Thursday, February 25, 2016

Keep Compressor Parts on Hand



Compressed air is used in many different applications; it is both versatile and extremely useful as a power source. Many people use compressed air as part of their work. People in industries such as construction, automotive repair, and maintenance often work with air compressors. You may have a compressor of your own in a home workshop for a variety of crafts and hobbies. Unfortunately, from time to time this equipment needs repair. The potential financial savings you could receive by fixing rather than replacing the machine are more than enough to justify the purchase of Dresser Rand compressor parts. You will then be able to complete the necessary repairs and continue on with your work.

Why are compressors so valuable? Tools that utilize air as a power source typically last longer than other tools; they are usually cooler to operate and do not pose fire and electrical hazards. Compressors are safe for the environment, even when they develop a leak. The machines are easy to use and deliver a high degree of power without tiring the operator. With so many advantages, this type of equipment is found in many work and home workshops.

In order to continue enjoying the use of the compressor, some workshop owners keep a supply of the most useful Dresser Rand compressor parts on hand. This way, they will be able to keep working without unnecessary pauses.

As you consider which Dresser Rand compressor parts to keep on hand, you can look at some of your machine’s identifying characteristics. For example, is your compressor stationary or portable? Do you measure the output in pounds per square inch (psi) or by deliverable cubic feet per minute (CFM)? In some applications, both measurements are taken. Keep this in mind as you look at the parts available to you. Do you often power more than one tool at a time with the compressor? Finally, keep a record of the parts that need to be repaired or replaced most often. This way, you will always have a well-stocked assortment of the parts you need, when you need them.

Monday, February 22, 2016

Replacing Components in a Refrigeration Unit



When you are working with refrigeration units, there are many parts and components that can be in need of replacement. Replacing worn or broken parts is a more cost-effective option that replacing a whole unit. There are many different parts that may need to be replaced in order to prolong the life of your unit and keep it working properly.

Evaporator

An evaporator is the part of a refrigeration unit that takes the liquid chemical that is used to make the unit cold and turns it into a gas to more efficiently move it though the unit. In order to replace the evaporator, the unit must be pumped down, which means that all of the refrigerant (both liquid and gas) is sent into the condenser so that none of it is spilled into the air when the part is removed. Once this pumping down is complete, the evaporator can be removed and repaired or replaced.

Compressor

There are four different types of compressor currently available: reciprocating, rotary, scroll, and centrifugal. Whichever type you have, they mostly do that same thing. The compressor is responsible for taking the gaseous refrigerant from the evaporator and pushing it to other parts of the unit. Removing a compressor is a more in-depth process than with the evaporator. The system must be pumped down, valves must be opened, and other parts need to be removed before the compressor can come out. It is best to find exact instructions based on your model before you attempt to remove a compressor.

Compressor Valve Parts

Once your compressor is removed, you will be able to view and remove the compressor valves. The valves are the parts of a compressor that allow coolant to enter and exit the compressor. They are very important to the health of the compressor and the entire unit.  These are fairly simple to remove from the compressor and replace or repair.

When something goes wrong with a refrigeration unit, sometimes it is just because a part needs to be replaced. Replacing parts with either manufacturer models or third-party supplies is a great way to make sure your unit keeps working correctly longer.

Monday, February 15, 2016

The Basic Types of Helical Springs



 Helical Springs

Helical springs come in four basic categories: compression, extension, torsion, and spring guides. They are versatile, in that they are used in many different types of applications. You might find them used by the medical industry, automotive, and construction industries. Industrial equipment often requires the use of precision and strength in the design and materials of their parts. Before you can begin the design of the components you need, you will have to determine which of the categories is most appropriate:

Compression

These springs have an open coil system that are designed to oppose compression along the axis of the wind. In other words, loosely wound coils resist the force of compression, the amount of force resisted can be affected by adjusting the tightness of the wind. This is the most common type of configuration and they are commonly used in combination with a rod or are fitted inside a cylindrical hole.

