Month: July 2009

Which is better, Adjustable Spot Cooler or Cold Gun?

Published on by Neal RakerLeave a comment

It is interesting to consider which product might be better, the Adjustable Spot Cooler or the Cold Gun. The usual American notion is most likely that bigger (more powerful) and more features is always better.

I would tend to challenge that notion though. When it comes to the Cold Gun, we have 4 very good choices to pick from. All of which have their place for the right application. We have two basic sizes, 1000 Btu/hr. and 2000 Btu/hr. It might be common sense on one hand to always say that 2000 Btu/hr. is better than the smaller capacity. But, what happens when you don’t have the compressed air volume to operate the larger unit?  You end up with a pressure drop in your compressor system which affects the performance of the Cold Gun and perhaps even other equipment that depends on steady pressure from the compressor system. So, in this thought process, perhaps the smaller 1000 Btu/hr. unit would be better to consider.

Now, let’s take the added dimension of adjustability of the temperature on the output flow as you have with the Adjustable Spot Cooler. In many cases having this flexibility is a very good attribute. For example, let’s say you have an application where you need a very specific temperature to test a thermostat. One batch requires 20F and the next batch might be -10F.  No problem with the Adjustable Spot Cooler.

Another example might be that the process requires that the temperature of the output flow really be dialed in exactly at the set point. The Adjustable Spot Cooler allows for this.

Another scenario might be that you have a process that requires spot cooling but you also have an operator who likes to turn knobs and push buttons because they think they know how best to set up anything within their realm (which isn’t always so). In this case a Cold Gun might be a better choice so that the operator doesn’t end up setting the Adjustable Spot Cooler to where it freezes up internally, which can happen at very extreme cold settings if the compressed air is not treated properly to lower the dew point.

Ultimately, what I’m trying to say is that for every application there is a good solution and this is why we have so many choices for our customers. If you need help determining which of these spot coolers might work better for you, please give us a call and we can help you sort the issues.

Neal Raker
Application Engineer
nealraker@exair.com

Preventive Cooling of an Electrical Control Panel

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Machine downtime due to overheating of the electrical controls is unfortunately not at all uncommon.  But, there is a way to both prevent and treat the issue.  EXAIR offers Cabinet Coolers for just this purpose. 

I recently spoke to an OEM of slitters, rewinders, and other moving web equipment.  They are building a machine for a customer of theirs, and want to incorporate cooling in the machine control panel.  Because this is a new installation, and not treatment of an existing heat-related issue, there are no temperature measurements to take in order to calculate the heat load.  So, the estimated heat generation of the equipment to be installed was considered instead.  The enclosure itself is rated Nema 12 for dust and oil mist protection, and the equipment inside will be powered by 24VDC. 

Taking all of the above information into account, a model 4340-24VDC was the best choice to offer this customer.  This is a complete kit which includes the cooler itself, a cold air distribution hose kit to direct the cold air to hot spots, an automatic drain filter separator to remove water and dirt from the compressed air supply line and prevent it from entering the enclosure, a thermostat preset at 95°F to prevent over-cooling and excess air consumption while still maintaining a safe operating temperature of the equipment, and a 24VDC solenoid valve to activate the cooler based on the signals from the thermostat.

Installing this cooler system will provide all of the components they need to ensure and maintain a safe operating temperature inside the control panel.  This will prevent heat-related shutdowns of the machine and allow the web to move continuously with little, if any, downtime or re-feeds and restarts. 

Emily Mortimer
Application Engineer
emilymortimer@exair.com

Air Leaks: Not Worth Fixing?

Published on by Kirk EdwardsLeave a comment

False! Fix your leaks. They could be wasting an estimated 30% of your total compressed air. If you begin  to pay attention to your compressed air leaks and proactively start to fix them, you could have a system which is working better and save an additional 20% of compressed air losses.

My father-in-law has a workshop on the farm. He runs a 7.5 Hp compressor and keeps it on at all times. He does not use the compressed air too often but he wants it available immediately when he needs to use it. He runs one air line down the length of his barn for a local source of air at the other end.

At his compressor you can hear it leaking from a quick disconnect, and at the opposite end you can here it leaking from an air gun connection. His compressor will sit about 15 minutes before it powers up again to re-pressurize the system. He is simply using electricity to keep his pressure up on a system he might use once a day.

In an industrial environment it is difficult to always hear a small leak, but also recognize there will be many more leaks around due to the additional fittings and connections. The result is the same, your system is running more often to simply re-pressurize the losses you experience through leaks.

A good leak detection program starts by identifying the leaks, many times using an ultrasonic leak detector which is capable of identifying the leaks we would not normally hear. These leak spots can then be identified and fixed. Fixing leaks can reduce the overall time your compressor runs and extend its lifetime. This can also reduce maintenance costs by cutting down on the run time.

Ultrasonic leak detectors can be an inexpensive solution to an expensive problem. EXAIR can assist you with many more air savings products and solutions. If you have any questions for us let us know.

Kirk Edwards
Application Engineer
EXAIR Corporation

Camera Cooling

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Is technology great or what?! Jobs that are too dangerous for humans are easily and sometimes more reliably performed with machines. Their nemesis though is that they are controlled with electronics which are susceptible to heat.

I was approached by a customer who designs and builds vision systems. They had installed a camera to monitor a furnace but the heat radiating from the furnace cooked their camera.

Before installing a new camera, they needed to come up with a method to protect the camera from ambient as well as radiated heat from the furnace. I suggested that he put an insulating bag, with a reflective silver surface, around the camera to provide protection from radiant heat. 

Then using a model 3230 Vortex Tube, with its cold end inserted through the bag, cold air was introduced inside to maintain ambient temperatures surrounding the camera well below the operating temperatures the camera was designed for.

This was a quick and easy solution to an expensive problem.

Joe Panfalone
Application Engineer
joepanfalone@exair.com