By Justin Fluegel, Contributor Electropneumatic pressure regulators are commonly used to control the force, tension or torque output of an actuator in a machine. These are found in a wide range of applications from custom machinery, food processing, semiconductors, cyclic testing machinery, and welding applications. The breadth of opportunities is vast for this technology, given […]
Regulators
How do electropneumatic pressure regulators/controllers work?
Some electropneumatic pressure regulators work by combining three important elements: the mechanical valve, the solenoid, and the controller. The mechanical valve is comprised of the valve body, spring, and spool. The valve body is typically machined from aluminum or brass. It includes a port for the unregulated air to enter the valve. Internally machined is […]
How do you control pressure in a pneumatic circuit?
Pressure regulators, as the name indicates, control the pressure in a pneumatic circuit. Setting and maintaining pressure in a system is important for safety and energy efficiency of individual actuators, tools and instruments as well as for the complete circuit. A typical manufacturing facility has plant air pressure from the compressor set to around 110 […]
Modular FRL units offer better visibility and environmental resistance
The new ACD FRL unit from SMC USA features a modular design with uniform body style, better visibility and environmental resistance. Featuring a 2-layer construction, the bowl is covered with a transparent bowl guard. The bowl guard with windows has been replaced with a polycarbonate transparent bowl guard. Now, even if the environment changes and […]
VPPI proportional pressure regulator provides dynamic response, stable control
Festo recently introduced VPPI, a new family of proportional pressure regulators. Highly dynamic to 30 Hz, VPPI offers precise and stable operation in vacuum applications as well as tasks up to a pressure range of 12 bar. Coupled with an IO-Link interface as well as a fieldbus connection for controlling the valves via a Festo […]
FM-approved hazardous location regulators
Four new products are joining the Proportion-Air hazardous location series of regulators. These new Factory Mutual-approved devices meet the precision pneumatic pressure control needs of professionals working in environments where flammable gases, combustible dust or fibers/flyings and filings may be present. Two new intrinsically safe products offer higher accuracy and flow rates for hazardous locations. […]
Energy savings modules provide soft start capabilities, non-fieldbus economy
Festo has expanded its intelligent pneumatic energy savings platform beyond the MSE6-E2M (E2M) with two new modules — the MSE6-C2M (C2M) and the MSE6-D2M (D2M). These modules can pay for themselves in less than a year with the energy savings accrued. The platform provides actionable information that supports quality production. The modules in this platform […]
How can you increase FRL efficiency?
FRLs are combination devices used to treat compressed air by filtering it, regulating its pressure levels and lubricating any pneumatic tools or equipment that use it. These devices require careful selection and care to ensure long-lasting, efficient operation. Here are some keys to maximizing the efficiency of your FRLs. Understand proper sizing and selection. Sizing […]
Excelon modular air preparation products for industrial applications
Now machine designers and plant engineers have more options than ever for using new Excelon Plus filters, regulators and lubricators in their compressed air systems available in 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 and 3/4 in. port sizes. The compact and lightweight designs are robust and suitable for all industrial applications. Excelon Plus has been designed with safety […]
Coalescing filter/regulator combo removes liquid aerosols and particles
ControlAir Inc. has introduced the new type FA10 coalescing filter and the type FA12 filter regulator/coalescing filter combo. The type FA10 coalescing filter is specifically designed to remove liquid aerosols and sub-micron particles from compressed air. The type FA12 filter regulator with Coalescing Filter combines the coalescing filter with a high performance filter regulator in […]