A sawmill maintenance department requested a compressed air assessment to determine the efficiency of its system and to find out if any improvements could be made to reduce their compressed air system operating costs. They called in an auditor who placed data logging equipment to measure pressure, flow, and power. From these measurements, the auditor […]
Rotary screw compressors more efficient than ever
Rotary screw compressors are the dependable backbone of an industrial compressed air supply. With a multitude of features, the innovative CSD/CSDX range from Kaeser Kompressoren fulfills this role more efficiently, dependably, and economically than ever before, while at the same time reducing a company’s CO² footprint. The most important highlight of these compressors is their […]
Compressed air fail: Air dryer robbery
A routine audit of a wood products company has turned up some surprising results on a system that was thought to be very efficient. The system is simple — one compressor, a 100-hp variable speed drive controlled (VSD) screw compressor, and a heatless desiccant air dryer. Data loggers were placed on the system by a […]
Compressed air fail: Two VSDs
A bakery upgraded its aging compressed air system with to new air compressors. The corporate directive was to replace any old equipment with new more efficient types that would help reduce the company’s carbon footprint. As a result, the decision was to purchase variable speed drive (VSD) compressors to reduce compressed air energy consumption. Generally, […]
Compressed air fail: Check valves
A metal products company had a system of multiple compressors arranged in two compressor rooms. The maintenance workers were having constant problems setting up their compressors to run in a logical sequence. For some reason, the main compressor would never turn off in automatic start, which would allow them to save energy. The big compressor […]
Lifting more with less with Piab’s new piCOBOT L vacuum pump unit
Piab has continued to evolve its piCOBOT program by adding a larger version. Developed with the needs of customers in mind who work with small industrial robots and cobots, its high payload combined with a low building height enables maximum capacity usage. With its lifting capability of up to 35 lb, the piCOBOT L is […]
Compressed air fail: Remote coolers
A wood products company had issues with its compressor room. Despite installing good filtering, the compressor oil and air coolers would clog up with sawdust — and the compressors would constantly overheat. The maintenance manager, remembering something from one of his previous jobs, decided to move his compressor coolers outdoors. This worked great in the […]
Reduced price for CAGI exams offered
Are you a compressed air professional who would like to get CAGI Certified? Currently there is a reduced price for writing the Certified Compressed Air System Specialist exam to obtain your CCASS designation. Having this designation is important as it shows you have the knowledge required to be competent in the industry, knowing the general […]
Pneumatic valves: How do they work?
This content was updated on April 6, 2023, with a new section dedicated to proportional valve technology. Compressed air pneumatic systems require methods of safe and precise control of the actuators unique to their accoutrement. Although the medium is fluid, just as hydraulic or process water systems, the execution of control is different in many […]
Packaging manufacturer increases uptime with oil-free compressed air technology
Oil-free compressed air is crucial for packaging companies as there is zero tolerance for oil vapor presence in production. For a flexible packaging company serving North America’s food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, detecting oil contamination would mean a facility shutting down, resulting in significant production loss and maintenance costs. In addition, if oil traces reach […]