November 9, 2009
A dyeing machine builder was using gas-powered sump suckers to change fluids throughout their facility.
They spewed fumes throughout the plant, creating environmental issues; constantly needing LP fuel tanks changed and at the most inconvenient times. Batteries would run low, requiring a jump-start or replacement.
They purchased an air powered EXAIR model 6196 Reversible Drum Vac to compare performance. The results were impressive. The Reversible Drum Vac was faster, quieter, smaller, safer, and with no smelly exhaust.
There was also a cost advantage. The cost of the Drum Vac was less than they spent on general maintenance and fuel for the gas-powered ones. Payback was within a few months and will continue to provide savings in the future as the Drum Vac has no moving parts and will operate indefinitely.
The customer was so pleased that he provided us this testimonial:
Exair,
I just received our reversible drum vac. It works great and looks like it will last a lifetime.We replaced two gas-powered sump suckers that constantly needed LP fuel, a battery boost (or a new battery) or oil change etc. Yours is faster, quieter, smaller, safer and no smelly exhaust.
I spent less money on the Exair than I would have had to spend on general maintenance and fuel for the old mechanical ones. Payback will be quick.
Another customer satisfied with an EXAIR “built to last” product.
Joe Panfalone
Application Engineer
joepanfalone@exair.com
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Industrial Housekeeping | Tagged: japanfalone | 
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Posted by japanfalone
November 6, 2009
Imagine if you can, the chassis of a 20,000 lb. bus or large RV being strapped to a dynomometer for a performance test. This is exactly what one of our customers does albeit on an infrequent basis, but often enough that they have to be concerned about an overheating condition that appears in the tires. The tires are running over the same surface on the dyno drum and the thousands of interactions of the tread slipping over the drum cause friction and heat. In time the tires overheat and can fail.
In the past, the customer has “shaved” the treads off the tires they use, but that is time-consuming and problematic to say the least. The customer could also look into investing in a newer dyno with through-the-roll cooling, but they are very expensive and for the rate of use, not a viable option for this company.
So, cooling the surfaces that generate the heat is the next option and that is where EXAIR comes into play. Since all the chassis are of a dual, rear wheel configuration, we have 4 points to cool, 2 per side.
One of the requirements of the cooling system was that it be compact so it could fit in under the chassis on a fixture without interfering with the test. After discussing the options, the customer decided to go with (4) model 5315 Cold gun Systems, to cool the tire/drum interface. The customer tried it and the Cold Guns were able to keep the tires and drum cool. Even under high load, the temperature only climbed to a little more than warm, which was totally acceptable.
Neal Raker
Application Engineer
nealraker@exair.com
Leave a Comment » | 
Vortex Tubes | Tagged: ndraker, vortex tube cooling | 
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Posted by ndraker
November 4, 2009
I spoke to a controls and automation company recently who was working on a project to separate packaged DVD’s and Blu-Ray discs on a conveyor. The two packaged products were intermixed on a conveyor, but needed to be separated prior to labeling, to ensure that the correct label was put on each package. They were planning to achieve separation by ejecting the Blu-Ray discs off the line, and allowing the DVDs to continue into the labeler. Then the collected Blu-Ray discs would be sent to a separate labeling machine.
Because the cases were laying flat on the conveyor, a flat air pattern would work well to achieve the proper ejection off the belt. A Model 110003 3″ Aluminum Super Air Knife was selected as the best choice for the application. It has instantaneous on/off response. So, the airflow can easily be precisely controlled by a PLC or sensor, and a solenoid valve. It also has a precise, forceful, and uniform airflow pattern. This will ensure that only the Blu-Ray discs were ejected, and that they were fully ejected, to prevent any process interruption.
Emily Mortimer
Application Engineer
emilymortimer@exair.com
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Air Knife | Tagged: esmortimer | 
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Posted by esmortimer
November 3, 2009
If you begin counting the number of places you are using your compressed air utility, you will quickly recognize it as a large part of your manufacturing process and necessary.
Keeping the use of your compressed air system as efficient as possible can lower your energy costs, increase the life of the compressor and system components, and increase the areas where the compressed air can be used effectively.
Keeping your end use pressure levels as low as possible while still getting the job done plays an important role in the performance of your compressed air system. End use products like pressure regulators and engineered blow off products can help provide a supply of compressed air which is reliable and consistent.
Be aware of your end use applications and pay attention to the required pressure level for a successful application. A pressure regulator will play an important role to adjust your system to a reasonable pressure. You may discover no need to always operate the end uses at full line pressure.
You may have also changed some of your manufacturing processes along the way. These changes may allow you to remove some end uses or change them to be more efficient applications of compressed air.
Click Here for the U.S. Department of Energy action steps to get you on your way.
Kirk Edwards
Application Engineer
kirkedwards@exair.com
Leave a Comment » | Compressed Air Optimization | Tagged: kaedwards | Permalink
Posted by kaedwards
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