A compressed air auditor regularly flow-tested the compressors under his study. This generally would be done if the air compressor was drawing low amps — a telltale sign that the unit is producing low flow output — or if the compressor has excessive hours. Often times, internal wear due to age will reduce output […]
Components
Clippard launches EHS high-pressure electronic valves
The EHS series of high-pressure electronic valves from Clippard is precision-engineered to deliver robust performance in higher pressure (up to 1,000 psig) applications, prioritizing both safe functionality and the reduction of potential leak points. Building upon the foundation set by the ES series, the EHS incorporates key features such as substantial cross sectional O-rings, proven […]
Why use point-of-use dryers with compressed air systems?
It is common to see the air in a complete plant dried by a desiccant dryer only to service one small end-use that is subject to freezing temperatures. The purge from a large desiccant dryer is much more costly than that of a small point-of-use dryer, which can be placed on the outdoor feed. The […]
New Proportion-Air Supply benchtop testing device saves time
Proportion-Air is expanding its proportional electro-pneumatic pressure and flow control into the testing equipment field with its newest product, the Proportion-Air Supply. This benchtop unit for lab or manufacturing use is designed to regulate compressed air and other gases within prescribed pressure and flow limits for easy use. Suitable for developing, testing, and diagnosing pneumatic […]
Which pneumatic technology is best for linear motion applications?
In linear motion applications, pneumatics, servo pneumatics, and controlled pneumatics each deliver unique motion and force capabilities. Contributed by By Frank Langro, Director of Product Market Management, Pneumatic Automation, Festo Pneumatic linear actuators are fundamental for automation because of their low cost, ease of installation and operation, high yet compliant force, speed, compactness, safety in hazardous areas, […]
Compressed air fail: No log
A compressed air auditor was excited to see logbooks for each of the compressors at a large mineral processing facility. Each book was protected from the environment by a really nice orange plastic case. The auditor was interested to see the compressor history and opened the book, only to discover it was blank — no […]
Compressed air fail: Clutch play
A compressed air auditor recently performed an energy audit at a mineral processing facility. Plant personnel were constantly complaining about production outages due to low pressure. The problem was that when the pressure dips down below 80 psi, the drive clutches on the large ball mills — that grind the processed down minerals to powder […]
Compressed air fail: The bag method
Did you know that garbage bags have a use in the compressed air industry? The use of garbage bags to determine compressed air leakage, is described in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (USDOE) MEASUR tool and is a straightforward and cost-effective method for roughly estimating air leaks in a compressed air system. This technique is […]
New pneumatic robotic tool changers from SMW Autoblok
SMW Autoblok just launched a new line of quick-change, pneumatic robotic tool changers that can be combined with various pneumatic grippers and C40 inductive couplers for contactless, wear-free energy and signal transmission. With these new products, grippers, tools, and other end effectors can be changed quickly to increase cycle time and productivity and are effectively […]
Pre-configured and assembled air preparation units for safe food use
Festo introduces a line of pre-configured, assembled, and tested compressed air preparation units that not only makes specification and ordering faster and easier, but also ensures clean air in food and beverage production. Right out of the box, the new units meet the Safe Quality Food (SQF) guidelines of final filtration stage 0.01 micron (µm) […]
