- Posted
- Nov 7, 2008
Fluid energy transducer developed for sensors
Researchers of the Fraunhofer Technology Development Group TEG have created a fluidic energy transducer that has successfully managed to convert fluidic energy (from air or water) into electricity. The fluid transducer could enable sensors used in, for example, pneumatic plants to supply themselves with energy in the future. Read more »
- Posted
- Nov 6, 2008
Robotic ants building homes on Mars?
Recent discoveries of water and earth-like soil on Mars have set imaginations running wild that human beings may one day colonise the Red Planet. However, the first inhabitants might not be human in form at all, but rather swarms of tiny robots. Read more »
- Posted
- Oct 10, 2008
Cylinder takes the stress out of bridge project
It looks like a menacing multi-barrel cannon of the type slung beneath fighter jets, but the purpose of this dark cylinder is constructive, not destructive. The Enerpac 900-tonne hydraulic stressing cylinder, supplied and customised by Jonel Hydraulics, will be used by Post Tensioning and Grouting to simultaneously tension dozens of high tensile stressing strands for bridge sections of the $NZ250 million-plus Tauranga Harbour Bridge crossing in New Zealand. Read more »
- Posted
- Oct 10, 2008
The importance of oil-free air for PET blowing compressors
Oil contamination is an invisible enemy in all bottling installations and aseptic environments. Atlas Copco’s ZD high-pressure compressors are suitable for PET packaging production and now offer the security of 100% certified oil-free air with a Class 0 certification. Read more »
- Posted
- Sep 8, 2008
Motion control system automates woodworking process
A custom woodworking machine built using ethernet-compatible motion control components from Baldor Electric has automated the precision finishing of fret boards for acoustic guitar manufacturer Martin Guitar (CF Martin & Co). By using dual sanding belts and a swinging work holder controlled by a combination of linear and rotary servo motor axes, this machine now replaces a previous manually actuated sanding process. Four axes of motion provide precise and smooth machining that enhances both the speed and quality of fret board production. Read more »
- Posted
- Sep 8, 2008
Why is inlet air filtration so important?
Inlet air filters are supposed to be changed when they get dirty, and begin to restrict the air flow to the compressor. The obvious benefit is preventing contaminates from accelerating wear rates inside the compressor. The less obvious benefit is preventing a dirty inlet filter from causing elevated temperatures that risk major damage. This article includes case studies that highlight why air inlet filtration is so important. Read more »
- Posted
- Aug 11, 2008
Actuator designed for opening emergency doors
Modern aircraft manufacture is fiercely competitive. There is immense pressure on to keep costs low. Requirements for efficiency and environmental considerations for wide-bodied aircraft demand research and innovation from every conceivable field. A Bavarian scientific and industrial consortium is breaking the mould in the construction of aircraft doors and emergency opening systems, aiming to develop a pyrotechnic rotary drive system for the task. Read more »
- Posted
- Aug 11, 2008
Customised CNC platform for processing line
Customisations to a standard CNC controller have helped special-purpose machinery builder MKM International engineer a radical, integrated, single-stage processing line for aluminium profiles. Read more »
- Posted
- Jul 9, 2008
Uni to help navy retain corporate knowledge
Specialised corporate knowledge loss is a significant business risk in the 21st century with a large number of ‘baby boomers’ now approaching retirement. The University of Wollongong and the Navy have committed themselves to a project that plans to maximise retention of irreplaceable knowledge before it ‘walks out the door’. The research project will be directly applied to Navy’s maritime engineering community and the knowledge gained could also provide benefits for other Australian organisations. Read more »
- Posted
- Jul 9, 2008
Robotic application for DC micromotors
Today, mobile robots are often deployed in critical situations that are simply too dangerous for humans to handle — eg, to identify a suspicious object or disarm a bomb. These ‘manipulator vehicles’ have to meet particular requirements such as exact manoeuvring and precision handling of tools, and it must be kept as small as possible in order to allow access through narrow passageways. DC-micromotors have become an essential component in the design of these robots. Read more »
- Posted
- Jun 11, 2008
Can your business save on fuel costs?
From 1 July this year, many small businesses will be able to claim fuel tax credits for the first time, and many others will be able to claim additional fuel tax credits. Read more »
- Posted
- Jun 10, 2008
New standards help users compare compressed air quality and contamination
When selecting compressed air purification equipment, installers and users often compare the performance of equipment from many manufacturers in an effort to cost effectively achieve the quality of compressed air required by their application. John Davis, Australasian business development manager of Parker domnick hunter, explains what to look for when benchmarking compressed air purification products and how a new ISO Standard will help provide greater clarity. Read more »
- Posted
- May 12, 2008
Cathedral gets a lift — hydraulically
The refurbishment of one of Western Australia’s oldest Catholic cathedrals received a boost recently with help from hydraulic technology and the skills of riggers. Read more »
- Posted
- May 12, 2008
- By
- John McNab*
Ten typical mistakes with compressed air systems
Along with energy and water, compressed air is one of the most ubiquitous inputs into an industrial plant. Why then are we so aware of the need to conserve energy and water, but often so blasé about optimising the efficiency of our compressed air systems? Here, compressed air system innovator John McNab* offers tips for getting the best from new or existing compressed air systems, by identifying 10 common misconceptions about compressed air. Read more »
- Posted
- Apr 14, 2008
Pumping fluids and getting fluid to the pump
A knowledge of suction, pressure and power calculations is important when designing systems for pumping fluids and getting fluid to the pump. This article includes details on this topic. Read more »
- Posted
- Apr 9, 2008
Electricity supply — a key element of compressor installation
Compressed air systems can consume significant quantities of electricity, accounting for around 10% of Australia's power usage. An optimised electricity supply is an essential component of an efficient, cost-effective compressed air system installation. Read more »
- Posted
- Mar 13, 2008
Saving air, saving money!
In the past, the availability of compressed air has been treated as an unlimited commodity that costs virtually nothing - similar to how we used to view water before climate change - however, most now know this is not the case Read more »
- Posted
- Mar 13, 2008
When did you last inspect your safety light curtains?
Companies using light curtains to safeguard machinery often do not appreciate the implications of the regulatory requirement for inspections Read more »
- Posted
- Mar 13, 2008
Dairy packager adopts aerospace technology
The Tine Norske Meierier dairy packer in Norway has adopted compressed air filtration that is designed to be energy efficient Read more »
- Posted
- Mar 13, 2008
Compressors assist in mining project
Clean coal technology company, Linc Energy has recently installed three Boge SL481 screw compressors at a coal tenement site in Queensland Read more »
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