PNEUMATIC TOOLS NEED ADEQUATE PRESSURE
The newest most efficient air-operated devices in the world are only as effective as the power that drives them. Reduce this power and you reduce their effectiveness.
Low air pressure is the usual culprit, caused by:
(A) Inadequate capacity in the compressor room (Supply Side)
(B) Excessive pressure drop between the distribution header and points of use (Demand Side)
(C) Lack of pressure and flow control between the system’s supply and demand sides.
Losses and restrictions in air distribution systems resulting in low air pressure at a tool are frequently as high as 30% to 50%. When operating below design pressure a tool cannot develop full power or operate at its maximum production rate. The curve at the right demonstrates increasing the air pressure to 90 PSIG from 70 PSIG improves power 37% for an average tool.
CONSUMPTION OF TYPICAL AIR TOOLS NOT SEEING YOURS?
(1) Per foot of lift.
* Typical CFM shown is based on the equipment operating continuously at the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure of 90 PSIG. Note that when a tool operates continuously for more than one minute at a time, a tool use factor of 100% should be seriously considered.
The above chart is based on averages and should not be considered accurate. Always check with your manufacturer to determine the exact air consumption of the tools or devices being used. The Haringa technical support team is available to evaluate your needs.
The typical air consumption value shown above for each piece of equipment is based on continuous full throttle operation under load. The tool use factor is a percentage of that figure which more realistically expresses the air consumption under actual operating conditions over a period of time. The product of the two is the USAGE CFM of the device which, in turn, is used to determine the total air demand for a given system.
In general, manufacturers design pneumatic equipment to develop its potential when a pressure of 90 PSIG is maintained at the inlet connection. The air consumption values shown above are based on this pressure.
The minimum operating pressure at the inlet to the “Demand Side-P4” (See page 4) must be high enough to compensate for the pressure losses through the main header, branch and drop piping, air preparation equipment, hoses and fittings to provide the correct inlet air pressure to “Points of Use-P5” (See page 4). The data supplied in this handbook will enable you to design an efficient air distribution system.