Air Valve Articles

1). About compressed air filters! By : Bill Wade
If you are one of the many folks that have purchased or are considering purchasing a home compressor, you do want to have a bit of information about compressed air filters. Compressing air generates a reservoir (receiver / air tank) full of wet, dirty, hot compressed air. As the air leaves the tank, it carries the crud and free water along with it.
Article Related to: air valve, compressed air, air compressor, valves, types of valves, air filters, air lines, working with compressed air

2). Why does water run out my compressed air line every time I turn the air on? By : Bill Wade
Water. This drives every compressed air user nuts!!! Every time they use an air tool, blow-off gun, or even fill the inflatable air mattress, water appears along with the compressed air. The water is a problem if the compressed air is moving through a tool that can rust or be negatively affected by airborne particles, and, given enough 'fill-ups and empties' a significant amount of water will appear in anything which you inflate or run with compressed air.
Article Related to: water, air line, water in air, cylinder, air cylinder, cylinder speed, speed control, air compressors, compressed air, actuators, fittings, air valve

3). Why care if there is water in your compressed air? By : Bill Wade
The process of compressing air generates free water, and increases air borne water vapour. If you are not sure about why this occurs, take a look at the article on this site entitled "Why does water run out my compressed air line?". So what is the problem with a little - or perhaps a lot :-) - of water coming down the compressed air line along with the compressed air? A simple answer may be that it depends on what you are using the compressed air for.
Article Related to: compressed air, air compressor, water, filter, clean air, auto drain, air valve, air cylinder, stuck valve, air tool maintenance

4). What's a 3/2 compressed air valve? By : Bill Wade
Recently, I published an article on this site titled: What's a 2/2 compressed air valve? Here, in the next installment in this series, is information on a slightly more complex air valve; the 3/2 style. The first number in the 3/2 air valve, the three, refers to the number of "working" air ports that are found in the valve body. That is, the number of ports that supply air to the valve, and channel the compressed air to whatever it is that the valve is supposed to do.
Article Related to: air valve, compressed air, air compressor, valves, types of valves, air filters, air lines, working with compressed air

5). What's a 2/2 compressed air valve? By : Bill Wade
Here's information on the simplest type of air valve; the 2/2 style. The first 2 in the 2/2 air valve refers to the number of "working" air ports that are found in the valve body. That is, the number of ports that supply air to the valve, and channel the compressed air to whatever it is that the valve is supposed to do. Most 2/2 valves will have numbers or letters etched, cast or painted near each of their two "working" air ports.
Article Related to: air valve, compressed air, air compressor, valves, types of valves, air filters, air lines, working with compressed air

6). Don't use a needle valve to control your air cylinder speed! By : Bill Wade
Many industrial machines using compressed air as an energy source, use air cylinders or other pneumatic actuators to do the actual work. Compressed air is 'explosive' as it moves from high pressure to low pressure on it's way back to atmosphere. That means when the air valve shifts and air flows to the cylinder, the cylinder piston and rod moves extremely quickly.
Article Related to: cylinder, air cylinder, cylinder speed, speed control, air compressors, compressed air, actuators, fittings, air valve