Air Preparation & Regulation

By Justin Fluegel, Contributor Flow in a fluid power system is synonymous with the velocity of an actuator. Electro-pneumatic flow control valves are used in applications where it is important to control the revolutions per minute of a pneumatic motor or speed of the linear actuator in machinery, such as this plastic roll machine.  Both […]

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 […]

Tsunami Compressed Air Solutions has four new products ready to order for the new year – adding more capacity and customization to its product line. Tsunami’s new products include: an 80 cfm Pure Series Dryer, an 800 cfm Oil Coalescing Filter, a 120 cfm Activated Carbon Filter, and a pneumatic drain option for the Tsunami […]

Controlling the flow of air within a pneumatic circuit can be done with an electropneumatic mass flow control valve. Flow within a fluid power circuit is hard to visualize. For a pneumatic system, imagine having just inflated a balloon, holding the end of balloon tight admiring the efforts of your huffing and puffing. You now […]

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 […]

Learn some tips to ensure reliable, high-quality compressed air output at an affordable cost. By Ron Marshall, Contributing Editor It is crunch time. That important order needs to be processed by the end of the day. You are up against a deadline, and you only need a few more hours of production, and then the […]

A simple example of explaining a self-relieving pressure regulator is to imagine having a balloon with two normally closed ends. Call the ends supply and exhaust. Assume the balloon is empty and you ask for more pressure in the balloon. The supply end opens until the balloon pressure equals the requested pressure, then the supply […]

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 […]

Exhibiting in booth #SL 6307, Emerson will present the new integration of AVENTICS series 652/653 air preparation units with AF2 flow sensors. The combined solution enables more efficient air consumption and versatility for packaging lines. The expanded capabilities of the newly combined solution provide a clearer picture of air consumption in pneumatic systems and deliver valuable […]

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 […]

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 […]

As the United States continues to focus on social distancing to combat COVID-19, more companies are revealing how the move home for their workers is impacting their business. Despite this, companies like Emerson’s ASCO and AVENTICS divisions continue to step up production on key technologies used in life sciences and laboratories, including ventilators, respirators, hospital…

The latest IMI Norgren air preparation equipment for industrial applications, the Excelon Plus modular filter/regulator/lubricator (FRL), delivers great performance and enhanced safety in a unit that is 20% smaller and 35% lighter. Safety elements of the new Excelon Plus include padlock features on both the shut-off valve and regulator to prevent tampering, and a double […]

FRLs are key in treating and conditioning downstream components to ensure high air quality in most pneumatic machinery. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Often forsaken, the FRL appears in the bills of materials for commissioned pneumatic machinery, only to never be touched again or considered by the end-user. Even when penciled into the design of […]

Here are some best practices to supply safe, clean and dry air to a machine or piece of equipment. Contributed by Pat Phillips, Product Manager, Fluid Power & Mechanical Products at AutomationDirect Plant-supplied compressed air often travels a long and varying path from the air compressor to where it is connected to a machine or piece […]