September 1st, 2010
Air compressors have been used throughout history however, air compressors that were in use thousands of years ago worked in a much more simplistic way than they do today. If you think about the basic action of an air compressor; free air enters a small chamber where pressure is built up, this is then released. An example of this is using bellows to increase combustion of a furnace. When the handles of the bellows are opened air enters the cavity. As the handles are opened, air is forced out at a higher pressure. Medical breathing apparatus used in hospitals work in much the same way.
During the industrial revolution the mechanical air compressor was created and began to be widely used. This led to the development of the air compressors that we know today. We now use air compressors that are much more technologically advanced. Piston compressors are generally used for car engines. For industrial machinery, rotary compressors are usually used as they produce large volumes of compressed air.
Tags: Air Compressors, compressed air, piston compressor
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August 20th, 2010
It is important to keep your air compressor in good condition to make it run efficiently and prolong its life. Reading the manual that comes with your air compressor is a good place to start. This will include essential maintenance advice to keep that particular machine in good working condition.
Drain any moisture from the tanks that builds up from the air compression as it can cause damage to the air compressor. The build up of dirt and dust can also cause problems on certain elements of the machine and make it work harder than necessary. Eventually the compressor will cease to operate from because of the pressure caused. Make sure that the intake vents, filters, separator element and heat exchangers are regularly cleaned or changed; whatever is appropriate. The hoses are susceptible to cracking and corrosion so check for leaks as this wastes energy as well as puts other components under stress. The fuel tank will also require cleaning annually to remove any residual build up from the fuel.
Continuous vibrations when the air compressor is running will inevitably loosen fastenings so tighten these up frequently. If you air compressor has a built-in emergency shutdown system to prevent it overheating or if the oil supply is low, then test it to make sure it still works. Check and top-up the oil and change the whole supply every 500 to 1000 hours.
By undertaking these checks regularly will save you time and money in the long run. Your air compressor will run more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Tags: Air Compressors
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August 17th, 2010
Particles in compressed air can be damaging to pneumatic tools so it is important to refine the air in order to prevent production downtime, product spoilage and reduced equipment life.
As we all learned at school, air is mainly made up of nitrogen and oxygen. Air also contains a small amount of water vapour as well as solid particles including dust, sand, soot and salt crystals. The concentration of these elements intensifies when air is compressed which is what makes it potentially damaging to pneumatic equipment. Untreated air consists of high quantities of water along with oil droplets and particles of dirt when at atmospheric pressure.
The way to combat this problem is by using compressed air filters to remove contaminating particles from the air. Compressed air dryers then eliminate water and vapour from the air so that only treated air reaches the point of use in the pneumatic tools. So in order for your pneumatic tools to work to their full capacity for an efficient production line always refine compressed air.
Tags: Air Compressors, compressed air
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August 10th, 2010
1. Safety
It is safer to use compressed air tools as opposed to electric tools because there is the possibility of experiencing an electric shock. There are certain working environments where electric tools are hazardous to use whereas compressed air tools are much more versatile.
2. Power
Compressed air tools are predominantly more powerful than electric tools but do not consume as much energy. They also tend to be lighter to hold meaning that workers are able to comfortably work with them for longer periods of time.
3. Speed
Compressed air tools have higher RPM (revolutions per minute) as well as higher torque (turning or twisting force) which results in completing a job much faster than with electric tools.
4. Quick Change
Due to quick release couplings, it is a simple and swift task to swap over air tools.
5. Theft
Unlike compressed air tools, electric tools are easy to steal and sell on quickly by thieves. Compressed air tools require an air compressor in order to be used are therefore less likely to be stolen. Electric tools can be used straightaway.
Tags: Air Compressors, compressed air
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August 2nd, 2010
To get the most out of your pneumatic tools you need to purchase the right size air compressor. When it comes to choosing the size of an air compressor, horsepower is irrelevant. In order for your air compressor to operate efficiently you need to consider the volume of CFM (cubic feet per minute) and the pressure (PSIG).
Add together the CFM requirements of all of your air tools plus another 25% to allow for any additional tools that you may use is the future, along with growth and any air system leaks. The CFM requirements are provided by the manufacturer of each air tool.
Establish the maximum amount of pressure that is needed to run all of the air tools concurrently by the tool that requires the largest amount.
Determine whether the electrical supply is single or three-phase. Residential and commercial buildings tend to be single whereas industrial are usually three-phase.
Air receivers – or storage tanks – collect and store air which minimises the air compressor’s loaded run time. Air receivers should be used with smaller air compressors and get five gallons per CFM to achieve optimum performance.
