For the latest information on a variety of pneumatics topics, Pneumatic Tips presents our featured articles. These pneumatics articles were handpicked to provide you with the up-to-date news and information you need. Browse our list of featured articles today and learn more about the exciting world of pneumatic design.
Vacuum Pump System Controler Has Touchscreen
The VacTrac(TM) Series 24/128 Controller features enhanced graphics and control of up to 24 vacuum conveying pumps, 128 loading stations and 128 purge valves. The 24/128 controller utilizes a DeviceNet distributed I/O network, with standard features that include an Allen-Bradley CompactLogix controller with 10″ color touch-screen operator interface.
Easy to follow graphical touch-screens provide total navigational control of the central vacuum system. The setup screen, for example, allows for the naming of loading stations, pumps, purge valves and material sources so you know exactly what is in each hopper and where it is located.
Manifold sharing capabilities allow the 24/128 to reduce the cost for tubing and purge valves and can stage and sequence six vacuum pumps per manifold line. The 24/128 can assign each loading station to any of the pumps connected to the same manifold. When a loader senses demand, the controller triggers the assigned pump to convey. If more than one loader on the manifold needs material simultaneously from different pumps, the controller’s manifold sharing function will then stage the pumps so that they can use the same manifold. The first pump will begin, and when its demand is filled, the next pump will be triggered. The result is a flexible system with minimal tubing and purge valves.
The touchscreen display provides an icon based platform for easy maintenance, operation and troubleshooting. Easy to read diagnostics, operation and installation instructions as well as spare parts information are all available from the touch screen.
How To Correctly Understand Pneumatic Fittings
Pneumatic fittings is a very common element, we had better learn more about some of its knowledge.
Broadly speaking, pneumatic tools is to use compressed air driven pneumatic motor and the kinetic energy of external work output of a tool, in accordance with its basic work can be divided into: Rotary (eccentric movable vane). Reciprocating (piston volume ) General pneumatic tool parts mainly by power output, operating some form of conversion, intake and exhaust road section to open and stop the operation control part, tool case and so the main part, of course, the operation of pneumatic tools must also be part of the energy supply, air filters and air pressure conditioning components and tool accessories.
High life, high reliability and self-diagnostic function. 50 million times the life of the cylinder valve and 3000km have been commercialized, but in the textile machinery, there is a high frequency valve life demands more than 100 million times, preferably up to 2 million times. This requirement, the existing elastic seal valve difficult to achieve, which makes sealing gap to regain attention. U.S. Numatics (Numatics) companies have a valve, with gap sealing, ventilation valve in the valve body was later suspended state, the formation of friction-free movement, as well as from the dust-proof function, valve life can be more than 200 million times Although this is an old product, or worth learning.
Most of pneumatic fittings for automated production line, component failures often affect the entire line of operation, the production line of a sudden stop, causing serious damage, for which the work of the pneumatic fittings with high reliability requirements. Requirements of a chemical company in Jiangsu supply of the life of pneumatic fittings in the set is absolutely reliable, due regardless of whether they can continue to use, full replacement. Here also proposed various components life balance, and other so-called life design. Sometimes in order to ensure reliable and had to sacrifice life indicators, therefore, pneumatic system of self-diagnostic function that the agenda, the additional life expectancy of such self-diagnosis function components and systems under development.
With mechanical devices with multiple functions, an increasing number of connection not only increases the installation and maintenance workload, and also easily fail and affect reliability, so wire system improvements also Wei pneumatic fittings and systems designers of the pie.
Many of Use pneumatic fittings, such as rolling mills, textile production line and other, during working hours can not the quality pneumatic fittings interrupted otherwise caused enormous losses to pneumatic fittings of the operational reliability, therefore it is very important. In sailing ships, and use a lot of pneumatic fittings, but able to expand into the field of pneumatic fittings factory in this small, because of its pneumatic fittings particularly high reliability requirements, must be certified by the International Machinery.
