Keep Small Parts Cool with EXAIR’s Mini Cooler

Published on by Tyler DanielLeave a comment

As they always say, “big things come in small packages”. Oftentimes, some of the things that have the most value or quality are quite small. Jewelry or diamonds certainly come to mind as some high-quality items that are relatively small in size. One little product we have at EXAIR is the Mini Cooler. Don’t let the word “Mini” fool you. EXAIR’s Mini Cooler packs a powerful punch while using minimal compressed air and not taking up valuable space on your shop floor.

minicoolerWFAM_500
Single and Dual Point Mini Cooler

The Mini Cooler is a proven, reliable way to reduce downtime and increase productivity on a wide variety of operations involving small parts where heat is causing a problem. With just an ordinary supply of compressed air as the power source, the Mini Cooler uses Vortex Tube technology to produce a 20°F (70°F compressed air temp) stream of cold air. This cold air can be directed to the part to prevent heat build-up that can cause premature tool wear, affect part tolerances and improve product finish. The Mini Cooler consumes just 8 SCFM of compressed air when operated at 100 PSIG, making it an ideal solution when available compressed air is at a premium.

The Mini Cooler can be used for a wide variety of applications, many of which we’ve blogged about here before. This application discusses a manufacturer that made surf casting bags used by fishermen fishing straight off of the beach. They had problems with the needle overheating and breaking which in turn damaged the finished product. Not only were they wasting materials, but also time spent periodically replacing the needles on the sewing machines. A focused stream of cold air from the Mini Cooler was all it took to remedy the situation.

Another application that I had the pleasure of seeing while visiting in Hungary was at a manufacturer of cataract lenses. They were using both the Adjustable Spot Cooler and the Mini Cooler in the milling process of the lenses. The cold air from the Mini Cooler replaced expensive and messy liquid coolant and was capable of maintaining a consistent temperature on the lens to prevent warping.

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Mini Cooler used to maintain a low temperature on cataract lenses during inspection.

The Mini Cooler is available with both single and dual cold outlets, depending on the part needing to be cooled. The kit will include the Mini Cooler, a swivel Magnetic Base for precise mounting and positioning, either a Single or Dual Point Hose Kit, and a Manual Drain Filter with a mounting bracket included. If you’re experiencing heat related troubles on a small application, take advantage of EXAIR’s Unconditional 30-Day Guarantee and give the Mini Cooler a try. You’ll be HEATED if you don’t!

Tyler Daniel
Application Engineer
E-mail: TylerDaniel@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_TD

Pressure – The Inner Working of the Basic Pressure Gauge

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Everyday here at EXAIR we talk about pressure, specifically compressed air pressure. The other day I was looking up our model 9011, 1/4″ NPT Pressure Gauge , and it got me to wondering just how does this small piece of industrial equipment work. The best way to find out is to tear it apart.

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Most mechanical gauges utilize a Bourdon-tube. The Bourdon-tube was invented in 1849 by a French watchmaker, Eugéne Bourdon.  The movable end of the Bourdon-tube is connected via a pivot pin/link to the lever.  The lever is an extension of the sector gear, and movement of the lever results in rotation of the sector gear. The sector gear meshes with a spur gear (not visible) on the indicator needle axle which passes through the gauge face and holds the indicator needle.  Lastly, there is a small hair spring in place to put tension on the gear system to eliminate gear lash and hysteresis.

When the pressure inside the Bourdon-tube increases, the Bourdon-tube will straighten. The amount of straightening that occurs is proportional to the pressure inside the tube. As the tube straightens, the movement engages the link, lever and gear system that results in the indicator needle sweeping across the gauge.

Pressure Gauge Top

The video below shows the application of air pressure to the Bourdon-tube and how it straightens, resulting in movement of the link/lever system, and rotation of the sector gear –  resulting in the needle movement.

If you need a pressure gauge or any of the EXAIR Intelligent Compressed Air® Products, feel free to contact EXAIR and myself or one of our Application Engineers can help you determine the best solution.

