“Did You Hear That!?”- EXAIR’s Ultrasonic Leak Detector

Published on by jasonkirbyLeave a comment

The production of compressed air represents roughly one-third of the total energy expenses in an industrial setting. The Compressed Air Challenge indicates that approximately 30% of this compressed air is lost due to leaks. Consequently, nearly 10% of the energy costs incurred by the facility are squandered because of inadequate connections, malfunctioning air valves, and improper installations. Beyond financial waste, these leaks can lead to various operational inefficiencies. A reduction in system pressure can hinder the performance of end users, negatively impacting production efficiency. Additionally, this pressure drop may result in more frequent cycling of equipment, which can diminish the lifespan of compressors and other machinery. If leaks compromise the supply volume, it may create a false impression that additional compressor capacity is required, thereby escalating operating expenses.

When a leak occurs, it generates ultrasonic noise due to turbulence, often at frequencies above 20 kHz, which are inaudible to the human ear. The EXAIR Ultrasonic Leak Detector, model 9207, is designed to detect these frequencies and convert them into audible sounds through a technique known as “heterodyning.” This device features a signal strength indicator and a bar graph display, enabling the identification of even the smallest leaks. It includes two attachments: a parabolic microphone for detecting leaks from distances of up to 20 feet, and a tube attachment for pinpointing the exact location of a leak among multiple connections within a pipe. Once a leak is identified, it can be marked for repair.

The ULD is equipped with attachments designed to minimize background noise commonly encountered in industrial settings, featuring “+” and “-” buttons for precise adjustments to the meter’s sensitivity. This latest model enhances leak detection capabilities in difficult-to-access locations and adheres to the IEC 61326-1 standard, ensuring its functionality in the typical electromagnetic environments present in industrial facilities.

In most industrial facilities, huge amounts of savings can be realized rather easily by implementing a leak protection program. If you have questions about introducing the Ultrasonic Leak Detector to your leak protection program, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Jason Kirby
Application Engineer
Email: jasonkirby@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jk

Types of Compressors: Sliding Vane

Published on by Al WooffittLeave a comment

We frequently receive inquiries regarding the type of air compressor that customers should purchase. While we strongly advise consulting a local, reputable air compressor dealer to discuss your specific requirements, we do know a thing or two about various compressor types and their advantages. In this blog, I will focus on a specific category of air compressor: Sliding Vane Compressors.

Sliding Vane Compressors (also referred to as Rotary Vane Compressors) fall under the category of positive displacement compressors (as opposed to dynamic). More specifically, they are a form of rotary compressor in the positive displacement family. You can see this from the following diagram:

1. Diagram of Compressor Technologies.

In positive displacement compressors, a specific volume of air is confined within a compression chamber. This volume is then mechanically compressed, resulting in an increase in pressure. Sliding Vane Compressors are composed of an external housing, known as the stator, and an internal circular rotor that is positioned eccentrically. The rotor features radially arranged (and sometimes offset) slots that accommodate vanes. As the rotor spins, centrifugal forces act on the vanes, causing them to extend outward and press against the inner surface of the stator bore. This interaction generates compression zones formed by the vanes, the rotor surface, and the stator bore.

Due to the eccentric positioning of the rotor, the volume of these compression zones decreases as the gap between the rotor surface and the stator narrows. As the rotor rotates counterclockwise, the vanes are pushed back into the rotor slots while maintaining contact with the stator surface. This reduction in the compression zone results in an increase in air pressure.

The advantages of the Sliding Vane Compressor are as follows:

  • Compact size
  • Relatively low initial cost
  • Vibration-free operation – no special foundation needed
  • Routine maintenance includes basic lubricant and filter changes.

A few of the disadvantages are:

  • Lubricant gets into the compressed air stream, requires an air/lubricant separation system.
  • Requires periodic lubricant change and disposal
  • Less efficient than rotary screw type
  • Not as flexible as rotary screw in terms of capacity control in meeting changing demands

If you would like to discuss your compressed air application, then give us a call!

Al Wooffitt
Application Engineer

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Twitter: @EXAIR_AW

Al Wooffitt
Application Engineer

Send me an Email
Find us on the Web
Like us on Facebook
Twitter: @EXAIR_AW

  1. Compressed Air & Gas Handbook. Diagram of Compressor Technologies.

Enhance Your EXAIR Product & More w/ Accessories

Published on by Brian FarnoLeave a comment

If you hang around with me for long enough, you will grow to understand that I love comedy movies. One of my favorite production groups is Broken Lizard. You might know some of their work and, just to be clear, I have seen all the movies, watched two of the guys’ TV shows, and listened to some of their podcasts. When trying to come up with a title for today’s blog, I looked up synonyms for “Accessorize”. The picture below shows the results.

If you haven’t seen Super Troopers, then I am not sure if we can continue to be friends. Actually, I won’t hold it against you. There is a scene in the movie where they are trying to get some information from a photo and so Ramathorn is sitting at a computer and working on the photo. He continually types and says, “Enhance” several times until the chief briskly informs him to just print the photo already. Unfortunately, I can’t share the clip here because there may be some inappropriate language at the end of the clip, so just believe my poor description that it is funny.

Well, all the products EXAIR offers in our Accessories catalog section will ENHANCE your point-of-use compressed air application. Whether it be a point-of-use filter/ oil removal filter, and a regulator with mounting brackets and coupling kits to ensure you have clean air being utilized. See the video below for just how well they work and why they are important to an installation.

Items like Swivel Fittings, Stay Set Hoses, and even lengths of Air Hose can give versatility in locations where hard piping and getting precise alignment of the air stream are needed. This can save the installer of a blowoff many fittings and hours of time on installation. The Swivel Fittings give a lock-in-place adjustment capable of 25° from centerline at 360° of rotation.

The Stay Set Hoses are another tool-free adjustable mounting option for point of use compressed air products. The ability to get rid of copper tubing, which is costly and can kink if proper tools aren’t used to bend it, is great for easy installation in the field. To see how easily they can be used, check out the video by John Ball below.

Even after these products we still offer a number of accessories that will aid operators in their production environment. If you want to discuss any part of the EXAIR product offering, please contact an Application Engineer today.

Brian Farno, MBA – CCASS Application Engineer

BrianFarno@EXAIR.com
@EXAIR_BF

Video Blog: Chip Vac vs. Heavy Duty Dry Vac For Dry or Wet Debris

Published on by Russ BowmanLeave a comment

My latest video blog shows how well both the Chip Vac, and the Heavy Duty Dry Vac, handle dry – or wet – debris:

If you’re looking for a compressed air-operated industrial vacuum, EXAIR has a wide variety to choose from. To find out more, give me a call.

Russ Bowman, CCASS

Application Engineer
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