Compressed air is a clean utility that is used in many different ways, and it is much safer than electrical or hydraulic systems. But most people think that compressed air is free, and it is most certainly not. Because of the expense, compressed air is considered to be a fourth utility in manufacturing plants. I did write a blog earlier titled, “Basics of Compressors”. There are two main types of speeds for air compressors; fixed and variable. In this blog, I will cover the Variable Speed Drive (VSD) Air Compressors.
The VSD Air Compressor controls the speed of the electrical motor by supplying different frequencies and voltages. It can range from around 20% capacity to 100% capacity depending on the system requirement. With most systems, the amount of air flow fluctuates throughout the day. With a VSD Air Compressor, it can run at lesser horsepower ratings for lower demands. If your plant operates at different compressed air demand levels, the VSD air compressor can help cut the electrical cost.
As an example, let’s say you have a 20-horsepower air compressor which can produce roughly 100 SCFM of compressed air. If the demand drops to 20 SCFM, then the VSD can change the ratio of the electric motor to run like a 4-horsepower compressor. And a 4-horsepower compressor uses much less electricity to generate compressed air.
Overall, the VSD does offer better efficiency if there are fluctuations on the demand side. To go even further, EXAIR has been manufacturing Intelligent Compressed Air Products since 1983. We are able to save you money by reducing the use of compressed air on the demand side. Together with a VSD air compressor, our products will help a compressor system to operate at much lower electrical power, saving you money. If you need alternative ways to use your compressed air, an Application Engineer at EXAIR will be happy to help you.
EXAIR’s VariBlast® Precision Safety Air Guns provide a focused blast of air capable of handling tough jobs with remarkable strength. This CE compliant, lightweight air gun uses an engineered valve for variable flow. It can produce an adjustable force on a target simply by pulling the trigger in a variety of positions. You can generate higher or lower force as needed for an application.
A comfortable, full-finger trigger and a convenient hanger loop are built into the Variblast Precision Safety Air Gun. It has a ¼ NPT female compressed air inlet at the base of the handle, with an option for a BSP threaded adapter. The VariBlast Precision Safety Air Gun is compatible with various nozzles to allow configuration for unique processes. One of the unique features are the replaceable extensions. They come standard with a 6” (152mm) extension. For greater reach, we offer a 12″ (305mm) or a 20″ (508mm) extension for a longer reach. The body is made of high-impact, glass-reinforced nylon to resist breakage. They can also be outfitted with an impact-resistant polycarbonate Chip Shield. In combination with the EXAIR Safety Air Nozzles, the airflow that exits the nozzle can’t be blocked, ensuring safe operation and compliance with OSHA standard 1910.242(b). Also, the Precision air gun has a low noise level, only 75 dBA, which is well below the limits of the OSHA noise exposure standard, 29 CFR 1910.95(a). EXAIR strives to manufacture safe and efficient safety air guns, and the VariBlast Precision fits that bill.
EXAIR’s complete line of Safety Air Guns is CE compliant and guarantees high performance and safety. A substandard blow-off gun is unsafe, loud, and wastes compressed air. They are subject to dangerous conditions and OSHA fines. EXAIR Safety Air Guns can help improve the situation in all these areas. EXAIR stocks a wide range of safety air guns for almost any blow-off application. We stock units ranging from our smallest size; the VariBlast Precision Safety Air Guns, up to our largest size; the TurboBalst Safety Air Guns. If you would like to discuss your blow-off application in a safe and efficient manner, an Application Engineer will be able to help you.
EXAIR has been manufacturing Intelligent Compressed Air Products since 1983. In that time, we have engineered many products for new and existing markets that required better efficiency, versatility, safety, and effectiveness. In this blog, I will discuss the features and benefits of the VariBlast Safety Air Guns.
