Archive for April, 2011

Compressed Air Treatment

Friday, April 29th, 2011

When using compressed air for manufacturing and other types of industry, it is important to maintain a constant flow of clean compressed air to tools and machinery. Any contamination in the compressed air can have a detrimental effect on equipment and, therefore, production. There are three common elements that cause compressed air to become contaminated. Solid particles from dust and rusted, oxidised pipework can lead to the failure of pneumatic equipment, element and control malfunction and contaminated end products.

Droplets of condensed water develop in the humid air which will cause oxidisation of the pipework and air tools and equipment. Last but not least, oil, which is used to lubricate many air compressors, can cause a lot of damage to the machinery and end products.

It is important to carry out compressed air treatment in order to effectively remove any solid particles, oil or water droplets from the compressed air system. There is an extensive range of different compressed air filters to choose from for efficient air treatment, to ensure that your air compressor runs to the best of its ability.

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Air Compressor Models

Friday, April 22nd, 2011

Air compressors are one of the most in demand types of machinery in the UK. Compressed air systems are used in practically every industry, for a variety of different reasons. Different air compressors are designed to be either used in the home or for industrial purposes. Of course, industrial air compressors are much more powerful, reliable and efficient compared to their home-use counterparts.

Most air compressors are made up of two main parts; the blowing unit and the storage and dispenser unit. This type of air compressor has been developed to be more energy efficient than older designs. Any unused air that is left in the storage unit can remain there for future use, making them suitable for use over long periods of time.

Different models of industrial air compressors also vary in the amount of horse power they provide, which affects how much the air compressor can be used. The higher the horse power, the higher the cost of the air compressor.

Make sure your model of air compressor meets the necessary safety regulation by checking the certification before purchasing it. Do your research when it comes to choosing a new air compressor model to make sure you get the most appropriate compressed air system for your needs.

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Atlas Copco receive ‘Class 0’ Award for Oil-free Air Compressors

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

It was recently announced that Atlas Copco have become the very first air compressor manufacturer to be awarded with a certificate acknowledging that all their oil-free air compressors and other air technologies are rated as ‘Class 0’ for oil content. This is in line with the most up-to-date international standards.

All their air compressors are 100% oil-free and are designed to be used in industries such as textiles, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and chemicals.

“Certification according to the latest 2010 edition of this standard bears testimony to our commitment to oil free technology and to the safety of processes, human beings and the environment,” states Chris Lybaert, President of Atlas Copco’s Oil-free Air Division.

Atlas Copco were presented with the certificate after their oil-free air compressors underwent vigorous tests and measurements by echnische Überwachungs-Verein (German Technical Monitoring Association, or ‘TÜV’). The results that came back showed that there was no trace of oil found.

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Getting to know your Air Tool Power Requirements

Friday, April 15th, 2011

When you are looking to purchase an air compressor, it is important to already know what your compressed air requirements are. This will end up saving you a lot of time and money. The air tools that you will be using will display information on them or in their documentation, stating what power requirements they need to work efficiently. There are two power requirements that you will need to know; these are pressure and air flow ratings.

Air tools from different countries will present pressure ratings in different measurements. These will be either PSI (pounds per square inch) or BAR (meaning number of atmospheres). Whatever number is shown on the air tool is the recommended pressure that should be supplied by the air compressor to the air tool. Air flow rating is measured in either CFM (cubic feet) or LPM (litres per minute). This represents the required speed of compressed air to keep the air tool running continuously.

Calculate the LPM ratings of all the air tools that you intend to use. This will tell give you the minimum airflow capacity that will be needed from your air compressor in order to run those air tools at the same time. Make sure that you determine what the highest operational pressure is as your air compressor will need to be able to meet this pressure in order to allow that particular air tool to run to its optimum level of efficiency.

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Industrial Air Compressor Advice

Monday, April 11th, 2011

When looking into buying an industrial air compressor, do not be tempted to go for the cheapest model available. Industrial air compressors undergo a lot more work and are in operation for much longer than machines for non-commercial use. By purchasing a good quality air compressor, you can feel reassured that it will stand up against tests of time and be a much wiser investment than a cheaper option.

Smaller air compressors are not designed for repeated use and therefore cannot run as efficiently as industrial air compressors. This will result in more down-time and less productivity; leaving you more out of pocket than if you had forked out a larger sum of money than if you had spent more on the air compressor initially. Rotary screw compressors are the favourable option if you require an air compressor for a variety of different jobs that will be have to run continuously throughout the day.

Arranging regular servicing on your air compressor will ensure it is running to its full potential at all times. Ongoing maintenance will also mean that your industrial air compressor will last a very long time. Make sure that you do your research before making a purchase and get professional advice if you are at all unsure. This will guarantee that you end up with the industrial air compressor that is right for you.

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Reasons for using Compressed Air

Friday, April 1st, 2011

There are several different reasons why compressed air is more desirable to use than other energy sources. It is extremely versatile energy source that can be used to operate a variety of tools and equipment. It is also relatively safe, when being used by a qualified professional.

One of the main positives, particularly in a world where there is growing concern over the environment, compressed air is a clean energy source which does not emit harmful gases or use fossil fuels.

Using electricity to power equipment is not always feasible. In certain industrial environments where flammable substances or materials are being used, compressed air is the ideal alternative. Electricity could produce stray sparks which cause an outbreak of fire so using compressed air is a much safer option.

Due to the lack of plugs and wires etc that are required for electrical powered equipment, machinery which runs on compressed air is much easier to manoeuvre around a workshop. Compressed air tools also tend to be smaller and much lighter then electrical tools as they do not require all the complicated components. This means that they can be held and, therefore, used for much longer without arms getting tired.

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