:: Air Compressor Parts ::

Reducing air leaks in your plant can save thousands of dollars annually. Compressed air is one of the most costly forms of energy you can use in your plant, of course, it’s one of the most versatile, fast and strong too.

When it’s “quiet time” in the plant, wander around the machinery and listen. You will often hear the gentle (or perhaps not so gentle) hissing of air escaping from the exhaust port of your air valves.

The sound of compressed air “chewing up your dollars” as it wafts to atmosphere can be muted if your air valves have mufflers in the exhaust ports, but nevertheless, it can be heard.

Also, there are commercially available ultra-sonic compressed air leak detectors on the market. If your plant doesn’t have a “quiet time”, which would enable you to actually hear the leaks yourself, investing in an ultrasonic leak detector can bring substantial payback in energy savings.

Usually you’ll have one air valve connected to one air cylinder. Usually that cylinder will be double acting - which means that it will have two air lines running to it, and as the air valve shifts back and forth, air will alternatively flow to the cylinder through one line or the other. When it’s flowing into one line to the cylinder, the other line is allowing the air at the other end of the cylinder to flow through the valve to exhaust.

While an air valve and cylinder are doing work of course there will be air being exhausted continuously from the air valve exhaust ports.

It’s when the machine is down, when it’s doing no useful - and hopefully money generating work for you - that air should not be escaping through the valve exhaust ports. At this point that loss of compressed air is just that; loss - of profits - of money.

Inside, the two ends of the cylinder are separated by a piston. The piston is what drives the rod out and back as the cylinder cycles.

Around that piston will be an air seal that “crunches” between the side of the piston and the inside of the cylinder barrel, effectively stopping air from flowing by (bypassing) the piston.

In time that seal will wear, and air will start bypassing into the other side. This means that this air now has an open path from the supply side down the other air line to the valve, and thence to the exhaust port. And a gentle (or not so gentle) hiss occurs as your compressed air dollars exhaust to atmosphere.

Or….inside your air valve there is, too, a series of seals that normally prevent air from getting from the air supply side into the exhaust side of the valve, and then out the exhaust port. And that air, as it gently (or not so….etc. ) is pouring your compressed air dollars from the plant air supply.

So, which is it that’s leaking; the seal around the piston in the cylinder, or the seal inside the valve that stops the incoming air from getting across to the exhaust port without going up to the cylinder?

Have a look at the cylinder. If the rod is out, air will be entering the air port at the rear of the cylinder. If the cylinder is in - retracted, the air will be coming into the cylinder at the rod end.

Take the air line that is charged, that is, the air line that is supplying air to the cylinder, and crimp it. Many air lines are made of polyethylene or polypropylene, and it’s quite easy to make a bit of a bend in the air line, effectively shutting off air to the cylinder.

Listen at the valve. If the air has stopped escaping the valve’s exhaust port, then it’s the seal in the cylinder that’s at fault.

If, after ensuring that the air to the cylinder is completely stopped, air continues to exhaust from the exhaust port of the valve, then it’s the seal inside the air valve that’s at fault.

Regardless of which is the culprit, the air valve or the cylinder, get it fixed….fast! Compressed air costs a bundle. You don’t want to waste it.

Bill Wade is a former President and Sales Manager of companies that use and
sell compressed air related equipment and supplies. He currently represents a
select group of companies and writes about air at http://www.about-air-compressors.com.

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It is no surprise that with the increase in demand for high quality air compressors, several manufacturers are continuing to perfect the quality and standards for these devices.

You can find at least a dozen very well-known and respected air compressor manufacturers. Most of these companies adhere to the strict quality and safety standards as set forth by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This governing body is responsible for regulating air compressors and all of their certified products will be labeled accordingly.

One of the most popular air compressor manufacturers in the United States is Sullivan-Palatek, located in Indiana. This company prides itself on creating some of the most advanced engine-driven air compressors on the market, both in terms of quality and safety. These air compressors are among the most energy-efficient available. They also offer used air compressors and air compressor rentals.

Atlas Copco Compressors Inc. is also a very well respected authority in air compressor manufacturing. Located in Massachusetts, Atlas Copco has been in business for several decades. They specialize in both portable and stationary air compressors. Their popular stationary models include lubricated, oil-free, PET, centrifugal air & gas and turbo expanders.

These three companies are just a few examples of the fine air compressor manufacturers located in the United States. With decades of experience, most of the companies that manufacture air compressors are continually striving to make them better. They are in a continual process of advancing features to make air compressors affordable, long lasting, safe, and energy-efficient. When choosing an air compressor manufacturer, you should probably choose one that has been tested and certified by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Many states only allow the sale of devices certified by the organization. This group has set rigorous quality and safety standards that should be applied to most air compressor models.

Air Compressors Info provides detailed information about portable, industrial, engine-driven, 12 volt, and used air compressors, as well as air compressor parts, manufacturers, and more. Air Compressors Info is affiliated with Original Content.

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Air compressors are widely used among American manufacturers, industries and are often valuable components in automotive functions. Air compressors are typically available as both gas and electrically powered devices. It usually costs quite a bit to operate the compressors effectively, and this can form a large part of a business’s utility budget.

Air compressors are often the single most important source of energy; they are also one of the largest expenses, both in terms of purchase and maintenance costs. They are usually available in a horsepower of three-quarters or larger and can have air tanks with up to an 80-gallon tank. Makes, model and features of an air compressor will vary among brands and models.

The governing body over equipment such as air compressors is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). An important safety component in all ASME certified air compressors is an air safety release valve. This valve allows air to escape if the tank pressure exceeds the maximum level as required by law. This prohibits accidents caused by excess pressure and the explosion of the compressor. Other safety measures include a cord that can be pulled to make sure the pressure is allowable and that the valves are not clogged or corrupted.

You should always choose an air compressor based on quality and protection; cost is important but should be a secondary factor for choosing an air compressor for your needs. The only way to guarantee your safety and the quality of workmanship is to purchase an air compressor that is certified by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). These air compressors have undergone quality testing and will have a label attached to the unit. Not all air compressors will be ASME certified, although some states do not allow the sale of any compressor that has not been tested and certified by ASME.

Air Compressors Info provides detailed information about portable, industrial, engine-driven, 12 volt, and used air compressors, as well as air compressor parts, manufacturers, and more. Air Compressors Info is affiliated with Original Content.

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