ControlAir LLC announces the release of the Type CG330 and CG340 gas regulators. This innovative product line is specifically engineered to address the growing demand for low-emission solutions in industrial applications involving compressed gases such as inert gases, natural gas, and other sensitive media. The CG330/CG340 series of compressed gas filter regulators are designed to […]
Exhausted actuators can finally breathe with the ERDP Remote Drive
The ERDP Remote Drive is a closed-loop system that captures energy and enables more efficient designs. Air leakage is an accepted challenge in pneumatics applications. It is considered unintentional and requires maintenance and continuous monitoring. However, pneumatic systems are also designed for frequent intentional air releases as part of regular operation, which exhausts usable energy […]
Compressed air fail: How to create compressed air leaks with poor practices
Compressed air leaks are a silent and costly thief of energy, often accounting for 20-30% of wasted energy in industrial systems. While leaks can happen naturally over time, poor practices can accelerate their creation. Understanding the role of piping, end-use equipment, and maintenance in contributing to leaks can help highlight the importance of good practices. […]
Piab expands product offerings with magnetic grippers
Piab is pleased to announce the addition of magnetic grippers to our product portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions tailored to industrial requirements. The integration of magnetic grippers addresses specific market demands. These magnets are designed to support various automotive applications, particularly in areas like stamping and body-in-white. The magnets are intended to […]
What pneumatic valves should you select for automation systems?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor There are a lot of pneumatic directional valve options on the market. There are the big players in the game who take up half the market under only a couple of brand names, but the remaining half of the industry contains hundreds of players with myriad options. When selecting valves […]
HLD desiccant air dryer’s twin-tower design delivers control and efficiency
ELGi North America announced the launch of the Airmate HLD series modular desiccant compressed air dryer, a state-of-the-art solution for applications that demand ultra dry compressed air. Engineered to achieve ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 2 compressed air quality, the new desiccant air dryer consistently maintains –40°C pressure dew points. This meets the demanding requirements of industries […]
What are compressed air pressure/flow controllers?
By Ron Marshall A compressed air pressure/flow controller is a device designed to regulate the pressure and flow of compressed air delivered to a system, ensuring consistent performance and efficiency. It acts as a buffer between the supply and demand sides of the system, maintaining steady downstream pressure despite fluctuations in demand or upstream conditions. […]
How do acoustic imagers help in compressed air systems?
The development of acoustic imagers has transformed the way compressed air leak audits are done, saving time for the user. Acoustic imagers are advanced tools used to detect gas leaks by capturing and visualizing high-frequency sounds that are typically inaudible to the human ear. When compressed air or gas escapes through cracks, holes, or loose […]
Compressed air fail: Inside the box thinking?
“Inside the box” thinking involves sticking to conventional methods and solutions that are tried and tested. For example: Routine maintenance: Regularly replacing filters and addressing leaks are standard practices to improve efficiency. Equipment upgrades: Replacing old compressors with newer, more energy-efficient models is a typical step. Basic monitoring: Installing pressure gauges and ensuring the system […]
Five big improvements for your compressed air system
By Ron Marshall Improving the efficiency of your air compressor system doesn’t always require a large investment. Small, cost-effective changes can lead to significant energy savings, reduced operational costs, and a longer system lifespan. Here are five practical and low-cost strategies to boost the efficiency of your air compressor. Fix leaks Air leaks are […]
Compressed air fail: Cold weather damage
Compressed air systems naturally generate condensate as moisture in the air condenses during compression and cooling. If this condensate is not properly managed, it can accumulate in the system, particularly in uninsulated outdoor pipes. During winter, when temperatures drop below freezing, this condensate can turn into ice, leading to significant operational and safety issues. Freezing […]
Festo officially launches its VTEP proportional valve terminal
Festo has officially introduced the VTEP, which it says is the world’s first proportional valve terminal, to the U.S. market. The VTEP is suitable for flexible gripping, web tensioning, force-controlled polishing, precision piloting, dispensing, dosing, and diaphragm pump control. This solution was discussed in our article on linear motion technologies in August, where the company […]
What temperature should a compressor room be during winter operation?
