A common question when looking at optimization of a compressed air system is; How much air am I wasting? Often, inappropriate uses consume significant amounts of flow, and savings can be gained if the operation can be supplied more efficiently through optimization measures. To be able to initiate improvement projects, we must first calculate how […]
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U.S. college students: Apply by May 31 for ASCO Engineering Scholarship
Emerson reminds U.S. college students to apply, by May 31, to its 2021 ASCO Engineering Scholarship Program. The merit-based scholarships reward excellence in education and service, and the potential for leadership and contributions to the engineering, instrumentation, systems, and automation professions. In its 14th year, the scholarship program is a key part of Emerson’s strong commitment to supporting quality, […]
Atlas Copco develops solid desiccant block
Atlas Copco has developed what they call the world’s first completely solid desiccant for air dryers. The material, termed Cerades, will be initially used in its CD 20⁺-335⁺ series of dryers. Company officials said the new product will revolutionize compressed air drying. Adsorption dryers have previously used containers filled with thousands of tiny desiccant beads […]
Why measuring in compressed air systems is a must
A common complaint from those who troubleshoot compressed air problems is the lack of information. A machine will be going down, caused by low compressed air pressure, but nobody knows what went wrong, why or even when. The first thing a compressed air assessor will do in solving the problems is go look at measurement […]
Unique SmartValve is fast and precise
The SmartValve from KTW Technology, Wehr, Germany, is a new type of flow-control valve that relies on a magnetized ball as the fluid-control element. This ultrafast switching valve is designed for high-speed pulsing of airflow, making it well suited for compressed-air blow-off, cooling, cleaning and drying applications where it reportedly brings higher efficiency and performance. […]
Functional safety with pneumatic rod locks
Functional safety features in pneumatic machines and systems are critical in reducing the risk of injury without impacting operational efficiency and productivity. Designers of functionally safe pneumatic systems have put in fail-safe mechanisms to detect potentially dangerous conditions and to activate a protective or corrective device, such as a pneumatic rod lock, that will prevent […]
Compressed air fail: Dust collectors
It is common to see reverse pulse filters applied to any process that creates dust in an industrial plant. Collecting the dust is sometimes part of the industrial process, or it could be applied for pollution control, preventing the dust from contaminating the neighborhood. Within these dust collectors are an array of filter elements, sometimes […]
Timmer launches timLIFT vacuum-handling line
Timmer GmbH, a manufacturer of pneumatic, vacuum and fluid-handling products based in Neuenkirchen, Germany, has revamped and expanded its vacuum-lifting product portfolio and rebranded it as the timLIFT family. According to company officials, the new timLIFT designs are significantly more ergonomic and quieter than previous versions. Three model ranges include: • quickLIFT — for one-hand […]
Smart pneumatics: Gateway to higher efficiency, productivity
Open and flexible IIoT systems can pinpoint leaks and faults, reduce downtime, increase throughput and, ultimately, improve the bottom line. Contributed by Nils Beckmann, Product Marketing Manager IIoT Integration • Emerson From food and beverage processing to packaged goods and factory automation, manufacturing facilities are turning to smart pneumatics for improved energy efficiency. In compressed air […]
Productivity Master embodies digital manufacturing
Last year when it became clear that in-person trade shows were not possible, Festo built its own stand for organizing virtual exhibitions and virtual customer meetings. “One of the most valuable exhibits is the Productivity Master, which helps customers deal with the global challenges of today,” said company spokesman Christopher Haug. It will be at […]
