Clippard released its new PHV series booster valve, delivering high-flow performance in a compact, pressure-piloted design. Engineered for manifold mounting, the PHV series achieves output flows up to 400 lpm at 100 psig with a lightning-fast 10 msec nominal response time, making it suitable for high-speed automation, large-volume dosing, quick-venting, and other demanding applications. The […]
Components
How do compressor cycle times impact efficiency?
By Ron Marshall Robert, the plant manager, was puzzled. His compressed air system had been running smoothly, but his energy bills seemed high. After reviewing his equipment, he realized the issue was the compressor’s cycle time. In a typical compressed air system, a lubricated screw compressor operates in load/unload mode. The cycle time refers to […]
How a plant manager solved his overheating problem
Chuck, a seasoned plant manager, was used to solving problems. But this summer, his compressed air system was giving him a run for his money. Temperatures in the compressor room were soaring. Alarms were sounding. One of the rotary screw compressors had already shut down twice due to high temperature. Production was stalling, tools were […]
Unlocking efficiency with compressed air system analysis
Compressed air is one of the most expensive utilities in an industrial facility — yet many operators don’t fully understand its cost or efficiency potential. That’s where a compressed air system analysis can make a powerful difference. Whether conducted by a utility, manufacturer, or independent consultant, a well-executed analysis can uncover hidden inefficiencies and chart […]
Why do your compressors keep running — even after you’ve fixed the demand side?
By Ron Marshall You’ve sealed leaks, upgraded nozzles, optimized piping, and trained your team on compressed air efficiency — yet all your compressors are still running. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many facilities invest heavily in improving the demand side of their compressed air system, only to see little or no reduction in compressor usage. […]
Why your compressed air system may be costing more than you think
By Ron Marshall If you’ve ever heard that it takes between 7 and 8 hp of input energy to get just 1 hp of work from a compressed air system, you might already suspect that these systems aren’t the most efficient. But the reality is even worse. In real-world industrial settings, compressed air systems often […]
Modular aluminum compressed air distribution for sustainable, reusable designs
Designing a well-structured compressed air distribution network is essential to ensure efficiency, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and long-term adaptability within a factory. TESEO knows this well: it was the first company in the world to invent and launch modular aluminum piping systems for the distribution of compressed air and pressurized technical fluids (such as argon, nitrogen, carbon […]
Simple design changes can reduce packaging machine air consumption
Total savings over the lifecycle of the packaging machine can surpass 30%, outweighing the incremental cost of enabling components. By Steve Bain, Industry Segment Manager, Food and Packaging, Festo Original equipment manufacturers reduce packaging machine air consumption by more than 30% while increasing the speed of their packaging machines by designing those machines with valve terminals […]
VMAC introduces advanced multi-port air manifold for pneumatic efficiency
VMAC announces the launch of its advanced multi-port air manifold, engineered to transform service trucks and vans into highly efficient and organized pneumatic workstations. This precision-machined manifold block is constructed from robust, corrosion-resistant material that provides a streamlined, durable solution for operators across various industries. The VMAC Air Manifold supports seamless connectivity, accommodating multiple hose […]
Non-repairable and dual guide rod pneumatic cylinders
AutomationDirect has added Metal Work ISO 6432 non-repairable pneumatic air cylinders, providing a solution for metric applications where an inexpensive actuator is desired. These cylinders are a great choice for machinery with limited installation space, and the self-lubricating bronze bushings provide many years of maintenance-free operation. They are interchangeable with other common brands of ISO […]
