Technology

Safe Compressed Air Drying Systems for Class I, Division 1 Environments

By Jess Elley, Product Marketing Manager, Suburban Manufacturing Group – Tsunami Compressed Air Solutions

Learn how engineers can safely remove moisture from compressed air systems in hazardous environments by eliminating ignition risks through pneumatic controls. This article explores design considerations, performance characteristics and reliability factors for regenerative desiccant dryers operating in Class I, Division 1 locations.

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Achieving Precise Powder Coating Control and Greater Productivity

By Sumit Kapde, Global Business Development Manager, Robotics and Proportional Valves, Emerson

When building powder coating solutions, it can be a challenge to optimize compressed airflow with minimum reaction time. Without this level of control, the coating thickness may not be uniform and transfer efficiency – the amount of powder adhering to the object being sprayed – may be low. The resulting overspray can waste powder material. The control of a powder coating machine — and the quality and efficiency of the application — depends on the performance of the valve block.

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Best Practices 2024 EXPO & Conference: Day 2 Highlights

By Troy Dreier and Brooke Jones, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine

Day 2 of the Best Practices 2024 EXPO & Conference began with high-level learning sessions. For some attendees, the most important session of the conference was the expert panel on designing compressed air systems compliant with the ASHRAE 90.1 standard, which now includes compressed air systems.

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Best Practices 2024 EXPO & Conference: Day 1 Highlights

By Troy Dreier and Brooke Jones, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine

Day 1 of the Best Practices 2024 EXPO & Conference saw the annual event’s highest attendance yet, with a record number of manufacturing plants, distributors and engineering firms. The event started yesterday, October 29th, at the Cobb Galleria in Atlanta, GA, and runs until Thursday.

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4 Tips for Selecting a Compressed Air System Provider

By Paul Edwards, President, Compressed Air Consultants, and Mauricio Uribe, Head, European Operations, Compressed Air Consultants

An air compressor, no matter its renown, is merely one leg of a four-legged stool. To stay upright, to support your business effectively, it needs the stability provided by the other three legs: system design, service provider and manufacturer. Overlook one in favor of brand and you add risk.

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IWF 2024 Highlights Compressed Air and Vacuum Systems for Woodworkers

By Troy Dreier, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine

In early August, the International Woodworking Fair (IWF) took place in Atlanta, Georgia, bringing together woodworking companies of all sizes to promote new and innovative technologies. In all, 26,000 attendees visited with nearly 1,100 exhibitors. Air compressor system companies were in attendance, as their products are widely used to power hand tools or apply spray finishings. Likewise, the top vacuum pump manufacturers were there to talk to OEMs about integrating their products in CNC router boards, and to talk to business owners about upgrading the vacuum pumps that came with their CNC router boards.

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The Critical Role of Data in Compressed Air Systems

By Andrew Smith, SMARTCAir

Compressed air systems are a cornerstone of modern industrial operations, providing essential power for a variety of processes. However, these systems are notoriously energy-intensive, with as much as 90% of the energy input being lost to heat of compression, frictional losses and motor inefficiencies. Due to their dynamic nature, compressed air systems can be challenging to understand well and easy to misinterpret, which is where accurate data measurement and analysis play a key role.

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How IoT and AI Transform Compressed Air System Management

By Jayme Leonard, Atlas Copco Compressors

In the rapidly evolving landscape of industrial automation, the integration of internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping production and utility management. Compressed air system management stands out as an area undergoing significant transformation. Compressed air systems are critical in many industries, serving as a power source for tools, machinery and various processes.

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BEKO Technologies Creates a Culture of Invention and Innovation

By Troy Dreier, Compressed Air Best Practices® Magazine

“The difference between the floaters and the electronic was that the electronic is much smarter. So, it doesn't only know that it has to open, it also knows when it's not opening, or when it's failing,” explains Tilo Fruth, President of BEKO Technologies. “When mechanical float drains get stuck in the open position – due normally to solid particles in the condensate – they become a significant compressed air leak source.”

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Air Compressor Sizing at Higher Altitudes

By Daniel Mejia and Jim Hudson, CAC Group

Both screw air compressors and centrifugal air compressors offer unique advantages and are suitable for different applications. When selecting an air compressor for high altitude installations, it is essential to consider all the specific operating conditions and requirements of the customer's site to ensure optimal and correct capacity, performance and efficiency for your location.

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Selecting a Reliable and Efficient Nitrogen Generation System

By Kevin Conley, MID, Arkansas Industrial Machinery

PSA nitrogen generators are fed compressed air which goes to two vessels alternately. One vessel fed by pre-treated air produces nitrogen, and the other undergoes regeneration by depressurization, purging the adsorbed gases, and then repressurization. This cyclic process ensures a continuous supply of nitrogen. The adsorbent materials selectively capture gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide and other trace gases within the compressed air stream while allowing nitrogen to pass through.

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