Pneumatic components have become indispensable in the operation of efficient mechanisation and automation processes. The most crucial element in the optimal functioning of these pneumatic systems is compressed air, but not just any air. Microscopic particles can destroy seals, oils can clog sensitive parts and too much moisture can cause corrosion. Clean air is vital in maintaining high system availability and productivity.
Standard practice used to be to centralise the generation of compressed air for entire plant areas, but this approach can result in excessive waste and reduced air quality, making it unsuitable in today's demanding manufacturing environments. Wasted and dirty air translates into wasted money.
As a consequence, many manufacturers are using service units to decentralise compressed air functions and distribute them as close as possible to their pneumatic systems. Shortening the distance between the filter that removes impurities from the air and the valves and cylinders it protects, significantly lowers the chance of recontamination, reduces air wastage and improves air quality. Shortened airlines, therefore, offer the most practical and efficient solution to air economy.
Service units are versatile air service stations that enable manufacturers to intelligently focus compressed air preparation to the exact needs of their pneumatic systems through modular design. These requirements can be extremely pure air, lubricated air, dry air and air pressure control, or all of the above.
To meet different industry demands, service units are divided into two categories, fine and standard. Standard units are used in normal compressed air networks, like on the factory floor, and are simple, rugged and economical. Fine units provide the precision air preparation necessary for high-tech pneumatic systems, whose servo-pneumatic components require air quality with particles less than 5 micrometres. This is where the modular design is most valuable, as it allows the quick combination of filter modules to facilitate even the most demanding filtration tasks.
Intelligent service unit technology offers even greater benefits. Features such as integrated monitoring can reduce downtime and maintenance costs by preventing unnecessary filter changes, or late changes. When a filter is clogged or the unit requires repairs, it simply sends a telegram to the controller requesting the appropriate service. These units are initially more expensive, but pay for themselves over time.
The Festo range of MS Series modular service units delivers the solution for today's high quality air requirements. The modular flexibility of the series allows any desired combination of regulators, filters, valves, branching modules, lubricators, sensors and dryers to be installed quickly and easily. This simplifies the creation, commissioning and maintenance of effective customer-specific solutions.
High flow rates combined with compact components make the units economical and able to support large volume compressed air requirements. Advanced safety features minimise the risk of accidents.
For more information contact Joanne Dix, Festo, +27 (0)11 971 5560, [email protected], www.festo.com
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