Compressed air propels industrial automation

By Staff Report November 13, 2024 6:43 pm IST

Compressed air is an invisible force that drives the automation. As industries embrace Industry 4.0, compressed air automation is a cornerstone technology, driving innovation and productivity to new heights.

Automation has become a crucial part of any successful enterprise. It uses technology to conduct operations previously completed by humans, freeing staff members to concentrate on strategically important and high-value work. Utilising compressors is one of the most important parts of automation since they are essential to supporting smooth operations.

What is a compressor?

A compressor is a mechanical equipment that lowers the volume of a gas or liquid to raise its pressure to greater than its surrounding pressure. This higher pressure allows the compressed fluid to drive a variety of applications, such as machinery, power pneumatic tools, PET bottle blowing, packaging, conveying, etc.

Chicago Pneumatics (CP) is a global brand that has been offering solutions to countless compressed air applications and every industry for around a century. Compressors supplied by CP have been instrumental in industrial system automation, boosting manufacturing ability.

Importance of compressors in automation

Compressed air is a safe, flexible, dependable, and quick energy source. The adaptability of air compressors contributes highly to the manufacturing industry. Compressed air has multiple purposes, from basic pneumatic tools to sophisticated automation systems. Compressors are an essential part of many automated systems, including:

Pneumatic systems: Compressors provide compressed air to pneumatic systems, which use air-powered cylinders and valves to lift, move and position heavy objects. Power tools: Compressed air powers pneumatic tools, such as drills, saws, wrenches, air rachets, rivets, hammers, sanders, and pneumatic nailing used in various industrial applications.

Process control: Compressors supply compressed gases for process control systems, which regulate temperature, pressure, and flow rates in industrial processes.

Conveying: Compressed air is used as an energy source to actuate the conveying systems, helping to carry the material. Compressed air is even used as a medium to convey material, like fly ash or dry powderlike substances, in a few applications.

Cleaning and drying: Compressors provide compressed air for cleaning and drying applications, such as blow-off systems that remove dirt and debris from surfaces.

Pneumatic robotic assembly lines and material handling and holding: These robotic assembly systems are pneumatically run and powered by compressed air systems to boost the productivity of assembly lines and promote flexible manufacturing.

Several automated systems utilise compressed air as the primary driving force, effectively replicating muscle movement through mechanical action.

In addition to powering the automated systems, Chicago Pneumatic Compressors aims to make them smarter, more efficient, and more intelligent.

Integration of Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) and Oil Cooled Permanent Magnet (iPM) technologies have enhanced the performance, making it power efficient and accommodating variable air demand. Multiple compressor networks can now be interlinked, equally used and centrally controlled to optimise the usage more efficiently. Intelligent connectivity systems effortlessly check compressed air setup from any location from your computer, tablet or mobile device. This eliminates the need for constant physical presence on the shop floor, enabling an efficient and datadriven management system.