of large vehicles. The load was full of peaks, and the maintenance staff needed up to 400 cfm to provide flow to paint booths and breathing air hoods […]
Components
Compressed air fail: Penny pinching
A farm implement manufacturer expanded its facility about 15 years ago, and personnel decided they wanted a premium compressed air system. They purchased three very efficient two-stage premium compressors, one being a VSD, and connected the equipment with large piping to reduce pressure loss. Filters were mist-eliminator style to reduce pressure loss. Air dryers were […]
Are pneumatic technologies at risk of becoming obsolete?
Last month, I had the pleasure of attending Pack Expo in Las Vegas for the first time in about five years. Iβve always enjoyed that show, seeing all the packaging machinery and conveyors operating, watching the pneumatics and motion control technologies do what they do best. But I did notice one thing this year β […]
Compressed air fail: Poor sealing methods
If you have ever done leakage detection with an ultrasonic leak detector you will get to know the common leak locations. If you have no detector, there is no excuse these days, excellent equipment is available for you to purchase at a reasonable price, go get it! A common sight β or rather sound β […]
Using pressure regulator assemblies for industrial applications
Accurate, repeatable pressure regulation for applications like testing industrial products and processes, running fountains, or controlling the temperature of saturated steam can be easily achieved with the right pressure regulator assembly. A Proportion-Air QBX proportional electro-pneumatic pressure regulator piloting a Burling Valve BD4 pressure reducing regulator is an ideal combination to meet the demands of […]
CTC bell-type suction cups hold fast to sheet metal
In many industrial sectors where sheet metal handling is required, vacuum handling is increasingly used,Β and suction cups have become an essential element of safety, reliability, and productivity. With CTC high-performance bell-type suction cups, COVAL has brought manufacturers the best of both flat and bellowsΒ suction cups to enhance system efficiency. The main feature of this […]
Finding energy efficiency in the cloud
Every manufacturer using compressed air shares the challenge of keeping compressed air systems running efficiently and reliably. Depending on the industry, the compressed air system accounts for 10-50% of a plantβs energy usage and is as essential to uptime as electricity. But compressors are inherently inefficient. Leakage, irregular maintenance, pressure settings, and controls contribute to […]
Series 35G5 solenoid valve offers reliable fluid control for harsh environments
Spartan Scientific proudly releases its latest engineering success, the Series 35G5 diaphragm style solenoid valve. Designed to excel in challenging environments and engineered for exceptional durability, this stainless-steel valve brings a new level of reliability and versatility to fluid control applications. The Series 35G5 solenoid valve is available in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 in. NPT […]
Compressed air fail: Bearing cooling
A wood products company hired a compressed air auditor to check out its system and try to discover why it now needed to run three compressors rather than the normal two units that previously satisfied the plant demand. The auditor placed instruments on their system to measure pressure, power, temperature, and flow β and quickly […]
Understanding air flow and FRLs
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor ΊΪΑΟ³ΤΉΟ systems are widely used within industrial environments to power machinery and equipment, providing reliable and efficient performance. The Filter-Regulator-Lubricator (FRL) is vital in maintaining optimal air quality and pressure within these systems. However, when selecting an FRL, one must not overlook the significance of understanding FRL air flow characteristics, […]
