Design Compressed Air Systems As Required

One measure to increase the energy efficiency of pneumatic systems is the needs-based design of the compressed air system. If the required cylinder operating pressure differs in the working stroke and return stroke, the new compressed air regulators and flow regulators from SMC Pneumatik can reduce the own air consumption during the return stroke by 40%. This contributes significantly to energy efficiency.

To do this, users must combine the ASR pressure control valve and the ASQ flow control valve on the cylinder of their drives. With the control valves, the response time on the return stroke can be shortened considerably.

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In addition, the control valve series ASR and ASQ in vertical applications help to harmonize the lifting movement and prevent jerky start-up. The valve body and plug connection of the new control valves can be swiveled through 360 °, so that quick and easy installation is guaranteed. The range of new pressure control and flow control valves ASR / ASQ includes 5 models each. SMC offers these for connection sizes R1 / 4, R3 / 8, R1 / 2 and for hose diameters from 6 to 12 mm. Customers can choose between valves with fixed or variable set pressure.

Energy efficiency in the compressed air system

While the optional variant is fixed at a pressure of 0.2 MPa, the pressure in the variable standard models can be adjusted between 0.1 and 0.3 MPa depending on the application. The setting is made manually using a rotary knob with a three-part scale. Pressure regulating valve and flow regulating valve are combined on cylinders. The flow control valve ASQ is located on the working stroke side and the pressure regulating valve ASR on the return stroke side. The construction of the two valve series differs only slightly: The pressure control valves of the ASR series consist of a regulator with a check valve and a throttle check valve. The flow control valves of the ASQ series contain a quick supply and a bleed valve as well as a throttle check valve. The screw thread is coated with fluoropolymer.

Saving effect increases with cylinder size

“The importance of the energy efficiency of machines and systems will continue to increase due to the political framework and rising energy prices. Many current studies confirm this,”explains Harald Kühne, SMC Sales Engineering. “With the new compressed air saving valves from SMC, machine manufacturers can now make their product more energy-efficient. And that without having to make fundamental design changes. Manufacturers who use this for themselves can generate competitive advantages that pay off in terms of sales growth and gaining market share.”

The use of the ASR / ASQ control valves makes economic sense for all cylinders that have a diameter of at least 50 mm and a stroke of at least 200 mm at an inlet pressure of at least 6 bar. The prerequisite is that the required cylinder operating pressure in the working stroke and return stroke differ. The saving effect for users increases with the pressure difference between working stroke and return stroke as well as the size of the cylinder and the required air volumes. (qui)

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Article files and article links

Link: To the compressed air saving valves ASR and ASQ from SMC

Link: Calculate potential savings

Link: Selection guide for pressure boosters

Link: More energy-saving products from SMC