Components Oil Coolers

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 […]

Hallie Riley and Victoria Lower of IC-Fluid Power explain how Eckart E3 actuators are used in MarQuipt’s davits and cranes. MarQuipt is a marine and yachting equipment manufacturer specializing in products that facilitate easy and safe boarding of persons and the handling of tenders. Its product line comprises stairs, ladders, gangways, davits, cranes, and other […]

“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 […]

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 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 […]

Liebherr’s next-generation hydraulic cylinders are designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable, smart, high-performance machinery. The new, innovative hydraulic cylinders deliver peak efficiency, while reducing environmental impact, and offer a forward-thinking solution for industries that strive to meet both performance and sustainability goals, the company said in a press release. With a team of […]

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 […]

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 […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor As the last article in the series on laboratory-based hydraulic oil analyses, we thought we’d provide a single article to recap the tests in one convenient location. For the past six months we’ve discussed just as many topics important to your predictive maintenance program. Each one of these parameters is […]

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. […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulics is a venerable technology as mature as any competing force transfer system outside of straight mechanical conveyance. Most recent hydraulic advancements aren’t from any fundamental changes in the pump, valves and actuators used in hydraulic systems but rather from the implementation of increasingly advanced electronic technology. Early fluid power […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

When specifying belly box remote controls for mobile hydraulic machines, considering all the possible factors improves both operational efficiency and user safety. Belly box remote controls, often used in crane trucks, stone slingers, and other mobile hydraulic systems, provide the operator with wireless control over the machinery from a safe distance with often improved sightlines. […]

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 […]

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 […]

Following its introduction in 2022, the heavy-duty yet compact Webtec CTA series flow monitor for hydraulic systems now features a 4-20 mA output. While this device can already monitor and transmit oil flow and temperature data via a J1939 CAN-bus interface, the addition of a 4-20 mA (3-wire loop) analog output for flow reporting facilitates […]

Danfoss Power Solutions has launched its Editron EM-PMI375 690-V electric motor. Based on synchronous reluctance assisted permanent magnet technology, the EM-PMI375 functions as both a motor and a generator. It is designed to work with the Editron EC-C1700B inverter, offering a system solution for 690-Vac and 1,050-Vdc applications such as winches, cranes, marine vessels, and […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor There are three ways to plumb a hydraulic system — rigid systems, flexible systems or a combination of the two. Rigid systems include pipe and various forms of tube, while flexible systems are assembled using only hydraulic hose. Most machines today are created using a combination of fixed plumbing, where […]

Continental today announced the X-LifeTM XCP5 hose, a new flexible braided hose for high-pressure hydraulic applications requiring extra abrasion resistance. The hose is part of the company’s initiative to offer a premium braided hose portfolio that is also ISO 18752 compliant. The new X-Life XCP5 is designed as a premium hose with braided construction for […]

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 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 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 […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Although a hydraulic machine could run off highly crude forms of hydrocarbons, without a complement of additives, the performance and longevity of your hydraulic machine would suffer. Welcome to Part Seven of the Hydraulic Oil Analysis series, where we dig deep into the various additives that are always or usually […]