To high-speed, high frequency, high response, high life direction. In order to improve the productivity of production equipment, improve the implementation of the components of the operating speed is imperative. Our work rate cylinder is generally 0.5m / s less. According to Japanese experts predict that five years later most of the cylinder will operate at speeds up to 1 ~ 2m / s, and some required up to 5m / s. Work to improve the speed of the cylinder, requires not only improve the quality of the cylinder, but also the corresponding improvement of the structure, such as hydraulic shock absorbers to configure the device to increase the buffering effects. Valve response time less than 10ms, life expectancy increased to 50 million times. The United States has a clearance seal valve, as suspended in the valve spool body, do not touch each other, without lubrication, the life of up to 200 million times.
Widespread use of oil-free lubrication technology, meet certain specific requirements. Because of environmental pollution as well as electronic, medical, food and other industries of the requirements, Huanjing not allowed in there is oil, so no air oil lubrication is the developing trend at the same time no oil lubrication can be simplify the system. Pneumatic fittings is very important.Lubricator European market is already out of the product, generally done without oil lubrication. In addition, in order to meet certain special requirements.
Electromechanical Actuators Suit Off-Highway Equipment Applications
SKF® “drop-in” electromechanical actuators introduced for off-highway equipment applications provide easy-to-mount solutions for integration into new or existing design envelopes. These highly robust actuators ideally can perform functions traditionally controlled either hydraulically or manually.
The “plug-and-play” actuators have been engineered to promote precise and reliable movement in dozens of applications ranging from steering-wheel and seat adjustment to trailer tilting and hood lifting, among others.
Two series have been developed to satisfy medium/heavy or low-load applications. Both feature corrosion-resistant housings and durable metal gears offering the capability to withstand extreme temperature swings, vibration, shock, dust, and moisture in the field. The actuators are self-locking IP 66-rated and can operate over a wide temperature range (-40º C to 85º C).
Their use can deliver greater precision, process control, and accuracy; reduced maintenance-related downtime; diminished environmental impact with elimination of potential hydraulic fuel leaks; improved working conditions due to enhanced operator ergonomics and safety mechanisms; and increased productivity with the elimination of the need for manual operations.
This family of actuators can additionally be equipped with various options and otherwise customized for the particular application.
Mounted Vacuum Designed For Marine Environment
Vector Technologies introduced the electric Titan M-721, the latest addition to the VecLoader Titan M Marine Vacuum Series. The Titan M-721 features the massive power of 3,700 CFM, 28″ Hg and 200 Hp, all in a compact package specifically designed for the difficult marine environment. In addition to recovery of blast media, the Titan M-721 provides high-performance vacuuming of most flowable bulk materials and liquids.
When combined with a vacuum bottle or vacuum box, the Titan M-721 has the ability to vacuum all day while never needing to leave the job site for dumping. VecLoader Titan Vacuums are manufactured and serviced by Vector Technologies, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For over 30 years, Vector has provided Abrasive Blasters and shipyards with Titan high CFM/high vacuum systems for blast media recovery.
The Titan M-721s 28″ Hg vacuum allows great job flexibility when conveying longer distances or dense waste streams such as steel grit. Utilizing a five or six-inch diameter hose or multiple smaller diameter hoses, the Titan M-721 can vacuum steel grit and other abrasives at distances up to 1,200 feet with productivity to 20 tons per hour. The VecLoader Titan M-721 features a 54″ self-pulsing baghouse with 37 filter bags, allowing for continuous operation without the need for periodic shutdown for filter cleaning. The VecLoader filtration system has been validated by numerous safety, environmental and hygienic personnel, insuring the highest level of safety and environmental compliance.
The Titan M-721 is easily maintained, simple to use, and without complicated set-up. The Titan M-721 has standard fork-lift pockets and certified lifting eyes as an integral part of the design. Units are available with optional sound attenuation panels and premium grade silencers; providing powerful, yet quiet operation with sound levels to below 85 dBA where beneficial.
Thermally Actuated Gas Shut-Off Valves Used To Control Flow Of Gases
Assured Automation announced the FireBag – a new line of thermally actuated gas shut-off valves used to control the flow of natural, propane or butane gases.
Many existing emergency gas shut-off devices require manual manipulation – a poor solution in emergency fire situations. The FireBag provides a solution by automatically discontinuing the flow of gas when the ambient temperature reaches 100° C (212° F). With this device, gas is automatically discontinued in fire situations to avert fire escalation and potential gas explosions.
