One important item discussed in Compressed Air Challenge’s Fundamentals of Compressed Air Systems seminars is leakage. The most common waste category is compressed air. When studies are done looking at leakage rates compared to the total amount of compressed air produced, on average somewhere between 20% and 30% is found at manufacturing facilities (Fig. 1). […]
Components
How can you reduce air leaks without turning a wrench?
What if you could reduce all your leaks without turning a wrench? Well, it is possible with good pressure control. And sometimes it is as easy as turning a knob. The principle is shown in the following orifice chart, Fig. 1. As the pressure to a leak reduces by 1 psi, the flow consumed by […]
Helix connected platform provides real-time insights for compressed air systems
Ingersoll Rand announces the launch of its Helix Connected Platform, which provides valuable insights on compressed air systems to ensure reliability and extend equipment life. Developed for industrial applications to maximize uptime and peace of mind, the Helix Connected Platform provides continuous, real-time data monitoring for compressed air systems to enable maximum operational uptime. Advanced […]
Festo introduces its most compact parallel, angled, and radial grippers
From recently completed production lines, Festo introduces a new generation of competitively priced compact grippers that offer a host of advantages for precision electronics and small part assembly. The DHPC parallel gripper offers ≤ 0.01 mm repetition accuracy, while the DHWC angle and DHRC radial gripper variants offer ≤ 0.2 mm accuracy. The DHPC, DHWC, […]
Compressed air fail: Dead PFCs
One of many energy conservation measures available to industrial users is the use of pressure/flow control regulators. These are installed in systems to reduce the plant pressure while leaving the air compressors to operate within a wide pressure band, making them more efficient. A compressed air pressure/flow controller is a device used to regulate and […]
Electro-pneumatic proportional pressure regulator for high flow applications
Engineers and other manufacturing professionals looking for a single device that regulates pressure extremely accurately while handling high flows will find it in the Proportion-Air QB4 electro-pneumatic proportional pressure regulator. The QB4 pressure control valve is a complete electronic pressure regulating package consisting of a pilot unit with two solenoid valves, closed-loop electronic controls and […]
SITON silicon-free suction pads beat the heat in the plastics industry
20 years ago, COVAL first created SITON, an innovative, exclusive and patented silicone-free material. Its SITON suction pads are characterized not only by their non-marking capability, but also by their abrasion resistance and remarkable mechanical performance at temperatures of up to 160°C. SITON was originally developed to satisfy the specific requirements of the cosmetics industry, […]
Kaishan USA launches industrial, oil-free rotary screw compressor
Kaishan USA has introduced a new series of industrial, oil-free rotary screw air compressors, the KROF. Plant managers and operators seeking to stay ahead of the ever-changing innovation that supports the food and beverage industry will find unrivaled value in the technical depth of the KROF. The KROF is a two-stage oil-free rotary screw air […]
Understanding connected pneumatics and how they benefit manufacturers
In future, updating pneumatic circuits through the IoT will help manufacturers stay current and benefit from the opportunities available to them. Contributed by Mike Parzych, Product Marketing Manager • Norgren Smart, internet-connected devices have become increasingly significant in all areas of life, and industry is no exception. The use of automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics […]
Compressed air fail: Pony compressor
A large automotive service shop had two 100-hp compressors, one being a VSD, both available to supply the compressed air they needed for painting and body assembly of large vehicles. The load was full of peaks, and the maintenance staff needed up to 400 cfm to provide flow to paint booths and breathing air hoods […]