Pneumatic Tips

One hidden problem in many compressed air systems is something called “artificial demand.” Many users are unaware of the effects of this component of compressed air demand as evidenced by higher than needed compressed air pressures on most systems.  Artificial demand in a compressed air system refers to the excess consumption of compressed air caused […]

Automation24 proudly announces the addition of Norgren pneumatic components to its portfolio. With this strategic move, Automation24 broadens its scope and capabilities to better serve its customers. Norgren air preparation products currently offered by Automation24 include regulators, filters, combination units (filter/regulator/lubricator), valves, and accessories. These proven air preparation products are built to overcome the common […]

Compressed air is useful for very many important tasks in facilities. However, due to the high cost of producing it, there are some end uses that are very wasteful. Air conditioning and ventilation is one such inappropriate end use. In a recent survey, a compressed air auditor found a surprisingly unique waste of compressed air […]

When the equipment is new and set up correctly, the coordination of VSD air compressors with fixed speed units is quite easy — if the number of compressors in the mix is four or less. Typically, what should happen is the VSD compressor maintains trim position with all combinations of fixed speed compressors providing base […]

A compressed air audit at a metal parts painting plant yielded some puzzling results. Pressure loggers were placed at the compressor discharge and in the plant, but the readings were showing an unexpected and significant pressure drop between the instruments. Visual checks showed that the only thing between the loggers was an air dryer with […]

By Ron Marshall You may have noticed some email signatures displaying the Certified CCASS symbol — and have become curious as to how that’s earned. Anyone, if properly prepared, can become certified by writing and passing an exam. The ease in preparing for the CAGI (Compressed Air and Gas Institute) Certified Compressed Air System Specialist […]

ControlAir LLC today announced the introduction of the new Type 410 high precision pressure regulator. The Type 410 provides a high level of regulation accuracy and repeatability during variable operating conditions. Designed with precision and reliability in mind, the Type 410 serves as a cost-effective yet highly efficient solution for controlling industrial processes. Despite its […]

Spartan Scientific announces the launch of its Series 5000 Operator System. Designed to meet the demands of applications requiring higher pressures and increased flow rates, the Series 5000 fills a void in the market for reliable, high-performance solenoid solutions. Featuring a range of orifice sizes from 0.6 to 4.0 mm, and available in both 2-way […]

A compressed air auditor was monitoring a system in a plant that produces plastic film. Part of the measurement involved analyzing the flow from the compressor room and the dewpoint of the compressed air. When examining the data, a strange pattern developed on the flow and dewpoint profiles (Fig. 1). We can see the output […]

Pneumatic grippers are revered for being an economical, easy-to-maintain solution with high force density. However, force control and precision can prove challenging, especially when handling delicate parts and parts of different sizes. Sensory feedback is essential in such applications to measure parameters such as the force applied, object position, and speed. Position sensing is especially […]

No one wants air compressor oil contaminating production. And in food processing applications, quality and safety are essential. E2M Kitchen, a fresh and ready-to-eat meal provider, knows this all too well. The Charlotte-based company significantly evolved its food preparation and packaging process for creating gluten-free, dairy-free, and preservative-free meals. Every tool used in its production […]

Machinery builders and OEMs save space and improve functionality by applying electro-pneumatic I/O and solenoid systems throughout their equipment. By: Chip McDaniel, AutomationDirect For machine builders and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) alike, there is an increasing push to deliver smarter, more modular, and physically compact systems. Among the many design choices required to make this […]

Pressure regulation applications that require sensitive, high-resolution performance have found success with the Proportion-Air QPV series electro-pneumatic proportional pressure regulator. The QPV line boasts accuracy of up to ±0.2% and resolution of ±0.005%, regulating pressures up to 150 psig or equivalent. Calibration of ranges as low as 0-2 inches of water column are possible. These […]

Two new managing directors strengthen the management team of the Sauer Compressors Group. The compressor manufacturer has appointed Nicole Fässler as CFO and Mladen Milcinovic as COO as of January 1. As CFO, business economist Nicole Fässler is responsible for the new management area of Finance, HR and IT. The Swiss national has extensive experience […]

It’s always frustrating to find water in a compressed air system, and especially so in locations where the air is supposed to be dry. During a recent compressed air audit, a survey of the piping found that poor dewpoints were being experienced in the system. Investigation found that significant amounts of free water mixed with […]

Most of the energy that goes into an air compressor comes out as heat, so it is always a good idea to direct the hot air produced to a location that needs heat — like into a plant in the winter season. The compressor in the photograph has a specially designed heat recovery system that […]

 Water-cooled compressors can have an advantage in locations where the ambient conditions are hot — and therefore using air cooled compressors would result in discharge temperatures that exceed the capacity of the air-drying systems. Overloading air dryers could result in free water entering the plant piping system. This would cause contamination of connected machines and […]

An air compressor at a metal processing plant had a troubled life. It started out as a VSD controlled machine, but a fire damaged the controls. Because of this, a new VSD was installed. It didn’t match the old drive, so wiring was altered to accommodate. Next, the drive failed due to dust contamination and […]

Like Clippard’s NIV and PIV lines of isolation valves, the AIV series features Clippard’s unique multi-functional valve stem design for longer life and minimal dead volume. The difference with the AIV series is that is that it also provides the added benefit of air operation, which is — by definition — intrinsically-safe. No solenoid means […]

Hycomp Inc.’s technology has become part of Atlas Copco Group. The company designs, produces, sells and services specialized high-pressure oil-free compressors and boosters for a variety of industries. This is the second such acquisition by Altas Copco, which announced the acquisition of industrial gear pump manufacturer Kracht on January 3. Hycomp is a privately owned […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Vacuum technology is the quintessential method for safe and careful material handling in various industries, from packaging to glass manufacturing. Vacuum cups and pads are gentle and soft, lifting even the largest material while barely contacting the surface. By creating a vacuum inside the cup, the pressure differential draws the […]

Piab’s clever end-of-arm-tool piCOBOT has so far had almost a decade of prosperity on the market for cobot equipment. The success relates to the unit’s compact yet user-friendly design, precision, and capacity. Despite its limited weight, only 1.5 lb (720 g), this EOAT is able to lift objects of up to 15.4 lb (7 kg). […]

A metal processing company had a laser cutter installed in its manufacturing plant to produce accurately fashioned pieces from metal sheets. This machine requires compressed air that is dried to about 35° F for general use but requires a small amount of air to keep the beam path clean —this avoids contaminating the expensive positioning […]

If you are carefully selecting your new compressors by looking at Compressed Air & Gas (CAGI) data sheets, you should be commended. Use of these sheets are a great way to compare compressor energy and flow characteristics between brands of compressors. In this way, you can choose the most efficient machine for your use and […]

From recently completed production lines, Festo introduces the DHPL, a new generation of competitively priced long-stroke grippers that offers a host of advantages for high load and torque applications. The DHPL is interchangeable with competitive long-stroke grippers. It provides the added benefits of lighter weight, higher precision, and no maintenance. The new long-stroke gripper is […]