A common question posed to compressed air experts is “What component should I adjust to get my compressed air system running more efficiently”? The common answer is, “You should adjust that thing located between your ears.” Compressed air professionals commonly find poorly maintained and incorrectly adjusted equipment when they visit their customers’ compressor rooms. And […]
Norgren offers valve manifold series with Ethernet protocols, IO-Link connectivity
Norgren’s portfolio of VR Series valve manifold solutions has expanded with a comprehensive array of connectivity options for industrial users. With new communication protocols, Norgren’s valve offering paves the way for a complete connected pneumatic solution as well as a one-stop-shop for valve manifolds. Adding to the existing Multipole connectivity option, the VR Series now […]
Compressed air fail: Regulator size
An industrial component manufacturer had a system of five compressors located in an interconnected system spread between two buildings. The system pressure of the system was constantly running near 120 psi because of some critical high-pressure applications. Most of the production machinery was rated at 90 psi pressure. The facility manager was sure something could […]
Piab launches piSOFTGRIP 100-4, largest gripper of series
The piSOFTGRIP 100-4 has four gripping fingers and a vacuum cavity allowing it to hold objects up to 100mm (3.93 in.) in width. Like all other members of the piSOFTGRIP family, it is made in one piece, resulting in a simple and robust product. Made in detectable silicone approved for direct contact with food, the […]
Compressed air fail: Sizing bigger
A seed cleaning company was looking to expand its operations by purchasing new compressed air using equipment. Plant people spoke with the sales engineer — who informed them that each proposed cleaning machine required a minimum of 50 cfm of compressed air. Doing quick addition in his head, the engineer calculated they would need a […]
VMAC survey shows employee absences a top Covid challenge
Increased employee absences is the top challenge caused by COVID-19, VMAC’s 2021 State Of The Mobile Compressed Air Industry Survey reveals. Increased employee absences was selected by 41% of the survey’s respondents, followed closely by canceled service contracts (40%) and internal equipment and truck purchase delays (38%). “COVID-19 has brought unique challenges to businesses throughout […]
Compressed air fail: Placebo effect
A large industrial user installed a pressure/flow controller in its system to regulate the plant pressure to a constant level. The lower plant pressure reduces the extra flow (called artificial demand) that is caused by running production machinery at a higher pressure than is needed. The lower the flow, the lower the electricity bill. Flow […]
Compressed air fail: Read the problem
A sawmill purchased a VSD compressor to renew its compressed air system and gain savings. The equipment was installed, commissioned and was running for a number of weeks before a compressed air expert visited the site. The first thing he did was go to the compressors and read the load and operating hours. Compressor controllers […]
Compressed air: “Tanks” for the savings
Sometimes in compressed air systems there will be “high flow, short duration demands” consuming large gulps of compressed air for short periods of time. This could be a dust collector, a drain, a compressed air blowing device, a large cylinder, or a material transport system — just about anything can happen. When high flow demands […]
Compressed air: How low can you go?
When it comes to compressed air, the word “lower” is often used in describing actions to take in implementing energy savings measures. The key is to do certain actions that will lower the electrical bill and the resulting operating and maintenance costs. Here are some common actions: Pressure — Every 2 psi in lower compressed […]
