A large automotive service shop had two 100-hp compressors, one being a VSD, both available to supply the compressed air they needed for painting and body assembly of large vehicles. The load was full of peaks, and the maintenance staff needed up to 400 cfm to provide flow to paint booths and breathing air hoods […]
Piab strengthens its grip on palletizing with LBG-50
An unavoidable challenge when defining a new bag gripping system in a palletizing line is to get the exact measurements to align with the conveyor rollers for a smooth lifting and releasing process. This demands time-consuming analysis and design and, later, even more time for adaptation and adjustments. Furthermore, additional solutions may have to be […]
Compressed air fail: Penny pinching
A farm implement manufacturer expanded its facility about 15 years ago, and personnel decided they wanted a premium compressed air system. They purchased three very efficient two-stage premium compressors, one being a VSD, and connected the equipment with large piping to reduce pressure loss. Filters were mist-eliminator style to reduce pressure loss. Air dryers were […]
Are pneumatic technologies at risk of becoming obsolete?
Last month, I had the pleasure of attending Pack Expo in Las Vegas for the first time in about five years. I’ve always enjoyed that show, seeing all the packaging machinery and conveyors operating, watching the pneumatics and motion control technologies do what they do best. But I did notice one thing this year — a […]
Black Bruin launches upgraded hydraulic wheel drive systems at Agritechnica 2023
The global agricultural machinery and supplier industry will be on show at Agritechnica from November 12 to 18, demonstrating inspiration and solutions for the complex challenges of global crop production under the motto “green productivity.” Finnish hydraulic motor manufacturer Black Bruin is proud to be part of this with sustainable innovations to be showcased on […]
Compressed air fail: Poor sealing methods
If you have ever done leakage detection with an ultrasonic leak detector you will get to know the common leak locations. If you have no detector, there is no excuse these days, excellent equipment is available for you to purchase at a reasonable price, go get it! A common sight — or rather sound — […]
ControlAir announces new electro-pneumatic vacuum regulator
ControlAir today announced the introduction of the new Type 1005V Electronic Vacuum Regulator. It is the first electronic vacuum regulator offered by ControlAir. The Type 1005V Electronic Vacuum Regulator is used in various industrial and automation applications to precisely control and regulate the flow of air or gases in a system. The Type 1005V Electronic […]
Busch Vacuum Solutions introduces new R5 RA
The new rotary vane vacuum pump R5 RA 0520 A from Busch increases energy savings by up to 25%. It features a compact and hygienic design, reduced heat emissions, and enables faster and easier maintenance. The optional Ecotorque variable speed drive provides up to 50% additional energy savings and a 20% increase in pumping speed. […]
Commercial-grade tractor hydraulic and transmission oil available from Amsoil
AMSOIL has launched new Commercial-Grade Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil for hard-working agricultural and commercial equipment. It delivers exceptional value for customers seeking an upgrade over conventional and synthetic-blend oils. Formulated with greater than 50% synthetic content and high-performance additives, AMSOIL Commercial-Grade Tractor Hydraulic/Transmission Oil minimizes viscosity change and provides outstanding wear protection. It features anti-wear additives […]
When should you use reusable hose fittings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hose fittings, also known as hose ends, are critical components of hydraulic systems as they connect hoses to the system’s various fluid ports at the pumps, valves and actuators. There are two primary styles for hose end fittings: permanent crimped-on and field-serviceable screw-on, also known as reusable hose ends. This […]
Using pressure regulator assemblies for industrial applications
Accurate, repeatable pressure regulation for applications like testing industrial products and processes, running fountains, or controlling the temperature of saturated steam can be easily achieved with the right pressure regulator assembly. A Proportion-Air QBX proportional electro-pneumatic pressure regulator piloting a Burling Valve BD4 pressure reducing regulator is an ideal combination to meet the demands of […]
CTC bell-type suction cups hold fast to sheet metal
In many industrial sectors where sheet metal handling is required, vacuum handling is increasingly used, and suction cups have become an essential element of safety, reliability, and productivity. With CTC high-performance bell-type suction cups, COVAL has brought manufacturers the best of both flat and bellows suction cups to enhance system efficiency. The main feature of this […]
Finding energy efficiency in the cloud
Every manufacturer using compressed air shares the challenge of keeping compressed air systems running efficiently and reliably. Depending on the industry, the compressed air system accounts for 10-50% of a plant’s energy usage and is as essential to uptime as electricity. But compressors are inherently inefficient. Leakage, irregular maintenance, pressure settings, and controls contribute to […]