To start, the unique feature that sets the VariBlast apart from other small air guns is the force variability. Unlike the “all or nothing” blowing forces with most air guns, this valve is designed to control the opening to allow for a variable force with the same nozzle. This will help you to not “overuse” the compressed air blowing. The VariBlast Safety Air Guns are made from a durable cast aluminum construction for tough industrial use. They have a rugged ergonomic grip with a user-friendly trigger. The compressed air inlets are located in two different positions to best fit your area. They also have an easy storage handle to hang the Safety Air Gun nearby. In addition to the VariBlast Safety Air Guns, EXAIR has options to enhance the features. Here is a list of them:
Air Nozzles:
Air Nozzles can make or break an air gun in safety, efficiency and effectiveness. EXAIR Air Nozzles are OSHA compliant for noise and dead-end pressure. We offer nine different types of air nozzles with the VariBlast Safety Air Gun; making it very effective for a range of applications.
Chip Shields
Chip Shields:
OSHA 1910.242(b) requires chip guarding when compressed air is used for cleaning and blowing. EXAIR offers Chip Shields with the VariBlast Safety Air Guns to meet this requirement. They are made from a polycarbonate disc which is practically unbreakable. It protects the operator from any blow back of shavings, debris, and coolant. They come standard with a durable rubber grommet that squeezes the extensions and can be adjusted for greater protection.
Extension Pipes:
For those far away targets and hard-to-reach areas, EXAIR offers aluminum extension pipes to attach to the VariBlast Safety Air Guns. They can range from 6” (15 cm) to 72” (183 cm) in length. This light-weight and durable material allows for easy handling when reaching high above your head or spanning across unsafe areas. With the EXAIR air nozzles at the end, the blowing force is not sacrificed as the back pressure will create a high velocity air stream.
Coiled Hose
Coiled Hoses:
To get the proper amount of compressed air from the piping system to the VariBlast Safety Air Guns, EXAIR offers Coiled Hoses. They are made of a durable abrasion-resistant nylon material that is 12 feet long (3.6 meters). They have swivel fittings to allow for easy uncoiling, and a spring strain relief to keep the hose from kinking at the ends. The coiled design makes it easy to reach around the work area and retract back to the substation. This will help to keep the hose off the ground where potential dangers could occur.
Regulator and filter
Filter Separators/Regulators:
To improve the VariBlast Safety Air Guns, EXAIR offers a series of filters and regulators. The filters will remove dirty particles and liquid water from the compressed air that can affect the performance as well as contaminate the surface that you are cleaning. The regulators are used to control the amount of air pressure used by the VariBlast Safety Air Gun; making them even more efficient. The idea for compressed air savings is to use the least amount of compressed air to do the job. The filter and regulator combination will allow you to control the proper amount of clean dry air to be used.
Not all air guns are the same. A check list should be created for any air gun. Is it safe, efficient, quiet, durable, ergonomic, and flexible? The VariBlast Safety Air Guns meet every item on that list. This is why the EXAIR VariBlast Safety Air Gun was awarded the Silver award by Plant Engineering in 2019. To go even farther, EXAIR has a promotion where we will be giving away for free a model 1126 1” Flat Super Air Nozzle, a $48.00 value, from now until the end of September 2020 with qualified purchases. (Check it out HERE). If you expected more from your current air guns, you can try any of the EXAIR Safety Air Guns. An Application Engineer is available to help recommend the best air gun for your application. You will not be disappointed.
VariBlast Compact Safety Air Guns provide a variable flow through the pull of the trigger. A light pull provides a breeze while a heavy pull provides a powerful blast. It has a smaller frame than our Soft Grip or Heavy Duty air guns, is lightweight and designed to utilize any of our 1/8 NPT air nozzles for general duty industrial applications.
This video shows how to install the VariBlast Valve Rebuild Kit, part number 902001 – to rebuild any VariBlast Compact Safety Air Gun that, through use, has become worn.
If you have questions about installing the VariBlast Valve Rebuild Kit or to discuss any of the 15 different EXAIR Intelligent Compressed Air® Product lines, feel free to contact EXAIR and one of our Application Engineers can help you.
