An automotive parts manufacturer wants to better control the air compressors. They installed a system of permanent monitoring and discovered the following (a quote from the Maintenance Engineer) “You should see what the datalogging revealed … 73% of the time, the system was operating over 30kW/100cfm. For only 5% of the time below 25 kW. […]
Graco upgrades LDX, SDX and XDX hose reels
Graco Inc. has announced the launch of its LDX, SDX and XDX series of hose reels, allowing for smoother releases and consistent recoiling with less maintenance. The family of versatile retractable hose reels handle all common fluids with unmatched durability. Choose from the industrial-grade LDX, professional-grade SDX and extreme-heavy-duty XDX hose reels. They include a robust […]
A look at air compressor capacity control problems
If an air compressor ran uncontrolled at full load all the time during periods of light load, the system pressure would rise until something popped. Manufacturers have built-in ways to prevent overpressure, the simplest of which is start/stop and load/unload control, using pressure switches. But for large fixed-speed screw type air compressors, there are two […]
Compressed air fail: Dryer reading
This question came from the manager of a large manufacturing plant: Question: We have a bank of parallel refrigerated air dryers. All the air dryers are showing very good dew point, yet almost every day we have water forming in our compressed air pipes. This water causes product spoilage and is a major problem. What’s […]
Compressed air fail: Wet flow
A large mine had a compressed air assessment done to gauge the efficiency of its system. The complex had more 14 large air compressors feeding underground operations. The assessment results showed their many compressors were running at superior efficiency; in fact, the numbers were so good they could not possibly be true. In previous years, […]
Compressed air fail: Measurement discovers costly malfunction
A small sand blasting company was incurring very large electrical bills totaling $48,000 per month, even though they ran their compressors on average only 8 hours per day. A look at their compressor hour meters showed the compressor was only running at 50% load. The company had been sold on a large 250-hp compressor, due […]
Compressed air fail: Startling discovery
Here is a question from a past (and possibly future) client of a compressed air auditor. Q: I managed to get a co-op student to help with compressed air leaks management/audit for the summer and we were also lucky to have had an opportunity to do the test you recommended a couple of years ago […]
NFPA hosting events for companies to meet fluid power engineering students
As NFPA’s University Power Partner Program continues to grow, there are more opportunities for NFPA members to get connected to students looking to enter the fluid power industry. The NFPA University Power Partner Program is a recognition program designed to showcase universities that actively participate in all NFPA fluid power educational programs. NFPA is proud…
Compressed air fail: Draining profits
A large industrial manufacturer has three large compressors running constantly in the plant. Occasionally during hot summer days, moisture problems occur downstream, so personnel outfitted each compressed air component with timer style condensate drains. All three compressor have drains on the water separators — this is where most of the water squeezed out of the […]
FasTest announces major rebranding, new website
FasTest Inc., a manufacturer of sealing connection tools and systems, has completed an extensive rebranding effort in response to accelerated company growth and a renewal to its corporate vision. At the heart of this rebranding is a change of the company’s look and feel, including logo and color scheme. “After 35 years of connecting with…
Compressed air fail: Piston to screw upgrade
A small automotive service shop was looking for new compressors. The old compressors were reaching the end of life and required constant overhauls. The shop owner was persuaded by a compressor salesperson to go with a screw compressor instead. The existing 10-hp units put out about 35 cfm each, one was the lead unit, the […]
VMAC releases “State of the Mobile Compressed Air Industry” report
VMAC has released its 2021 State of the Mobile Compressed Air Industry Report, sharing unique industry insights from the people who use compressed air on their vehicles. “It is our pleasure to share the latest industry research on the mobile compressed air industry,” said Tod Gilbert, President of VMAC. “We believe the state of the […]
Schmalz Vacuum Products for pneumatic systems now offered by AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect now offers a selection of pneumatic vacuum grippers and related parts from Schmalz, widely used in pick-and-place applications. Vacuum products are an efficient means of moving products large, small, and of varying sizes. This lineup includes suction cups in a flat style up to 60 mm in diameter made of Elastodur; bellowed style cups […]
