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A new machine requires a custom crane and hoist design..no problem
Problem:
The client, a local granite countertop supplier, was purchasing a new machine to custom cut their client’s countertops. Their existing workstation crane and hoist system didn’t allow the flexibility they needed to maneuver the granite into the proper position.
Solution
After on an onsite review, it became clear that a custom designed crane and hoist system was needed for the project. Account Manager Justin Kuhn and Application Specialist Chris Nelson were able to custom design a 2 ton Gorbel crane and 1 ton Harrington Hoist system that allowed the power and flexibility the client needed.
Results
The Air Power solution is working perfectly and this will likely be the last crane the customer will ever need. The added bonus was an annual maintenance plan for all of their existing cranes and hoists. The ability of our team to not only immediately identify the issues, but to also have the technical skill to design a customized system leads to the perfect Manufacturing Solution.
Once again the tremendous knowledge and experience of our Account Managers and Application Specialists not only solves the issue at hand, but creates a long term customer.
Powder booth Airflow issues solved by an Air Power Dynamic Duo
Problem:
The client, a local manufacturer, was having air flow issues within it’s paint operation. This was causing major dust/powder buildup in the nearby areas of the plant. Not only this, but the inefficiency of the airflow was hampering overall plant performance.
Solution
After on onsite review with the customer, Chris Case (Account Manager) and Travis Stirewalt (Technical Specialist) were able to determine that the 2nd and 3rd stages were horribly neglected. In addition, we pointed out that although airflow with no filters and clean filters was excellent, the airflow with the clogged stage 2 and 3 were causing the issues. We installed the Kemwove filters during a one day trial and testing period of the filter process. Two weeks later, we revisited the plant to check on the filters and then again a couple of weeks after that. The customer had moved into some of their old first stage inventory (paint pockets) but had left our 2nd and 3rd stages alone as requested. The 2nd stage filters were absolutely full and had spared the bulk of powder capture leaving the 3rd stage pocket filters in great shape.
Results
With the collected data over the test and review period, we were able to provide a concise filter plan and maintenance schedule for monthly, quarterly and annual review. For this customer – better air flow, improved plant performance, and a reduction of annual filter costs!
A client needed faster color changes…Air Power and Gema to the rescue
Problem:
Our clients operators were already using Gema box units for their non-recovery powder booths. While the units worked wonderfully these booths were connected and would be considered opposing. Each time they need to change color the operator must lift a 50lb box on and off the vibrating platform. This was a huge ergonomic issue for everyone involved.
Solution
After reviewing the setup and assessing the clients daily needs it was obvious that a Gema 8 color quick change package would allow for faster color changes, reduced material handling of the boxes of powder and would better prepare hard to fluidize powders in hoppers verses vibrating box units.
Results
Any time you can make a client’s operation more efficient, save wear and tear on their operators and show the how quickly the ROI would balance out….they are going to be happy. You almost always have to spend money to save money so having a team that understands your operation and knows all the available options to increase productivity is vital. Team Air Power got the job done once again.
As temperatures begin to get hotter, viscosity is very much at play when picking the proper pump.
Problem:
When specifying the proper pump for any fluid application understanding the properties of the fluid to be handled is of the upmost importance.
Viscosity…. is one of, if not the most important variable when determining the proper specification of a diaphragm pump (or any pump) and associated flow rates. The viscosity of many materials fluctuate as ambient temperature’s change through the seasons and as plant conditions change month to month, so understanding the effect viscosity has on sizing pumps is important.
Solution
All AODD pump ratings are with water at the pump outlet. For example, a Graco 1050 pump is a 1″ ported pump rated at 50 gallons per minute (water at the pump outlet). When looking to specify the above example pump, three things must be further evaluated to insure proper performance/specification – Viscosity (will alter flow rate), available air pressure at the pump, pipe or hose size (at pump outlet all the way to the point of discharge). Once you have determined these variables you can properly select the perfect pump for your unique application.
Results
Getting the right pump will make a world of difference in the efficiency of your set-up. Not only will your flow rates remain stable throughout the year, but downtime will be reduced and the life of your pump will be extended.
Graco Endura-Flo pump solves multiple issues for large paint booth
Problem:
The customer came to Air Power wanting to upgrade their pump package that supplies material from their paint kitchen to two applicators on each end of their booth. The booth runs 60’ long, with a width of 20’ and would be used to touch up dump truck beds. After running a pressure drop calculation we determined that the material could fall out of solution if there were a day or 2 that no spraying was needed.
Air Power Solution
After reviewing the application with the customer, Air Power proposed using a 3:1 Graco Endura-Flo pump. This option allows for the 3x the pressure, which was more than enough to overcome any pressure loss during the materials travel, as well as, has a much larger fluid section requiring less wear and tear on the pump while in operation. Since this is strictly a touch up process and not guaranteed to be an everyday event, we also recirculated the fluid lines to prevent any material from falling out of solution.
Results
This solution provided more than enough pressure to power the required spraying. Additionally, if there’s an occurrence where the system isn’t used for several days, the customer only has to run the pump a few minutes before spraying to move the stagnant material back within the agitated drum requiring no waste or quality concerns.
The Air Power solution solved the pressure problem, the potential solution issues, and provided a much larger fluid section to prevent wear and tear.
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