All air contains water in the form of vapour. The maximum amount of water vapour that can be held in air varies with the temperature of the air. As the air temperature falls, so does the amount of water vapour that the air can hold. That is why you get dew on the grass...
How to size an air receiver
A receiver (or air tank) is a steel vessel which stores compressed air. Because air is compressible a receiver stores a large amount of energy and it must therefore be manufactured in accordance with guidelines laid down. Most air compressors require a receiver in order to operate correctly and efficiently. To size an air...
Oscillating Valve
This valve assembly will, when connected to a pneumatic cylinder, cause the cylinder will go in and out indefinitely until the air supply is removed. The speed of both the in and out strokes can be controlled and can be different from each other. It is made from standard components and works by detecting the...
Cost of Compressed Air Leaks
Do you know how much your compressed air leaks cost you? Maybe not but it is quite easy to work out. Step 1 – Turn off all your machines that use air. Step 2 – Run your compressor till it stops and note the pressure in the receiver. Step 3 – Start your stopwatch...
Selecting the correct pressure gauge?
This is normally straightforward but there are some points to watch out for. Bottom entry or back entry The connection is either at the bottom of the gauge or on the back. Which is correct for you depends entirely on the application and where you are using the gauge. Panel mounted gauges are always...
BSP Taper and Parallel Threads
Although there are no hard and fast rules, here are some guidelines on when to use taper and when to use parallel. It applies to BSP threads used in pneumatics and compressed air. The use of BSP threads in hydraulics will be addressed at some point in the future. Sealing Point A taper thread...