By Ron Marshall The short answer is “as cool as possible, but not below freezing.” The practical answer is uncomfortably cool, in the range of 50° to 60° F. Keeping the temperature low reduces the amount of condensed moisture in the discharge air and makes things easier for the air dryer. Compressors generate significant heat […]
Compressed air fail: Extra audit benefits
A compressed air auditor was performing his work at a large mining operation. He and the site electrician were opening up the various machine electrical panels to enable power factor testing. Within seconds of opening one compressor panel, the electrician jumped back with fright and informed the auditor he was going to be a while. […]
Compressed air fail: Desiccant dryers
When working with desiccant-style compressed air dryers, there are several factors to consider, to ensure optimal performance and efficiency. Desiccant dryers rely on two towers filled with desiccant material that alternately dry the air and regenerate, to maintain continuous operation. The regenerative purge is essential to removing the moisture collected by the desiccant, but it […]
Compressed air fail: Winter operation
Preparing an industrial compressed air system for cold winter conditions is essential to ensure reliable operation, prevent equipment failures, and avoid costly downtime. Cold weather introduces unique challenges, such as moisture buildup, freezing, and increased system stress — all of which must be addressed to keep the system running efficiently. Proactive preparation can safeguard your […]
Compressed air fail: Portable flow meter
When performing leakage detection on your compressed air system with your ultrasonic leak detector (if you don’t have one, good grief, run out and get one!), you will run across various leaks in piping and equipment. Many of these are small, so roughly less than $100 value per year. But quite often, you will find […]
Duradry dry screw vacuum pump is designed for harsh industrial use
Leybold’s new Duradry is a dry screw vacuum pump designed for medium-harsh industrial production processes where high temperatures, high oxygen contents and corrosive conditions prevail. Its features make it suitable for applications like crystal pulling, plasma cleaning, heat treatment, coating and battery production. “The pump’s main advantages are its ease of operation and low maintenance […]
Festo brings controlled pneumatics to the U.S. with digital closed-loop control
Last week, Festo introduced its Controlled Pneumatics, a digital closed-loop control strategy for delivering energy efficiency, high dynamic response, and precision movement. Controlled Pneumatics is a suitable solution for web tensioning; welding; surface processing; flexible gripping, including vacuum gripping; dispensing and pumping; PET bottle blowing; and diaphragm pump control. See a technical overview on how […]
Compressed air fail: Waste measured by flow meter
Do you know how much air your compressed air system is consuming? How about the level of waste during non-production? If you don’t, it may be time to purchase a flowmeter to find out the answers to these questions. Recently during a leak assessment, a compressed air auditor was surprised to see 46 cfm flowing […]
Piab’s FLC enhances capabilities of existing suction cups
Piab has launched its new piGRIP FLC interface that expands the usability of all existing Piab suction cups. “Regardless of application, this product helps handling height differences and off-angle-picking in a simplified yet sophisticated waym,” said Lennart Ryberg, Product Manager of Piab Vacuum Automation Division. FLC stands for ‘Flexible Level Compensator’ and is designed to […]
Festo introduces a robust suite of pneumatic safety solutions
Festo introduces an innovative suite of safety products, including its new CIP safety module, that ensures the safe operation of pneumatic systems and lowers the risk of injury and system and product damage. Festo pneumatic safety solutions are compatible with the top industrial Ethernet protocols – EtherNET/IP, PROFITNET, and EtherCAT – which gives them near […]
Compressed air fail: Pipe contamination
The typical piping installed in industrial plants and shops is made of steel, and as a result may be subject to rusting and contamination. Fig. 1 and 2 show what was found at a heavy industrial plant with the air compressors taking in polluted air. Rusting and contamination in compressed air system piping can lead […]
OVPN multistage pneumatic vacuum generator for porous materials
Festo has expanded its vacuum generation solutions to include for the first time a multistage generator and a multistage cartridge. These new vacuum components offer exceptional performance on porous materials, such as paper and corrugated board. The OVPN multistage vacuum generator and the OASP vacuum generator cartridge are ideal for such applications as overhead palletizing, […]
Norwegian fisheries rely on liquid ring vacuum pumps for packaging
Norway has a long tradition of catching and processing fish. The country ranks second in the world for exports behind China. To ensure the high quality of their freshly caught products, Norwegians pay particular attention to an unbroken cold chain. One company that contributes to a high level of food safety is Atlantic Styro. Based […]