Compressed air systems offer many advantages, including improved economy, reliability, and energy efficiency. Their ease of use and versatility enable complex tasks to be completed more quickly compared to other power tools so, when technical problems occur, time, productivity and energy can be wasted. Fortunately, some of the problems that affect compressed air systems are […]
Hydraulic and pneumatic systems both use kinetic motion to move heavy loads. Hydraulics use confined water or oil, and pneumatics use a confined gas, typically air, to generate kinetic motion to drive cylinders and rams. Motion and pressure are converted and multiplied through confinement and precise direction into an intense push. While the two processes […]
Fluid dynamics is the beating heart of some of the world’s most powerful and important machinery, spanning sectors as diverse as agriculture to construction, to renewable power generation. The ability to engineer an efficient hydraulic system is not just an art form, but a critical step towards greater energy conservation and higher performance, helping ensure […]
Hydraulic applications face a variety of frustrating, but usually predictable challenges. Fluid contamination, system leaks, overheating, component fatigue, and design mistakes are problems as old as hydraulic engineering itself, and can be extremely damaging when they occur. The phrase ‘prevention is better than cure’ is one of the mantras that fluid power engineers live by, […]
Recent innovations in the fluid power sector have led to significant improvements in pneumatic system design, efficiency, and safety, with technological features such as smart pneumatics and variable speed drive compressors changing the design landscape for many industrial applications. So, what are the key considerations to bear in mind now when designing a pneumatic system?
Direction control valve solenoids are an important part of many automated hydraulic systems, allowing the controlled movement of fluid and other materials in a variety of directions. Like any mechanical component, however, they are prone to failure over time. In this article, we address the age-old question: what could go wrong with a direction control […]
Performing a flow test on your air compressor can help you troubleshoot issues in your pneumatic system quickly and accurately, so they can be resolved swiftly without causing disruption or downtime. A flow test is a fast and easy way to identify any problems that may be present in your air compressor, including leaks and […]
