By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor There are a lot of pneumatic directional valve options on the market. There are the big players in the game who take up half the market under only a couple of brand names, but the remaining half of the industry contains hundreds of players with myriad options. When selecting valves […]
Components
HLD desiccant air dryer’s twin-tower design delivers control and efficiency
ELGi North America announced the launch of the Airmate HLD series modular desiccant compressed air dryer, a state-of-the-art solution for applications that demand ultra dry compressed air. Engineered to achieve ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 2 compressed air quality, the new desiccant air dryer consistently maintains –40°C pressure dew points. This meets the demanding requirements of industries […]
Compressed air fail: Inadequate backup
During compressed air audits, we often find that industrial plants lack the capacity reserve required to ensure the plant can run with adequate pressure — even if the largest compressor fails. Having extra reliable compressors and dryers can go a long way in providing for a reliable flow of compressed air, even in the face […]
What are compressed air pressure/flow controllers?
By Ron Marshall A compressed air pressure/flow controller is a device designed to regulate the pressure and flow of compressed air delivered to a system, ensuring consistent performance and efficiency. It acts as a buffer between the supply and demand sides of the system, maintaining steady downstream pressure despite fluctuations in demand or upstream conditions. […]
How do acoustic imagers help in compressed air systems?
The development of acoustic imagers has transformed the way compressed air leak audits are done, saving time for the user. Acoustic imagers are advanced tools used to detect gas leaks by capturing and visualizing high-frequency sounds that are typically inaudible to the human ear. When compressed air or gas escapes through cracks, holes, or loose […]
Compressed air fail: Inside the box thinking?
“Inside the box” thinking involves sticking to conventional methods and solutions that are tried and tested. For example: Routine maintenance: Regularly replacing filters and addressing leaks are standard practices to improve efficiency. Equipment upgrades: Replacing old compressors with newer, more energy-efficient models is a typical step. Basic monitoring: Installing pressure gauges and ensuring the system […]
Five big improvements for your compressed air system
By Ron Marshall Improving the efficiency of your air compressor system doesn’t always require a large investment. Small, cost-effective changes can lead to significant energy savings, reduced operational costs, and a longer system lifespan. Here are five practical and low-cost strategies to boost the efficiency of your air compressor. Fix leaks Air leaks are […]
Compressed air fail: Cold weather damage
Compressed air systems naturally generate condensate as moisture in the air condenses during compression and cooling. If this condensate is not properly managed, it can accumulate in the system, particularly in uninsulated outdoor pipes. During winter, when temperatures drop below freezing, this condensate can turn into ice, leading to significant operational and safety issues. Freezing […]
Festo officially launches its VTEP proportional valve terminal
Festo has officially introduced the VTEP, which it says is the world’s first proportional valve terminal, to the U.S. market. The VTEP is suitable for flexible gripping, web tensioning, force-controlled polishing, precision piloting, dispensing, dosing, and diaphragm pump control. This solution was discussed in our article on linear motion technologies in August, where the company […]
What temperature should a compressor room be during winter operation?
By Ron Marshall The short answer is “as cool as possible, but not below freezing.” The practical answer is uncomfortably cool, in the range of 50° to 60° F. Keeping the temperature low reduces the amount of condensed moisture in the discharge air and makes things easier for the air dryer. Compressors generate significant heat […]
