In the compressed air world, there are quite a number of energy savings features available to be installed on air compressors and air dryers. Often, these cost a premium to buy — but will very quickly pay for the added cost through reduced electricity bills. A recycling facility purchased an energy efficient heated blower style […]
Six simple ways to improve your compressed air system
By Ron Marshall Compressed air is one of the most expensive ways to supply energy to facility tools and equipment. This is due to the inherent inefficiencies in the process of compressing air — the biggest product is heat and the secondary output is compressed air. While this is disappointing, there are still things that […]
Why is compressor control important?
When controlling screw compressors, the goal is to try to keep all the running compressors fully loaded except one. And the one running partly loaded (called trim) is selected as the one having best part load efficiency characteristics. When there are only two or three compressors in a group, it is quite easy to set […]
How do you adjust dew point on air dryers?
Question: I need your advice about how to adjust the dew point for the dryers which are equipped with a dew point controller. Also, for those not having a controller, how can we determine which dew point is the best setting — -40 or -70? Answer: This is a complicated question. The method for adjusting […]
Compressed air fail: Ventilation design
A plastics manufacturer was having constant trouble with his desiccant air dryers. No matter what he did, they would constantly set off dewpoint alarms, which was very annoying. He called in a compressed air auditor to have a look. The auditor shot temperatures and found that the discharge of the compressors was too hot. Outputs […]
Some Joulin grippers now being sold under Piab’s Kenos brand
In May, Piab acquired Joulin, a global leader of vacuum gripping solutions. Now, the company has integrated three of Joulin’s gripper ranges into its existing Kenos portfolio. However, solutions for heavy-duty industries will continue to be marketed under the Joulin brand. As the market for material handling solutions is growing rapidly, Joulin has been a […]
Compressed air fail: A modulation nightmare
John, the maintenance manager of a wood products company, was very proud of his Number 3 compressor. It has been operating for years, racking up more than 200,000 run hours — and was so trouble free, it was almost scary. Of course, John kept it maintained, changing oil and filters on a regular basis, fixing […]
ELGi announces rebranding of portable air compressor line in North America
ELGi Compressors USA Inc. (ELGi), a subsidiary of ELGi Equipments Limited, a compressor manufacturer, announced the strategic rebranding of its portable air compressor line in North America, previously branded as Rotair. ELGi acquired the Italian-based portable air compressor manufacturer, Rotair, in 2012. Rebranding “Rotair” to “ELGi” will strengthen the company’s presence in the North American […]
piCOMPACT 10X SMART has added functionality on small footprint ejector
The piCOMPACT 10X SMART is a compact, efficient, and intelligent ejector that enables you to take the next step in production control and ease of use. Based on COAX technology and integrated IO-Link technology, piCOMPACT 10X SMART offers enhanced flexibility, quicker installation, and improved customization. Building on the air-driven, multistage ejector piCOMPACT 10X, this product comes […]
Compressed air fail: Fire system
A large industrial plant fell on hard times and had to reduce their production shifts to only 8 hours per day, 5 days per week. The compressed air system remained running full time 24 hours a day, including weekends, due to the need to supply the plant’s dry fire system with air pressure. The total […]
