How Reciprocating Compressors Are Used in Refineries
Key Takeaways: Air compressors are crucial in diverse refineries, powering complex processes to transform raw materials into essential products like fuels and food oils. Refineries use compressors extensively in high-pressure processes such as hydrocracking and desulfurization to improve fuel quality and purity. Various compressor types, including reciprocating and rotary screw, are vital in refineries, each […]
Read MoreHow a Pneumatic Robot Arm Works
Key Takeaways: Pneumatic robotic arms utilize compressed air from a compressor, reservoir, valves, and circuits to power actuators for movement, offering a distinct alternative to electric motors. These systems provide benefits like high precision, durability in extreme temperatures, and simpler maintenance compared to electronic counterparts, though they have limitations in speed control and can incur […]
Read MoreHow to Identify Reciprocating Compressor Valve Failure
Key Takeaways: Abnormal pressure readings, specifically high suction and low discharge, serve as primary indicators of impending reciprocating compressor valve failure. Unusual operational characteristics, such as a very quiet compressor or abnormally low amp draw, often signal issues with compressor valve functionality. Elevated discharge temperature and carbonized valve oil directly indicate valve sealing problems, potentially […]
Read MoreHow to Blow Out Your Sprinkler System with an Air Compressor
Key Takeaways: Winterizing a sprinkler system by blowing out lingering water with an air compressor is crucial to prevent freezing, corrosion, and cracking of pipes. An air compressor with 80-100 CFM is generally suitable for this task, which involves turning off water, draining pipes, preparing the compressor, connecting a hose, and systematically blowing out each […]
Read MoreEvaluating the True Cost of a Compressed Air Interruption
Compressed air is often referred to as the fourth utility in manufacturing. Despite its importance in a vast range of industrial processes, however, it’s largely misunderstood among many parties, including those who directly use compressors. Depending on the type of facility, air compressors could be responsible for much more than a simple set of pneumatic […]
Read MoreHow to Size and Select a Rotary Compressor
Key Takeaways: To accurately size your rotary compressor, rely on Standard CFM (SCFM) as the most dependable metric for comparison, and always factor in a 30% buffer for unexpected surges in air demand. Rotary screw compressors typically outshine reciprocating models with fewer moving parts, quieter operation, less heat production, lower maintenance needs, and an extended […]
Read MoreHow to Calculate Your Current Air Demand
Key Takeaways: Compressed air systems consume substantial energy, so calculating air demand and adjusting operations are vital for minimizing waste and boosting efficiency. Measuring air demand involves assessing load profiles and flow rates like SCFM, which can be achieved through various methods from quick estimates to long term electronic data logging, to understand actual consumption. […]
Read MoreHow Has the Industrial Air Compressor Market Evolved Over the Last 10 Years?
As nations outside the G8 develop local industries to compete regionally and internationally, the use of air compressors is rapidly spreading throughout the Far and Middle East, as well as through much of the Southern Hemisphere. Over the next decade, these territories could quickly become the hottest markets for manufacturers of air compressors. Compared to […]
Read MoreAir Compressor Size
Choosing an air compressor is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. In addition to selecting the right type — piston or rotary screw, electric or gas-powered, portable or stationary, single vs. two-stage — it’s also important to determine the most appropriate air compressor size to properly power your pneumatic tools. To select the proper air compressor size, […]
Read MoreElectric Air Compressors: How and Why They Save Money and Energy
Compressed air fuels many parts of many industries all over the world and is commonly known as “the fourth utility.” From the beverage servers in a restaurant or bar to the enormous rooms and extensive systems inside a manufacturing facility, air compressors play a huge role in civilization as we know it. Pressurized air systems […]
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