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I am disappointed every time I see the flow coefficient [C.sub.v] used to size a valve without consideration given to the other components in a pneumatic circuit. In the old [...]

Demand in compressed-air systems may be regarded as a number of holes through which air flows. The number of holes, whether they are open or closed, the speed of their opening or closing, the coincidence of these occurrences and the different operating pressures determine the demand. Types of usage are appropriate production usage, inappropriate production usage, leaks and artificial demand. A demand expander can provide a solution to demand problems when adjusted to the system's minimum required pressure., Part 7: A closer look at the demand side of compressed-air systems. It often seems that compressed-air system performance is evaluated only from the perspective of the supply equipment. If [...]

Engineers can optimize the design of pneumatic circuits with the help of a database from Numatics Inc of Highland, MI. The Numasizing database allows designers to save time and money by compiling results from extensive tests on pneumatic systems. Engineers can use the results of the tests, usually numbering hundreds of thousands, to determine system parameters and requirements which aid in selecting the best pressures and components for a particular design., Exhaustive pneumatic-system tests help engineers pick smaller components and ideal pressures that save money and optimize designs. Many engineers unfortunately spend pitifully little time designing pneumatic circuits, properly sizing components, [...]

Pneumatic components coupled with ingenious designs can improve productivity in industrial settings. Applications of pneumatics include a slide with tandem cylinders to achieve three operating positions, an integral intensifier that improves press efficiency, a single actuator that drives a multi-level pick-and-place device, an electropneumatic positioner that sets a conveyor gate and pneumatic rotary actuators., Slide with tandem cylinders has three operating positions Packaged slides have done a lot toward simplifying cylinder installation in automation applications. With a variety of mounting holes and tool plates [...]

There are six basic elements that need to be considered in the final layout of a compressed air system. These are the compressed air demand, compressed air quality, compressed air supply requirements, compressed air storage system, compressed air distribution system, and compressed air control and management system. All these elements need to be evaluated and implemented according to specifications to work efficiently and attain peak performance levels for any kind of applications., Your compressed air system is a critical plant utility. To function properly and cost effectively, it must be carefully designed to fill the special needs of your applications. Six basic [...]

The use of compressed air in pneumatic distribution systems requires careful planning for system components. This results in efficient, safer and highly productive systems. Planning for the piping of pneumatic systems should include considerations of initial cost, ease of installation, operating and maintenance costs and life expectancy. Piping configuration should include measures for moisture entrapment and turbulence reduction., While often overlooked, the network of hose, pipe, tube, and fittings in a pneumatic system can be just as vital to system success as the compressor, valves, actuators, or any [...]

Choosing the Correct Method for Mastic Bead Control There are good reasons for using an automated or robotic system to maintain precise control of the mastic (defined in this article [...]

Pneumatic filtration methods should be considered when designing compressed air systems. Separators and aftercoolers are also needed for bulk liquid removal and for bringing temperatures down to 140 degrees fahrenheit. Likewise, dryers are necessary for reducing water condensate to a minimum dew point of 35 degrees. Pneumatic systems should also be rid of solid particles and other foreign matter such as debris, carryover oil from the compressor and impurities such as pipe scale, rust and wear debris., When designing a compressed air system, filtration is critical. Here's a primer on how to select the best method of pneumatic filtration for your system. All compressors are affected by [...]

Compressed air systems should be designed with the aim of providing reliable and clean air flow. To achieve these basic criteria, designers should focus on several key fundamentals when designing compressed air systems. Specifically, designs should ensure optimal flow capacity by selecting the appropriate piping materials. They should also consider potential leak sources in designing compressed air systems., Whether upgrading an existing plant air system or designing a new one, you can provide for future growth without overspending your budget. A properly designed compressed air system must meet [...]

