Industrial Air Amplifier Design Factors
Air amplifiers are industrial equipment designed to increase air pressure to improve pneumatic tool operation. When centralized air pressure systems are insufficient to power air-driven tools, air amplifiers can fill localized demand. Depending on the type of unit, air amplifiers have various pressure and flow capabilities, ranging anywhere from 30 to 4,350 PSI. Because there is such a wide selection of air amplifier designs available on the market, it is important to carefully select the right one for your intended application.
How Air Amplifiers Work
Air-driven air amplifiers use the principle of differential areas to generate pressure. By having a higher ratio of inlet to outlet piston areas, air amplifiers utilize shop air, use some of that air as power to operate the unit (called the ‘drive air’), and intensifies the remainder of the inlet air into pressurized output. Shop air utilizes a four-way spool valve to affect cycling, then exhausts the drive air. There are two main ways MAXPRO® Air Amplifier Systems achieve this:
- DLA Series: A large air piston drives a smaller air piston to generate higher pressure levels.
- PLV Series: These units have two fixed area pistons. During cycling, the air amplifier utilizes one of the pistons to effectively double the incoming air pressure.
MAXPRO® air amplifier systems include an air control package, the amplifier, air storage tank with drain valve, pressure relief valve and outlet pressure regulator with gauge.
Sizing Air Amplifiers
Consider these factors as you determine the right air amplifier for your application:
Airflow
Airflow demands are based on the application, environment, and specific equipment involved in each case. Parameters to consider:
- Available inlet air drive flow and pressure
- Required outlet pressure
- Required flow at outlet pressure
Applications Requirements
- What is the highest flow and pressure needed?
- Describe typical machine cycle requirements
Pressure
It is crucial to figure out the highest and lowest air pressure requirement. Remember you will need to store up higher pressure than is needed to provide the delta P needed for airflow.
Other Considerations
- Duty Cycle (Intermittent demand or 24/7 operation?)
- Environment (hot, cold, inside, outside, clean, dirty?)
- Future expansion of production line (will more volume be needed in the future?)
- Future need for higher pressure and flow?
- Distance to work (line lengths can become a factor for pressure and flow)
Air Amplifiers From MAXPRO
At MAXPRO, we have concentrated on helping our clients find the right air amplifiers and air amplifier systems for over 25 years. Customer service is our top priority. Our knowledgeable engineers and sales staff are ready to help you select the best MAXPRO Air Amplifier System for your requirements. Contact us today to learn more about our inventory or browse our catalog online.
