Archive for September, 2010

Pneumatic Actuators

Thursday, September 30th, 2010

The function of an air actuator component is to convert the energy stored as compressed air into mechanical energy. There are different types of actuator each of which serves a different purpose. Actuators can be pneumatic, electric or hydraulic and move with a linear or rotary motion.

Pneumatic actuators cost less electric versions but are more powerful. For high cycle speed application, air actuators are preferable over electric because being driven by compressed air makes them run much faster. However, electric actuators enable more precision as they have tighter tolerances for positioning. Compressed air is not always an available resource so an electric actuator may be the only option.

Hydraulic actuators are the best option when a high volume of force is required. A much smaller hydraulic actuator is needed to generate more power than if using compressed air. Hydraulic actuators are more costly but much more efficient than pneumatic and electric actuators.

The different types of air actuators are air muscle, diaphragm or rolling lobe, double acting, grippers, linear slides, non-repairable, repairable, rodless, cable, band, magnetically coupled, rotary and single acting.

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Compressed Air Explained

Friday, September 24th, 2010

Compressed air is one of three main types of energy sources which are used for industry. The other two are hydraulic and electrical. There are many benefits to using compressed air such as it is extremely powerful, versatile, non-flammable and easy to store as well as being the cheaper option. Compressed air can be used as an energy source for a wide variety of jobs; from simple jobs such as pumping up a bicycle tyre using a hand pump to rock drilling hammers for mining work.

Air compression works by converting one energy type into another which can then be stored and used at a later time. The compressed air is then in a high pressure environment and surrounded by an area of lower pressure. The release of this pressure is what gives a surge of power to drive the machine or mechanism. Over the years we have developed knowledge on how to control this release of air to do the work for us.

Compressed air can be very dangerous so it is important to be fully trained when working with air compressors.

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Air Compressor Installation

Friday, September 17th, 2010

When it comes to installing an air compressor it is worth planning where it will be located for several different reasons such as ensuring that the running of the air compressor is as efficient as possible, any future problems are prevented and therefore keeping down the cost of operation and maintenance costs.

Air compressors are generally a very loud piece of equipment so it is important to try and decrease noise levels as much as possible. The simplest approach to this issue is to invest in a silent air compressor. Or, if this is not an option then an insulated wall should be built to encase the air compressor within its own room. Just make sure that you build a space large enough to be able to move around in when doing maintenance checks on the air compressor! The doors should always remain locked to prevent just anyone walking in. The doors must be made wide enough to be able to manoeuvre large parts or even the entire compressor in and out.

The room should be in an area of the building that is as cool as possible because air compression generates heat so there is no point in using air that is already heated. The heat that is produced can be used to heat the rest of the building.

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Compressed Air Connectors

Monday, September 13th, 2010

Compressed air connectors are one of the components that make up an air compressor. The connectors work alongside couplers to allow air to flow into air tools. If all of your air tools are fitted with their own compressed air connectors then it is quick and easy to change between tools.

Compressed air connectors are designed with a male NPT thread at one end. This needs to be coated with sealant to prevent air escaping as it flows between the connector and the air tool. The male NPT thread is then fitted into the female NPT hole on the air tool. The other end is designed to fit a specific brand of coupler.

There are also barbed connectors which are fitted to an air hose by the I.D. A gear clamp is then out on the outside of the air hose that is also over the internal barb. A seal is then created when the gear clamp is tightened and the pressure created on the outside of the hose will push the hose wall against the barb.

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The Origin of Air Compressors

Wednesday, 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.

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