Pneumatic devices possess specific conductance (Cv) which expresses the flow capability of such devices. Cv plays an important role in the proper functioning of pneumatic machineries. Designers should understand the fundamental processes relating to Cv to ensure that pneumatic machinery operates efficiently. A discussion of some of the fundamental aspects of Cv is presented., Despite being unnecessarily shrouded in mystery, [C.sub.v] is a cornerstone for properly sizing pneumatic components. Every pneumatic device, bar none, possesses a specific conductance, identified as [C.sub.v]. Because [C.sub.v] is [...]

Pneumatic systems operate on compressed air, which requires a considerable amount of energy to produce. Experts estimate that 100 pounds-per-square-inch air leaking through a hole one-eighth inch in diameter can caost as much as $2,187 annually. Careful selection of the conductors, connectors and valves of the pneumatic system and the control of vibration through clamping and mounting devices can minimize expensive leaks., Minimizing the number of potential leak points, selecting proper conductors and connectors, and controlling vibration will help tame expensive air leaks '... As free as the air we breathe.' The [...]

Air leakage from pneumatic fittings can be prevented if the designer considers all factors that may contribute to leakage. System efficiency can be compromised if a leakage occurs resulting in a drop in pressure. Designing a compressed air system involves specifying exact air fittings, knowing the properties of the material used in construction, choosing the fitting's shape and configuration and designing the seal., Technology has cured oil leaks, but air leakage is still ignored. Here are some components that can help Just as hydraulic fittings have been designed to prevent leakage, so have [...]

Norbar Torque Tools presents its Model PT52 Pneutorque pneumatic torque wrench for working in especially fast, compact situations. The wrench features a 2-inch diameter gearbox and a new air motor [...]

Milton-Keynes based firm KV developed the 'advanced manufacturing technology' (AMT) utilizing a combination of selective laser sintering and vacuum casting techniques. This technique reduces lead times and enables far more complex shapes and air flow channels to be designed into its own and the customer products.

SimplAir HBS Hollow Bar compressed air pipework has provided the key to a revolutionary new services layout at the Delphi Diesel Systems plant at Sudbury in Suffolk. The Sudbury plant [...]

An air muscle is a simple pneumatic device developed in the 1950s by J.L. MeKibben. Like biological muscles, air muscles contract when activated. An interesting fact about air muscles is [...]

Fluid Power Faces The Future Industry executives discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead. The editors of HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS and MACHINE DESIGN recently had the opportunity to convene a roundtable [...]

Two motion control concepts incorporating Rheonetic Fluid Technology were introduced in March by Lord Corporation, Cary, NC, at the 1999 National Design and Engineering Show and Conference in Chicago. By [...]

The design parameters of a pneumatic ship-unloader are discussed. The unloader was developed for a cement company in the Canary Islands by Van Aalst Bulk Handling of the Netherlands and incorporates specific features to reduce maintenance costs.

Plant engineers who pay more attention to compressed air systems usually pay less to compress air. Damage due to freezeups, dirt fouling, and corroded system components is reduced. Making dry [...]

Although rotary-vane air motors are simple and straightforward, the basics of selecting and operating them are often misunderstood. Air motors are an established alternative to electric and hydraulic motors for [...]

Flexible Air Springs Do Multiply Duty Originally developed for vehicle suspensions, air springs are now widely used as pneumatic actuators and vibration isolators. DAVID E. GRASS Manager, Distributor Sales Firestone [...]

Pneumatic control systems operate the River of No Return, American Plunge, and Fire in the Hole, all amusement park rides partially in water.

Some design hints about automatic loader retrofits for machine tools Requests for information on building pneumatic-powered automatic loaders/unloaders for machine tools continue to fill our mail -- more than double [...]

Air-powered engine-starters offer unique advantages Originally created to tackle the special starting requirements of large diesel engines, air starters today perform in applications ranging form highway trucks to jet engines [...]

How to design energy-saving industrial compressed air systems Regulators and lubricators Properly specified regulators and lubricators can help conserve energy in an air system. However, each component represents a substantial [...]