Brian Bergmann
Application Engineer

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Twitter: @EXAIR_BB

EXAIR Heavy Duty Dry Vac: Overview

Published on by John BallLeave a comment
Heavy Duty Dry Vac Family

When it comes to industrial vacuums, wouldn’t it be nice to have a durable, long lasting vacuum that is quiet?  There is such a vacuum that has these qualities; the EXAIR Heavy Duty Dry Vac System.  This vacuum system has no moving parts, no motors to fail, or bearings to wear.  They only require compressed air to operate.  The Heavy Duty Dry Vac is used to vacuum solid materials like plastic, sand, and even denser materials like steel shot.  The vacuum pumps are made from a hardened alloy construction to resist wear and abrasion, and it is designed to generate a strong vacuum level measuring -60” H2O (-15 KPa) at 80 PSIG (5.5 Bar).  To accommodate the multiple types of industrial applications, EXAIR offers the Heavy Duty Dry Vac Systems with different options and drum sizes.

The unique design of the Heavy Duty Dry Vac is incorporated in the modified lid that will fit onto a standard 55-gallon, 30-gallon, or 110-gallon drum (209L, 114L, or 418L respectively).  A 0.1-micron filter bag mounts in the center of the lid to allow excess air to escape and to contain the contamination inside the drum.  The large surface area of the filters allows for extended use before replacement while the high efficiency will keep the fine particles from re-entering the environment.  Under the drum lid, EXAIR used some features to help reduce the noise level even further.  We added a silencing foam and an extended hose.  This will muffle the noise and direct the contamination toward the bottom of the drum.  With these additional features, the noise level is only 82 dBA at 80 PSIG (5.5 bar).  Measure that against any electric vacuum.

Heavy Duty Dry Vac System

The Heavy Duty Dry Vac Systems come in three different options to best fit your application.  The standard option comes with the drum lid described above and a latching ring to attach to the drum.  It also comes with 10 feet (3m) of an anti-static hose, 20 feet (6m) of a compressed air hose, an aluminum chip wand, a hose hanger, a gauge, and a manual operational valve.  This option is available with three different drum sizes.  For example, model 6197 is for the 55-gallon drum (209L), model 6197-30 is for the 30-gallon drum (114L) and model 6197-110 is for the 110-gallon drum (418L).

Deluxe Heavy Duty Dry Vac System

The second option is the Deluxe Heavy Duty Dry Vac System.  This option will include all the items in the standard option plus aluminum tools, a tool holder and a drum dolly.  The upgraded aluminum tools include a floor tool, crevice tool, skimmer tool with detachable brush, and a two-piece double bend wand.  They are easily attached to the hose for quick cleaning of material spills.  The Deluxe system is a great option for getting into tight areas, hard-to-reach places, and large floor areas.  This option is also available in three drum sizes.  For example, model 6297 is for the 55-gallon drum (209L), model 6297-30 is for the 30-gallon drum (114L) and model 6297-110 is for the 110-gallon drum (418L).

Premium Heavy Duty Dry Vac System

If you do not have a drum to use in your facility, no problem.  EXAIR offers a steel drum in the Premium Heavy Duty Dry Vac Systems.  The Premium package has all the items in the Deluxe option plus a heavy-duty steel drum.  We offer the Premium option for all three sizes as well.  For example, model 6397 will include the 55-gallon drum (209L), model 6397-30 will included the 30-gallon drum (114L) and model 6397-110 will include the 110-gallon drum (418L).

If you get tired of throwing away your electric vacuums for burned up motors, you should try the EXAIR Heavy Duty Dry Vac System.  They will definitely extend the useful life, make it much quieter to operate and vacuum denser heavier materials quickly.  For U.S. and Canadian customers, we offer a 30-day unconditional guarantee to try the units.  If you need help to determine which Heavy Duty Dry Vac option would best suit your application, you can contact an Application Engineer at EXAIR.

John Ball
Application Engineer
Email: johnball@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jb

Video Blog: With EXAIR Products, Engineering Maximizes Efficiency

Published on by Brian FarnoLeave a comment

This video blog showcases just why engineering even the small details of a compressed air product can have a large impact on compressed air savings, safety, and efficiency.  This is why it is critical to know whether the company you are dealing with originally designed the product you purchased or if it is merely a copy.

 

 

Brian Farno
Application Engineer Manager
BrianFarno@EXAIR.com @EXAIR_BF