Dust collector systems play a critical role in maintaining compressed air cleanliness for manufacturers. Plant operators are always looking for any incremental advantage to improve pulse jet cleaning in bag (sock) or reverse flow cartridge systems. This is because even the slightest improvement in dust cake contaminate removal can create a cost-improving ripple effect throughout […]
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Turn off the air before the lights
An aerospace plant has an 8 hour per day shift, but the rest of the time the plant is empty. The facility has a compressor monitoring system where the pressure, power and flow is recorded over time. Recently, the flow meter output has been showing a regular timed pattern during overnights and weekends. The maintenance […]
How can you increase FRL efficiency?
FRLs are combination devices used to treat compressed air by filtering it, regulating its pressure levels and lubricating any pneumatic tools or equipment that use it. These devices require careful selection and care to ensure long-lasting, efficient operation. Here are some keys to maximizing the efficiency of your FRLs. Understand proper sizing and selection. Sizing […]
Robotics is driving a manufacturing revolution
Robots of future will cost less, run safer, improve productivity and adapt their operations on the fly. Contributed by Donna Ritson, President, DDR Communications I recently had the pleasure of collaborating with PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, on a research study exploring the state of the robotics industry, its key markets, recent […]
Compressed air efficiency: 6 key principles
By Ron Marshall If you want to keep your compressed air costs down, there are a half-dozen important key principles that you should adopt for your system. Following them will keep your system costs down for the long term and save you a bundle. They are: 1. Install efficient equipment — The most important decision affecting […]
Proportional pressure controls go digital
Clippard has recently launched what it is calling its most revolutionary product in years — its Cordis proportional pressure controls. Meaning “of the heart” in Latin, Cordis is at the heart of all that is important at Clippard, said Rob Clippard, VP of Marketing. “Everyone wants a smarter product these days and so taking our […]
FPTC keynote: the evolution of advanced automation
The growth in plant floor automation and integrated communications is at a pivotal junction; new technology is available and adoption is underway, said Donna Ritson, President of DDR Communications, regarding her keynote presentation at this year’s Fluid Power Technology Conference (FPTC) at the Milwaukee School of Engineering May 13-15. With a deeper focus on pneumatics […]
Catching up with Clippard in 2019
I had the opportunity recently to sit down with Robert Corazzini, a Regional Sales Manager for Cincinnati-based Clippard, a company known for its valves and other components in the pneumatics, automation and fluidics industries. “A lot of what’s new and exciting at the company revolves around our NR product line, which is the line of […]
Pneumatics and automation must go hand-in-hand to survive
Although some manufacturers are moving away from pneumatics in their machine designs, the industry can continue to grow if done smartly. That is, seamless integration of automation and pneumatics will rely heavily on the continued adoption of smart technologies, data collection and use, and more compact, efficient machines. This, said Donna Ritson of DDR Communications […]
What’s the wrong way to install a piping bypass?
Bypass connections are required for pneumatic components that are in continuous use applications, so that the flow of air is not interrupted when the component is maintained or taken out of service. Typically, shut-off valves are installed before and after the component and a piping loop with a shut-off valve routed around the component for […]
