By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Rotary actuators are devices used to transmit torque through a limited rotational arc. Rather than pneumatic motors, which rotate continuously, pneumatic rotary actuators move a load through a limited range of motion. Some actuators rotate through two discrete positions, while others are capable of positioning at any angle around the […]
Equipment
Compressed air fail: Dryer signature
A compressed air auditor placed data loggers on a single compressor system with a fixed cycle heatless desiccant dryer. The pressure at the compressor discharge and dry storage tank was also measured, along with the compressor input amps. On examination of the system profile, it was determined the compressor was rapid-cycling due to lower than […]
Compressed air fail: Drains importance?
Question: On our air compressor, we have a drain at the bottom of what looks like a filter, located after the air cooler. The drain failed so we turned it off … how important is it anyway? Answer: Here is the data you need to know about condensed water flow in compressed air systems (taken from […]
VMAC Releases UNDERHOOD 40 Air Compressor For Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van
VMAC has released the UNDERHOOD40 – Van Series for 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans with a 2.1 L turbo diesel engine. This latest UNDERHOOD40 rotary screw air compressor is engineered specifically for 2019 to 2022 Sprinter vans and produces up to 40 cfm of continuous air at 100 psi (150 psi max). “As customers upgrade their […]
How do you specify electropneumatic flow controllers and regulators?
Electropneumatic flow controllers and regulators are by nature both electrical and mechanical, thus requiring the designer to develop two sets of specifications for the regulator to function properly. The pneumatic or mechanical portion of the device is the same as a standard flow control valve or regulator. As with many things in fluid power, the […]
What is VSD cooling?
In the compressed air world, the hottest thing in the market lately has been the introduction of variable speed drive controlled compressors. Being hot (as in popular) is good — but being hot as in temperature is not so great. These units, if installed appropriately, can stabilize the air pressure, and save significant amounts of […]
Designing optimum pneumatic systems for food & beverage packaging
These tips not only adhere to food safety guidelines, but also serve to improve machine utilization and performance. By Steve Bain, Food and Beverage Industry Segment Manager, Festo Before describing the four pneumatic automation design tips for food and beverage packaging applications, it is a good idea to answer a fundamental question: Why apply pneumatic […]
Dealing with filter gauge issues
Air filters very often have differential gauges installed on them to help compressed air system operators detect when the element needs changing. It is very important for maintenance personnel to change the element when it is required. Having high pressure differential causes the air compressor energy input to increase by about 1% every 2 psi […]
ISO 5599/1 pneumatic solenoid valves from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added new NITRA ISO 5599/1 pneumatic solenoid valve components. These solenoid valves are completely interchangeable with any brand of ISO 5599/1 equipment. ISO 5599 size one and size two components include solenoid valve bodies in 5-way, 2-position configurations with single or double solenoids and 5-way, 3-position, double solenoid valves with a center-pressure, center-closed, […]
Can electropneumatic regulators be used in hazardous locations?
When thinking of hazardous locations, one’s mind conjures an oil/gas drilling rig, refinery, or underground coal mine — all these locations have in the past utilized traditional pneumatics as risk reduction because they do not have a spark risk, which a solenoid’s electrical actuation requires and creates. Expanding our view of hazardous locations, we should […]