According to the NFPA, the U.S. fire departments face 2,110 home fires a year where natural gas is the first material ignited, and 1,170 home fires a year where LP-gas is involved with the start of a fire. Most home gas fires originate in the kitchen at the stove or gas range.
The FireBag domestic product line includes:
o G4T404 for utility-supplied gas pipes, heating systems with radiant pipes, and hot air generators
o G2T50 for utility-supplied gas meters
o G4T10 for gas boilers and wall heaters
o G2T40 for gas appliances such as stoves ( ranges) and gas radiators
o G4TF for thermal stations
The FireBag industrial product line includes:
o G4T404 for varnishing and paint booths
o TASF for gas motors
o G4TF for commercial ovens
The FireBag has been used throughout the world to provide automatic thermal interruption of gas in paint booth applications, water heaters, stoves and ranges, radiator and gas utilities.
Although US fire codes and certifications for thermally activated shutoff devices currently do not exist, the FireBag conforms to internationally established codes and standards. For example, the European UNI EN 1775 Standard requires all indoor gas pipelines be designed, built and protected to prevent explosions in the case of fire as well as spreading of the fire itself. The FireBag conforms to this standard as well as the European Directive 90/396/CEE, the German Firing System Directive and DVGW TRGI 86/96. It also is certified for the German National Standard DIN 3586.
Clippard Introduces New EW Series Electronic Valves
Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Inc. introduces the new EW Series electronic valves. Featuring wire leads out of the top of the valve, the EW Series is available in 2-way or 3-way, Normally-Closed or fully-ported.
The EW Series utilizes the same operating functions as Clippard’s EV/ET line of electronic valves that have produced billions of cycles of fail-free operation. The EW line offers flexibility in design with it’s offering of either in-line or manifold mount options and several DC voltages. Featuring a fast response time of 5 to 10 milliseconds and a power consumption of just 0.67 watts, the EW series is ideal for unlimited applications.
Clippard Instrument Laboratory, Inc.
www.clippard.com
Bimba Introduces its First Rod-Type Electric Actuator
April 16, 2010 by admin
Filed under Actuators, Equipment, Featured, Industry News
Monee, IL — Bimba announces the introduction of its first ever, rod-type electric actuator, the Original Line Electric (OLE).
OLE actuators are designed, built, and tested to provide the longest life, greatest durability, highest speed, and most thrust per dollar. With speeds up to 22 inches per second, strokes to 18 inches standard, and thrusts up to 350 pounds, these new actuators can address a wide range of applications. The unique modular design can be ordered with or without motors and drivers’ from Bimba, enabling engineers to use their preferred stepper or servo brand.
The OLE product line is available in 1.5, 2, and 3 inch diameters with standard options including trunnion, block front, clevis, pivot, and foot mounts, reverse parallel motor mounts with rear pivot or clevis, step motors, drivers, encoders, brakes, washdown ratings, female rod threads, and switches.
Bimba Manufacturing
www.bimba.com/ole
MV PosiTrap® Vacuum Inlet Traps
Billerica, MA – MV Products offers a line of vacuum pump inlet traps for protecting pumps in small laboratory, production, and R&D applications that can be easily adapted to changing processes.
MV PosiTrap® Vacuum Inlet Traps feature user-selectable filter elements that remove corrosive and abrasive particles from the vacuum stream to protect vacuum pumps in applications up to 50 CFM. Positively sealed at both ends to prevent “blow-by,” the filter elements come in a variety of specialized media which are easy to change and can be tailored to different processes.
Equipped with quick-release clamps, MV PosiTrap® Vacuum Inlet Traps can be changed in-line and come in 4” and 8” dia. straight-through and right-angle models that hold one- and four filter elements each. Filter types include stainless steel- and copper gauze, molecular sieve, activated charcoal, pleated polypropylene in 2-, 5-, and 20mm pore sizes, and Sodasorb®.
