Pneumatic systems are a cost-effective means of manufacturing the items that you sell and keeping quality control consistent in the food and medical industry. Operators appreciate the low learning curve and relatively easy maintenance. You have to replace parts on pneumatics air machines less often than you need to for hydraulic machines, and the parts overall cost less.
Another advantage of pneumatic systems is that they rely on air and noble gases to power them, rather than potentially combustible hydraulic fluid or mechanics. Regular air is less likely to lead to explosions, or danger to the operator while the latter deals with hazardous materials. Even so, certain compressed gases that carry that risk are used, to allow for efficient operation.
Choosing Your Inert Gases
In chemistry, inert gases are called as such because they have a low reactivity to other substances. Their atoms will not combine with other atoms to create a chemical reaction, including combustion. In pneumatics, an “inert gas” refers to one that can be used for high volume storage and that will not lead to explosions in the workplace.
Technically, noble gases on the periodic table are inert. They are rarely used in pneumatics, however, because they are expensive. Such noble gases include argon, neon, and helium. You are better off with gases that share similar properties so as to spare your budget.
An inert compressed gas needs to meet several qualifications before a machine can use it. That way the operator can use it safely and minimize damages in the case of a work emergency. Also, other people in the work environment, as well as the equipment, should not face any risk of injury or serious damage. You want to avoid litigation or high employee turnover.
The supply must not be poisonous to the operator in the case of leaks. This is a high priority because you don’t want any people in the area to suffer from substances that can damage their bodies. Asphyxiation also ties into this. Some gases used can lead to the risk in large amounts, it is best to decide which types are safest during tiny leaks. You have to measure the tradeoffs of the gases that you prefer.
In addition to maintaining the health of your operator, you want a gas that is not combustible. Pure oxygen and hydrogen are examples of gases that would explode if exposed to sparks at any time during operations. They react too quickly to such changes in an environment.
People who have used hydrogen for their machines in history have experienced the consequences firsthand, such as with the Hindenberg. With pure oxygen, you would avoid the asphyxiation problem but sustain a risk of fire. Thus, machines do not use either type of gas.
There are three types of gases that are generally used in pneumatic machines, which meet these criteria. We have assessed their safety, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each one.
Compressed Air
This gas is often used for industrial operations. Compressed air is labeled as a gas when it is a fluid medium. It consists of all the air that is in our atmosphere. The machine takes the air from the environment in which it occupies, and compresses the molecules to create pressure. Then we get a constant, natural and sustainable flow.
The best part of compressed air is that it is free and widely available. We breathe that combination of oxygen, nitrogen and other gases with tiny particles. Atmospheric air is also not combustible the way pure oxygen is, which makes it safe for use, and there is no risk of asphyxiation for the operator or any employees nearby. Fixed installations in factories tend to favor this supply of gas.
One drawback is that natural air can carry contaminants that you don’t want in your machine circulation. Water vapor is the most common contaminant due to physics and the nature of rain cycles. If water gets into your machine, condensation can cause clogs in the airflow and parts to rust. That’s a reason you need to have a good working filter to remove those droplets.
Carbon Dioxide
Unlike with oxygen, which is highly combustible, carbon dioxide will not set your workplace on fire. It also goes through phase changes, which means that the gas will turn to liquid rapidly at a certain air pressure around 60 bar.
The drawback of using carbon dioxide is that the gas is an asphyxiant. If a large amount leaks from your machine, then you risk the operator suffocating. That is why we recommend using it for small machines, such as fire extinguishers or life jackets. In the case of fire extinguishers, the carbon dioxide keeps a fire from feeding on oxygen; oil also cannot repel carbon dioxide, which makes the extinguisher potent for kitchen fires.
Lowered temperature is also a concern. If you don’t vent it well, then you can get freezing hazards from carbon dioxide. Make sure that the ventilation is adequate for your machine.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen is the most commonly used gas for pneumatic systems. You can store it in large and small volumes. Often manufacturers remove as much oxygen as possible and sell pure nitrogen, in liquid and gas form.
Due to its properties, nitrogen will prevent fires, explosions or oxidation. They will shield the machine and parts manufactured from high reactivity.
One potential drawback is that nitrogen can also cause asphyxiation in large amounts. Operators run the risk of suffocating in the case of a potentially damaging leak due to the displacement of natural air and oxygen.
Find Your Fluid Power At SMC Pneumatics
At SMC Pneumatics, we want to ensure that your air compressor keeps pumping and providing energy. Our experts keep up to date on which parts and gases are best suited for your particulate type of machine. When you want to upgrade or replace your parts, you can trust our expertise.
Contact us today to find the parts you need to power your noble gases. SMC Pneumatics will ensure that your machine will keep running, powered by compressed air of your preference. Let us replace your pneumatic cylinder, and educate you about all of the noble gases that you can use for consistent operations.