We are often ask for parts which are WRC or WRAS approved. What is the difference? There is no difference. The approvals used to be WRC but they are now renamed as WRAS. WRC = Water research council WRAS = Water regulations advisory scheme
Blog Archives
Ball Valves
A ball valve is a straightforward type of valve – it is a ball with hole in it (hence its name). When the ball is turned so that the hole is inline with the direction of flow then the valve is open. When it is at 90 degrees to the direction of flow it...
Standard dimensions in pneumatic cylinders
Most pneumatic cylinders are now manufactured to dimensional standards. The advantage of this is that cylinders made by different manufacturers to the same standard can be used in the same application. This makes spare parts easier to obtain and helps to reduce your downtime. The dimensional standard also covers stroke lengths. Cylinders can be...
What is an Air Pig?
An air pig is essentially a small horizontal air receiver with a number of outlets on either side. It can be used as a local distribution point to supply a number of tools (for example). The advantage of an air pig is that it provides a local store of air and acts as a...
Drain Valves
Water tends to build up in compressed air systems. You need to fit a drain valve at the bottom of your air receiver, on your filters and separators and at any point where water would tend to collect . There are four types of drain valve and there are pros can cons for each....
Pneumatic Pressure Switch
The term pressure switch will almost always conjure up the idea of a device which senses a pressure and gives an electrical output of some kind. Well, you can also get a pressure switch which gives a pneumatic output. This is a piloted three port, 2 position valve (3/2) with an adjustable set point....
Why do you get water in compressed air?
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...