Tags: Air Compressors
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July 28th, 2010
Air compressors that are used in industrial environments need to meet certain requirements to ensure that they are durable and robust to run effectively. Having an efficient air compressor is essential to industries such as construction, in order to maintain high productivity and profit levels.
There are certain aspects to consider when choosing an air compressor:
- Energy type; this can be electricity, gas or natural gas
- Horsepower
- Tank size; this is measured in gallons
- Flow rate; this is measured in cubic feet per minute (cfm)
If the air compressor is used as a portable piece of equipment then the importance of tank size and horsepower is less. The number of tools and cords also needs to be looked at as too many could be problematic when moving the air compressor.
When choosing an air compressor for industrial use find out which models are heavy duty and can withstand being used for long periods of time, being stopped and started frequently as well as air acceleration and deceleration. Any air compressors that are used on a construction site will also need to be able to contend with the elements as they could well be exposed to wind and rain. The last thing a worker wants is for the air compressor to fail in the middle of a job.
Tags: Air Compressors
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May 12th, 2010
Piston Compressor
The piston compressor has been around the longest but is still a popular choice. The piston compressor works by the piston moving forward in a cylinder by way of a connecting rod and crankshaft. There are two ways of using a piston compressor; if just one side of the piston is used for compression, it is known as single acting. If both the top and bottom sides of the piston are used, this is double acting.
The piston compressor is capable of compressing both air and gas with only slight alterations. It is the only compressor that is accomplished at compressing gas and air to high pressures, for equipment such as breathing equipment.
Rotary Screw
The screw compressor is the most prevalent compressor in use today. The rotary screw consists of male and female rotors which move towards each other, decreasing the volume and the housing between them. The length and shape of the screw determine the pressure of the screw as well as the form of the discharge point. The rotary screw is able to work at high shaft speed and combine a sizeable flow rate with small exterior dimensions. They are suitable for pharmaceutical and food and beverage manufacturing, among others.
Rotary Vane
The rotary vane is the undisputed most reliable air compressor on the market today. It is driven directly, at extremely low speed. The rotor moves constantly and comprises of sliding vanes which move along on a film of oil. These vanes slot into grooves on the rotor. Pressurized oil injection controls the heat which is generated through air compression. Rotary vane air compressors are used for dentistry, printing and packaging.
Tags: piston compressor, rotary screw, rotary vane
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May 11th, 2010
The question of whether full round head nails or clipped head nails are better is frequently asked by consumers.
Some people prefer full round head nails as opposed to clipped head nails because they think that they are more robust but it is actually the shank that gives most of the support. The head of the nail only begins to play a role when there is withdrawal; when the nail begins to slip out of the wood. The head prevents the upper and base materials from separating and also from pull through; this is when the nail head is dragged through the upper material
Advantages of clipped head nails are that they are smaller, so more can be fitted into a nail gun magazine. This saves time because the nail gun does not require to be reloaded as often. It also means that the nail gun itself is smaller and therefore lighter.
Full round head nails are generally preferred in hurricane-prone regions of the world as they are less likely to be overdriven into the walls, which can cause building failure.
Brad and Finish nails have rectangular heads that that the same width of as the shank, but a larger breadth. This makes the shank more resilient than both full round head nails and clipped head nails and also decreases the pull through pressure.
Tags: clipped head nails, full round head nails
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May 6th, 2010
Ace Compressors offer a range of variable speed air compressors that can prove to be highly beneficial for your business. There are many different advantages of using variable speed air compressors instead of fixed-speed compressors, for example; reductions in power cost and power surges and also the delivery of more constant pressure.
Different products require different speeds, so by adjusting the speed of the variable speed air compressor you will accomplish smoother operation and allow more accurate positioning.
Compressed air is usually 20% of a factory’s electricity bill, part of which will be lent to wasted energy. Significant savings can be made by using variable speed air compressors and they also have a lower impact on the environment, which as a business, you should make one of your primary concerns.
Tags: Variable speed air compressors
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April 26th, 2010
Purchasing a used air compressor can be a viable option for semi-professional or DIY work. Aim for a compressor which has an extra 25% CFM than is required. Here are some tips to consider before purchasing your used air compressor:
- The noise – the higher the rpm, the more noise the air compressor will produce
- Lubricated vs oil free – Lubricated air compressors need to be serviced regularly but therefore last longer due to the servicing and their performance is superior in various environments including cold temperatures and outdoors
- The cooling capacity is linked to the cooling fins which can be found around the copper tube connecting the pump and the tank. It works to keep the used air compressor temperature low and it can also increase the life span
- Air intake filters on used air compressors must be cleaned thoroughly otherwise they will not function properly and could reduce the pump capacity. These filters also need to be replaced regularly.
Tags: Used air compressors
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