MV Products, Division of Mass-Vac, Inc.
www.massvac.com
Humphrey Products 410M Series Manifold
The Humphrey Products 410M Series Manifold is designed to accommodate the standard 310 and 410 inline solenoid valves. This special design enables mounting both 3-way and 4-way valves on the same manifold, with the 310 Series mounting orientation determining the normally closed (NC) or normally open (NO) function. Manifolds are available in 2, 4, 6, 8 or 12 station lengths. The manifold contains two galleys, one is common media supply port and the other is a common vent/exhaust port. Other accessories include manifold station block-off plates, a separate 12-station control board that simplifies electrical connections between valves and/or sensors.
The Humphrey Products 310 and 410 solenoid valves are versatile, robust components for any pneumatic application. This balanced poppet design makes them ideal for low power and high flow applications. The 310 and 410 Series valves are compact 1/8-inch ported 3-way and 4-way direct acting solenoid valves. The short-stroke balanced poppet design permits rapid cycling and requires no lubrication. The 310 series can be plumbed normally open, normally closed or as a selector or diverter.
The 310 Series valves have a 0.12 CV; the 410 Series valves have a 0.14 CV. Both valves are rated for air and inert gas from vacuum at 28-inches Hg to 125 psig. The continuous duty coil has a power consumption of 4.5 Watts, comes with flying leads and is available in a range of AC and DC voltages. A push, non-locking manual override is standard. Options include conduit connectors, plug-in DIN-type connectors, locking override, and built-in flow controls on the 410 Series valves to save space, weight and the additional cost of external flow controls.
Humphrey Products
www.humphrey-products.com
Could This Be The Wheel of the Future?
Most typical males constantly worry about our cars. “Is my oil low?”, “what is that ‘clunk’ing noise?”, “Did my wife put premium unleaded in this like I told her?”, “Why is my ‘check engine’ light on again?”. They even occasionally check the tires to see if they look low on air, and make sure to change them to studded tires for brutal winters. But what if you didn’t have to ever change the tire again dependent on the weather? What if you could buy one tire that would be designed to change to the weather? Yes, there may be a new kid in town in terms of cars and transportation; the Pumplon wheel could be tire of the future.
The Pumplon wheel, which resembles the shape of a pumpkin, or even a melon depending on its shape (hence the name Pumplon), is designed to change shape to whatever the road conditions call for through a rotary mechanism.
Living in a climate where you get to experience the four seasons to their extreme, you can get wet & rainy springs, 100-plus degree summers, chilly and colorful falls, and blistering cold winters. If you were to install the Pumplon on your car, according to Pumplon, you would not need to change them for any weather reason or road condition. Say for instance it was spring-time and there was a heavy rainstorm, by switching the Pumplons to the skinnier shape, it would increase contact pressure, cutting through the water on the road, allowing you to more safely arrive at your destination. Or if the road is flooded, switch the tires to the widest setting to make the car amphibious. In the summer, one may just want to hit the highway and cruise with the top down and feel the find in their hair, and for that they would change the Pumplon to the normal, or “ball”-look setting. For the fall and winter, when you may be trudging through mud or snow (intentionally or not), you will need as much surface area out of my tires as possible. You would consequently set the tire to its “melon” shape to get as much grip and surface area as possible, hopefully getting yourself unstuck in the mountain, or get you through the snow-packed roads to grandma’s house for Christmas.
With the world “going green”, it has brought about some rather interesting, very innovative ideas and concepts, and this one is no exception. The green benefits can be very numerous, from reducing travel times to increasing fuel efficiency.
The Pumplon wheel is the creation of Osmar Vicente Rodriguez, a native of Brazil, also a professor of industrial design at RCA Innovation. His intention for creating the Pumplon was primarily for solving transportation problems for farmers in developing countries where the majority of roads are either unkempt and in very bad condition.
How does it work, you may ask? The secret to the Pumplon is a steel shaft that can expand and retract by means of a rotary mechanism, pneumatic or hydraulic, adjusting rings which makes the wheel deformation wider or narrower.
The material of the tires has been the subject of special consideration. According to Rodriguez, “initially they were steel, but we replaced it with a thermoplastic material, which is easier to produce, lighter and cheaper, and is recyclable. The cover is of vulcanized rubber, similar to that used in tires conventionally, but more flexible to allow changes in size.”