Extension

This type of coil is designed to absorb energy or to store energy. In general, they will be used to create resistance to tensile forces. The degree of tension is determined by how tightly wound the coils are. These coils may be used in industrial robots, as door locks, or in perambulators.

Torsion 

These coils are characterized by their twisting strength. The flexible wind of the object stores mechanical energy. As the coil is twisted more tightly, the force, or torque, becomes stronger in the opposite direction. Torsion helical springs are used to operate clothespins, garage doors, and the suspension systems on automobiles. Naturally, these systems are available in many different sizes from very tiny to very big and powerful.

Spring Guides

These guides are known by a number of different names, such as coil pipes, medical springs, and cable sheaths. They are long and slender and are used to provide flexible support within a project. They may be found in bicycle brakes, control cables on animatronics, or might be used as reinforcement inside of plastic tubing.

The use of the helical spring is common, but should not be under-valued. This powerful and flexible tools handle a great deal of force in many different directions and with a variety of results.



Monday, February 8, 2016

The Importance of Valve Seat Rings

Valve Seat Rings



You might not give much thought into why you need valve seat rings or how necessary they are to proper compressor function. Like many small parts, they are pretty much forgotten until something goes wrong, and then you remember they are there for a reason. By taking a moment to understand the purpose of seat rings, you can be sure you won’t overlook them when maintaining or repairing compressor valves.

What Do They Do?

Much like a washer to a faucet, a valve seat ring is designed to provide a tight seal between parts of the valve inside either a gas or an air compressor. They are available in different materials, including thermoplastic and metal, and can even be custom cut for a precise fit. They are held in place either by a screw and thread design or through the pressure existing between valve parts. Think of them like the cartilage in your knee; they provide the cushioning between two moving parts to reduce friction and keep movement fluid.

Is That All?

Valve seat rings are also important to minimize wear and tear on the other valve parts. Constant motion, heat, and weight of parts inside the compressor will all cause erosion of the valve seat over time. The valve seat rings minimize that wear and tear inside the valve and act as a buffer between the moving parts. Rather than replacing the larger moving parts, which can be difficult or costly, you can instead easily remove and replace the seat rings, ensuring proper function at a fraction of the inconvenience and expense.

The Right Stuff

Ensure your gas and air compressors are functioning properly by keeping parts well lubricated and in good working order. Perform regular maintenance on your equipment, and replace the valve seat rings when they start to show wear to prevent more significant problems down the road.

Tuesday, February 2, 2016

How Wafer Plates Keep Your Equipment From Melting Down



 Wafer Plates

You have heavy equipment that handles potentially dangerous fluids at impressive volumes. The devices work long hours and endure fatigue that can lead to expensive, sometimes disastrous failure. While you should have a qualified expert making regular inspections, it can help to know how the devices work. In many cases, the flow of water is regulated by a wafer plate or water check valve, and managing them can control a large number of potential problems.

What Does It Do?

A wafer valve typically consists of two spring loaded discs that rapidly rotate around a shaft. The speed of their rotation controls the amount of fluid that can flow through the valve in any given interval. This enables any compressor to manage pressure and volume through its RPMs. Offsetting the valves adapts the flow rates to optimize the compressor’s functionality. If your equipment seems to undergo too much stress or has flow related problems, this is a good starting place.

What Makes a Good Valve?

There are two primary manufacturing components that determine a valve’s value: material and precision. Material needs to be matched to the fluids that will contact the valve. Corrosive substances mandate the use of stainless steel or another resistant equivalent. Operational temperatures are also a key factor for choosing the right material. Since valves often need to be manufactured to custom specifics, a talk with the providers can help you make a smart selection.

As far as precision, the best in the industry typically work with laser cutting. Some materials do not sit well with this process, but almost every metal can be better shaped via lasers. Improved shaping leads to lower operation costs, better outputs and reduced maintenance, so always look for valves that are designed as specifically as possible.

You can learn even more by consulting your experts or by talking directly to manufacturers. In every case, understanding the details of your equipment can help you make better decisions about its use, storage and upkeep.