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Tag Archive: Air Amplifier

  1. How to Repair Spool Valves

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    Maximator® dry air spools (DAS) can be used for liquid pumps, gas boosters, and air amplifiers. They are suitable for dry air, nitrogen, and other severe operating conditions (e.g., air dew point below 0° F and ambient temperature below 0° F). The following article covers how to repair and lubricate the spool valve.

    Tools Needed:

    • Spool tool remover – Sold by Maxpro
    • Hammer or mallet
    • Pliers
    • Repair kit- Includes O-rings and a snap ring
    • Grease – We recommend Kluber Lube, Polylub GA 352 P High Temperature Grease. This grease has good long term adhesion and water resistance.

    Overview of the Spool Valve Repair & Lubrication Process

    1. Loosen four cap screws that hold the spool housing to the end cap to release any air trapped in the spool valve.
    2. Remove the snap ring from the spool valve housing.
    3. With a long screw driver or wooden dowel, from the ½” FNPT side of the housing, push out the spool plug and spool from the housing.
    4. Clean the spool and bore of the housing sleeve. Check the O-rings for wear and the spool sleeve for scratches. Replace if necessary.
    5. Put a light coat of grease on the O-rings and in the bore of the spool sleeve.
    6. Insert the spool into the spool sleeve, small side first, gently moving the spool from side to side with very little pressure on the end of the spool. DO NOT FORCE. The O-rings fit loosely on the spool and can be cut if they are forced in.
    7. Install the spool plug and snap ring, then tighten the four cap screws that hold the housing to the end cap.

    Spool Valve Installation and Repair Services at MAXPRO

    At MAXPRO Technologies, we stand behind our line of quality high-pressure products with after-the-sale support. Our after-the-sale services include testing, evaluation, inspection, cleaning, and repair by factory trained technicians.

    Need assistance repairing or rebuilding your dry air spool? Contact us today. We provide quick and quality solutions at a competitive price. To learn more about our in-house and field repair services, contact us today. For pricing details, request a quote.

  2. Industrial Air Amplifier Design Factors

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    Air amplifiers are industrial equipment designed to increase air pressure to improve pneumatic tool operation.  When centralized air pressure systems are insufficient to power air-driven tools, air amplifiers can fill localized demand. Depending on the type of unit, air amplifiers have various pressure and flow capabilities, ranging anywhere from 30 to 4,350 PSI. Because there is such a wide selection of air amplifier designs available on the market, it is important to carefully select the right one for your intended application.

    Air Amplifiers

    How Air Amplifiers Work

    Air-driven air amplifiers use the principle of differential areas to generate pressure. By having a higher ratio of inlet to outlet piston areas, air amplifiers utilize shop air, use some of that air as power to operate the unit (called the ‘drive air’), and intensifies the remainder of the inlet air into pressurized output. Shop air utilizes a four-way spool valve to affect cycling, then exhausts the drive air.  There are two main ways MAXPRO® Air Amplifier Systems achieve this:

    1. DLA Series:  A large air piston drives a smaller air piston to generate higher pressure levels.
    2. PLV Series:  These units have two fixed area pistons.  During cycling, the air amplifier utilizes one of the pistons to effectively double the incoming air pressure.

    MAXPRO® air amplifier systems include an air control package, the amplifier, air storage tank with drain valve, pressure relief valve and outlet pressure regulator with gauge.

    Sizing Air Amplifiers

    Consider these factors as you determine the right air amplifier for your application:

    Airflow

    Airflow demands are based on the application, environment, and specific equipment involved in each case.  Parameters to consider:

    • Available inlet air drive flow and pressure
    • Required outlet pressure
    • Required flow at outlet pressure

    Applications Requirements

    • What is the highest flow and pressure needed?
    • Describe typical machine cycle requirements

    Pressure

    It is crucial to figure out the highest and lowest air pressure requirement.  Remember you will need to store up higher pressure than is needed to provide the delta P needed for airflow.

    Other Considerations

    • Duty Cycle (Intermittent demand or 24/7 operation?)
    • Environment (hot, cold, inside, outside, clean, dirty?)
    • Future expansion of production line (will more volume be needed in the future?)
    • Future need for higher pressure and flow?
    • Distance to work (line lengths can become a factor for pressure and flow)

    Air Amplifiers From MAXPRO

    At MAXPRO, we have concentrated on helping our clients find the right air amplifiers and air amplifier systems for over 25 years. Customer service is our top priority.  Our knowledgeable engineers and sales staff are ready to help you select the best MAXPRO Air Amplifier System for your requirements.  Contact us today to learn more about our inventory or browse our catalog online.

    Maxpro Resource: Air Amplifiers & How They Work

     

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