Series 35G5 solenoid valve offers reliable fluid control for harsh environments
Spartan Scientific proudly releases its latest engineering success, the Series 35G5 diaphragm style solenoid valve. Designed to excel in challenging environments and engineered for exceptional durability, this stainless-steel valve brings a new level of reliability and versatility to fluid control applications. The Series 35G5 solenoid valve is available in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 in. NPT […]
Biodegradable vegetable-based hydraulic fluids offer high flash point
Bio-Hydraulic Fluids, Bio-Ultimax 1000, from Renewable Lubricants, are ultimately biodegradable vegetable based formulas that replace mineral oil based hydraulic fluids. Bio-Ultimax hydraulic fluids are formulated to perform in hydraulic systems that require Anti-Wear (AW), anti-rust, anti-oxidation, anti-foam, and demulsibility properties. They are highly inhibited against moisture and rusting in both fresh and sea water and […]
Compressed air fail: Bearing cooling
A wood products company hired a compressed air auditor to check out its system and try to discover why it now needed to run three compressors rather than the normal two units that previously satisfied the plant demand. The auditor placed instruments on their system to measure pressure, power, temperature, and flow — and quickly […]
Pursuing victory in the America’s Cup
The America’s Cup is one of the world’s most prestigious and oldest sailing competitions. It has a long and storied history, dating back to 1851 when the first race was held around the Isle of Wight in the U.K. The yacht “America” won the trophy, which is how the race got its name. Since then, […]
What hydraulic pumps are best for electrified systems?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Before I begin, let me preface this article with my definition of “electrified.” It’s rarer to find a hydraulic machine with no electrical or electronic components, so electrified might be redundant. In this case, I’m discussing the motion control and automation side of hydraulics, where the electric more is more […]
Lightweight, basic air preparation service units available from Festo
Festo launches MS-Basic, a family of pneumatic service units in polymer housings that offer attractively priced components covering most application needs. MS-Basic air preparation components have the functionality to perform the most important technical tasks necessary for proper compressed air preparation and consist of pressure regulators, filter regulators, electric on/off and soft start valves, as […]
Compressed air fail: Breathing air purifier
A metal process plant has two breathing air purifiers installed on site for the protection of its personnel. These units are installed to ensure hazardous Carbon Monoxide is kept out of breathing air. Recently, the two systems were evaluated by a compressed air auditor. When paint fumes or metal particles are in the ambient air […]
Emerson’s new IO-Link master saves costs and future-proofs air systems
Emerson has introduced a new Class A, IO-Link master that provides customers with a cost-effective solution for smart and analog sensor connectivity on the Aventics Series G3 Fieldbus platform. The G3 IO-Link Master is suitable for machine architectures with many sensors and pneumatic valves, and where it’s important to have reliable digital data communication between […]
Should wet compressed air receiver tanks be outdoors?
During plant inspections, it is often noticed that compressed air receiver tanks are installed outdoors. This is done for a reason — and is a good idea, in many cases, because it benefits the operation of air drying and filtering equipment and produces better quality compressed air when hot summer days cause worst-case conditions. Here […]
KM Industrial pressure transducer ensures safety in an ultra-compact design
Gefran Inc. is introducing the KM industrial pressure transducer to the North American market. The KM is smaller than Gefran’s existing KH industrial pressure transducer line but offers improved operational and safety features through environmental ratings and additional certifications. The KM series is available in pressure range options of up to 14,500 psi (1,000 bar) […]
ControlAir announces new electro-pneumatic pressure regulators series
ControlAir today announced the introduction of the new Type 1000P Electro-Pneumatic Pressure Regulator Series. The Electro-Pneumatic Series consists of the Type 1000P Precision Pressure Regulator, Type 1005P High Flow Pressure Regulator, and the Type 1010P Economic Pressure Regulator. The Type 1000P/1005P/1010P Electro-Pneumatic Pressure Regulators are complete closed-loop servo systems consisting of two solenoid valves, an […]
Compressed air fail: Remote cooler install
A wood products company called in a compressed air auditor to have a look at its compressed air system. System reliability was poor, and the staff was having issues with the main compressor, a 200-hp air cooled screw compressor that carried most of the plant load. This compressor was rated at 100 psi, but recently […]