You want to be confident in your ability to provide optimum performance while also using energy efficiently in every industrial project you take on. One way of doing this is by improving the efficiency of the airflow in your pneumatic systems, which is something you should consider doing. Preventive maintenance is the first rule of efficiency, and this involves thoroughly inspecting your equipment to look for problems before they manifest themselves in a malfunction.
In this manner, you can minimize the probability of downtime due to component replacement or repair in the case of a failure while also ensuring the stability of your entire pneumatic system. The following easy suggestions from experts are offered to increase the effectiveness of ventilation in your property.
Seal up Leaks
In the pneumatics industry, leaks are a frequent occurrence. They have a significant effect on the efficiency of your airflow; therefore, it is essential to address them as soon as possible before they impact your whole system. It would be best if you did a thorough examination to verify that there is no evidence of leaking happening. Consider the advantages of using technology to find and identify leaks, such as a piece of acoustic measuring equipment, to help you locate and identify leaks.
Leaks can occur at various points throughout the system, with the two most frequent locations being around valves and gaskets. Inspect your valve to ensure that it is the most suitable kind for your purpose, and look into soft seals if necessary. Check for degradation in seals as well, especially if your system is subjected to high levels of stress or pollution from its surroundings.
Heat, aridity, and dampness can all cause seals to deteriorate, so you might want to select a more durable material for seals that will be utilized in these conditions. You could also invest in a cooling system, which cools and dehumidifies the airflow to make it more conducive to the equipment’s proper functioning.
Check the Sizes of the Valves and Cylinders
Even though vital parts such as valves and cylinders are critical in ensuring the optimum operation of your system, they are often in the wrong sizes. This is the part where you have to consider investing in premium air control valves. If you choose to use less expensive but improperly sized components, you will place more strain on other parts of the system, which will need more energy to compensate for the increased stress. Smaller control valves, for example, may be less expensive, but they will need more power from the compressor to maintain adequate pressure for the actuator.
Another option is to go beyond selecting a larger cylinder to cope with air losses and pressure variations. However, this is unnecessary and would result in additional waste. Providing more volume than is required for your operation might need a larger air supply, resulting in more energy consumption than if you utilize the proper size cylinder.
Consider the Pressure
Additionally, pneumatic systems are often built without proper regard for energy economy, resulting in more significant pressure than is necessary for the actuator to fulfill its function. It is also possible for human operators to raise supply pressure in the erroneous assumption that doing so would enhance performance; however, in reality, doing so will only result in wasted energy. To keep the pressure at the proper level, you might want to consider adding pressure sensors and pressure regulators.
In a nutshell, ensure that there is optimum spacing between the compressor and the actuator while installing the compressor. Connective connections should be kept to a minimum, and no longer than ten feet if doing so would not jeopardize the load position is not a consideration. You’ll probably need more air pressure to place the weight properly if the distance between the two points is longer, which means you’ll consume more power.
To achieve maximum compressor efficiency, it is crucial to constantly ensure that the whole system is in good working order. Essentially, this means that any components that break or otherwise fail throughout the average operating life of a pneumatic system must be replaced regularly.
There are many instruments and software solutions available today that can increase the airflow efficiency of pneumatic systems. With everything from properly sized components to circulation controls and automated off switches, the contemporary automated factory has transformed the face of energy conservation. Maintaining your equipment in good condition and aligning the system needs to the elements and airflow can help you save money on energy and increase your productivity by using less energy.