Air line accessories

A compressed air system is designed as a circuit, not as a string of extension lines. The two most expensive mistakes are undersized pipe bores, which let the pressure drop away at the end of the line, and leaks, invisible and permanent, which keep the compressor running for nothing.

Control is by directional control valves. They are designated by their number of ports and positions: a 3/2 for a single-acting cylinder, a 5/2 for a double-acting one, a 5/3 where a centre position is needed. Monostable versions return to rest when the signal is cut, bistable versions hold their state. The standard ISO 5599 and ISO 15407 sub-bases allow a directional control valve to be replaced without dismantling the pipework.

• Drops are taken off the top of the main so that condensate is not carried down to the workstations.
• A clogged silencer restricts the exhaust and slows the cylinders down: a frequent fault, and an easy one to rule out.
• A compressed air receiver is pressure equipment, subject to the corresponding regulations for its commissioning and inspection.

We supply the pipework, the installation fittings, the valves and the hose reels, and we remake workstation connections to the length you need.