Air motors are effective energy sources for a wide range of industrial applications. They use compressed air that is easy to obtain, clean, and can be regulated with simple low-pressure piping. They also offer various mounting options and can be operated in either direction or are often reversible.
Safety
There are several safety benefits to using air powered gear motor. Firstly, they are straightforward to control. All it takes is a minor valve adjustment to change the torque and speed, unlike electric motors, which are much more complicated and can cause problems in sensitive environments. Secondly, they do not overheat or generate current peaks. This is vital when working in a hazardous environment such as an oil and gas pipeline. This makes them perfect for use in ATEX-rated zones. The fact that they don’t produce any sparks also helps to prevent them from causing fires or explosions in sensitive areas. Another important feature of air motors is that they don’t require any lubrication. This means that they can be operated at intermittent intervals without any risk of contamination. This is particularly advantageous for vane-type air motors as it allows them to operate in a regular cycle with slow speeds. A non-lubricated design can reduce maintenance costs, as no lubricant particles escape the exhaust air.
Additionally, the motors are typically built from hygienic materials such as stainless steel, making them ideal for food-grade applications or other hygienic/high-c cleanliness applications. Depending on the application, they can be mounted in various ways, including face, flange, or nose mounts. They can have a keyed shaft or collet-type output shaft.
Durability
When an industrial application calls for a motor that can run without complex electrical wiring and in a volatile atmosphere, air-powered gear motors are often the ideal solution. They are a simple power source that is easy to control with minor valve adjustments, making them suitable for applications where the motors need to be instantly reversible and unaffected by continuous stalling or overloads. One of the main benefits of using air-powered motors in volatile environments is that they do not generate sparks or overheat like electric motors, so they can be used in environments where flammability and explosives are concerns. This means they can operate in environments like those in the petrochemical, agricultural, or nuclear industries. Another advantage of using air-powered motors in such applications is that they do not require an electrical starting system and can be started by simply releasing the brake. This is a significant benefit when working in these environments as it reduces the need for workers to wait for specialized equipment or for repairs to be carried out by a trained technician. It also allows them to focus more on the task and increase job productivity.
Adaptability
Unlike electric motors, which require an electrical power source, air motors are powered by compressed air. They do not produce sparks or create electrical heat and, thus, are safer to operate in volatile environments, such as those found underground during pipeline construction. Moreover, they don’t need costly special housings and explosion-proof mechanisms to operate in volatile atmospheres, and they are not affected by electromagnetic activity, which can cause other types of motors to trip or shut off. A single valve can also control an air motor’s speed and torque. Air motors can also operate in multiple rotation directions and are not damaged by rapid reversals, which can damage electric motors. They are compact and have approximately six times the power-to-weight ratio of an electric motor, making them ideal for use in tight spaces. Another benefit of air motors is that they are easy to adapt. You need to match the size of the motor to the plant air pressure, which may vary during the day due to usage by other equipment. You can also use a pressure regulator at the motor location to ensure constant airflow for optimal performance. This way, you can minimize line loss and maximize energy efficiency. This is also important for ensuring your motor does not overheat and stall under heavy loads.
Efficiency
In industrial automation, there are many different ways to transfer power. Electric motors are the most common, but other kinds of motors are also helpful in some cases. These other types of motors use various methods to generate rotational energy. They can be used for applications ranging from powering production machinery to operating mixers and actuating valves. Powered by stored energy in the form of compressed air, nitrogen, or natural gas, an air motor uses reduction gears to create a high torque level with lower energy input. These motors are often the engineer’s “go-to” solution for jobs that an electric motor can’t handle. They can be installed to operate in any position without a sophisticated control system. They can easily vary their torque and rotation speed by limiting the airflow or pressure being supplied to them. They can be used in multiple directions, clockwise or counterclockwise, and they are not damaged by rapid reversals (which can damage an electric motor). One thing to remember with any pneumatic device is that the compressed air quality must meet specific purity standards. Otherwise, moisture can form and ruin internal components. This can lead to a short service life and premature failure of the motor.