Compressed air fail: Low capacity
By Ron Marshall During a recent compressed air assessment, the measuring instruments connected to a 50-hp lubricated screw compressor showed lower than rated amps. The customer had been complaining about low pressure in the plant, yet the plant flow meter indicated the compressed air demand was well within the rated capacity of the compressor. Typically, […]
Air-Way Global Manufacturing celebrates 70th anniversary
This year, Air-Way Global Manufacturing is celebrating its 70th year of operations. The family-owned company, started in an old airplane hangar in Romeo, Mich., has since become the largest independent hydraulic fitting manufacturer in the United States. Since its start in 1950, Air-Way Global has thrived amongst its competitors, serving numerous industries and hundreds of […]
Online training and learning is still hot
In this pandemic, we’ve definitely learned to use online learning, networking and training to the fullest. And even with a gradual return to in-person events in sight, we’re continuing to offer plenty of online opportunities to get new insights on fluid power technology. Last year, we launched a series of eight YouTube Live sessions with…
Compressed air fail: Hot and cold
An electronics parts manufacturer had a maddening water problem. Every day around Noon, its air system pipes started emitting free water at their most important end uses. This water came mixed with compressor lubricant and the dust ingested by the compressor intake. With the addition of pipe rust and scale — which formed due to […]
Extend your reach to combat leaks
Imagine if you were 30 feet tall — all the things you could accomplish in your plant! Well, one newly developed style of leak detector can greatly extend your leak detection range. One such detector was recently put to the test in a large industrial site with amazing results. One of the best ways to […]
New EPDM eliminates fluid leaks in slow-moving drones, cargo planes
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has begun manufacturing seals made from a new Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) material that successfully addresses a significant challenge in the aerospace industry — hydraulic seal leakage at high altitudes and low temperatures. The new material, 80 EPDM 426288, successfully seals hydraulic systems operating at temperatures as low as -85° F […]
Barko Hydraulics welcomes Justin Rupar as President
Barko Hydraulics has announced that Justin Rupar is the company’s new President. Rupar assumed his new role effective June 15, 2021, bringing more than 27 years of equipment industry expertise in manufacturing, dealer development, sales and marketing. “I’m very excited to join Barko, and I’m looking forward to getting to know our dealers and customers […]
Compressed air fail: One little box
It often pays to read the compressor control instructions! One compressed air system owner had two 150-hp load/unload compressors operating at the plant. A survey of the compressor hours showed that both compressors were running for significant periods of time in the unloaded condition, still consuming 40 kW, but producing no air. A compressed air […]
VMAC releases original research on air compressor lifespan
A recent survey of 1,464 visitors on the vmacair.com website reveals that most survey respondents expect a truck mounted air compressor to last 6 to 10 years, with 40.5% of respondents selecting this option. Next, 19.2% of respondents selected 1 to 5 years, followed by 17.8% selecting 11 to 15 years. This poll shows that […]
NAHAD continues to look ahead
This year’s NAHAD Annual Conference came off splendidly at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort in Arizona. Originally planned for earlier in the Spring, the Conference was moved back to June, because of continuing Covid-19 concerns. Then, a couple of months out, the organization also switched the location from San Diego to Scottsdale, due to concerns […]
NFPA’s 2021 Industry & Economic Outlook Conference registration is now open
Registration is now open for the 2021 Industry & Economic Outlook Conference. Making a return to an in-person format, the event will take place August 16-18, 2021 at the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center. This year’s schedule is packed with an outstanding lineup of industry experts and networking opportunities, and, as always,…
HRV-HP inline pressure relief hydraulic valve
Doering’s hydraulic inline pressure relief valves are an easy way to protect any hydraulic system from pressure spikes. Easy to install and durable for a long life. HRV-HRVF-HRVM High Pressure direct-acting relief valves are normally closed, pressure-limiting valves used to protect hydraulic systems from pressure spikes. When the pressure at the inlet reaches the pressure […]