Air & Water Process Solenoid Valves

Air and water process solenoid valves use solenoids to control compressed air and air-hydro circuits. Solenoids are coiled components that respond to electromagnetic currents. They are used open or close vents that control gas and fluid flow in a valve.

Air Amplifiers

Air amplifiers increase or boost the supply of air pressure to pneumatically operated machinery. Also known as air movers or air boosters, they are often joined with other air-operated tools, such as pneumatic relays, to enhance pneumatic efficiency. Air amplifiers are used to boost insufficient shop air, drive pneumatic cylinders, improve efficiency of pneumatic tools and machinery, and provide air to work areas with limited space.

Air Blowers

Air blowers use compressed air to cool machinery and ventilate hazardous vapors. These efficient blowers take high pressure air volume from compressors and draw in hazardous air through the diffuser at the blower’s base. The diffuser is housed in a tapered housing made of corrosion-resistant aluminum or steel.

Air Coolers

Air coolers are used to cool air before it enters a holding tank. They also remove excess moisture that can damage pneumatic systems. Air coolers compress water vapor in the air into a liquid that is then drained away. They create a heat exchange with the discharged air, often through the use of fans or the exchange of a liquid cooling medium.

Air Tanks

Air tanks are pressure vessels that can contain a certain volume of compressed air. Once tanks become full, the compressor shuts off. If a number of tools are running off the tank at once and empties it before more compressed air has been made, time must be allowed for the compressor to refill it.

Auto Feed Lubricators

Main air line lubricators provide lubrication to components in pneumatic systems and ensure cylinders, pistons, and valves stay lubricated to avoid wear, friction, and damage. Main air line lubricators release oil into the main air line before compressed air reaches downstream equipment.

Automatic Drains

Automatic drains eliminate condensation that accumulates in compressed air systems. They are used to drain tanks, dryers, drip legs, and filters. These labor-saving devices extend the working life span of components and create clean, dry working environments. Automatic drains come in direct-acting, electronic, pilot-operated, and pneumatic-operated forms.

Combination Filter & Regulator Units

Combination filter/regulator units combine the functions of filters and regulators into one unit and are often used in space-limited applications. They are used to remove contaminants from compressed air and eliminate pressure fluctuations in the air supply. Combination filter/regulator units are essential for safe and proper pneumatic system functioning, which requires clean air free of oil, dirt, rust, and moisture. Coalescing filters are a type of filter used specifically to remove oil. They have four levels of filters to prevent very small particles from passing through to oil-sensitive systems.

Combination Filter, Regulator & Lubricator Units (FRLs)

Combination filter/regulator/lubricator units (FRLs) combine the functions of air filters, regulators, and lubricators in one unit to ensure pneumatic systems function properly. Filters remove contaminants and odors from air lines before pressurized air reaches downstream equipment, regulators ensure accurate air pressure levels, and lubricators evenly deliver oil to components and parts to reduce friction and wear.

Compact Air Cylinders

Compact air cylinders use compressed air to drive machinery and equipment. They typically consist of a piston and attached rod inside a cylinder. Compact air cylinders are mostly single acting, where the piston is driven in one direction and brought back via a spring. Double acting air cylinders are larger with more room for two ports. Compact air cylinders are used in small or restricted spaces in applications such as vehicle engines and brakes, food processing, packaging, and manufacturing.

Desiccant Air Dryers

Desiccant air dryers use desiccant (water-absorbing) material to lower dew points and remove water from compressed air. The compressed air then dries through natural absorption. Removing water from compressed air reduces wear and ensures smooth operation in pneumatic equipment like paint sprayers and sandblasting tools. Commonly seen in dual-tower systems, the majority of desiccant air dryers provide pressure dew points down to -40 degrees Fahrenheit, with some capable of purifying down to -100 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the application, there are a variety of desiccant air dryers available. Heatless dryers, often featuring additional filters, provide customizable dew points. Specially designed desiccant air dryers use small portions of the dry air for tower regeneration. Single-tower desiccant air dryers work in-line for portable applications. Less expensive than dual-tower units, portable desiccant dryers may feature an integrated dust filter to clean the pressurized air.

General Service Process Solenoid Valves

General service process solenoid valves use a solenoid to control the flow of gases and liquids. Solenoids are coiled components that respond to electromagnetic currents to control the valve’s actuation. When the valve actuates, it either opens to allow gas or liquid to flow through the valve or closes to shut off flow. General service process solenoid valves are designed to handle fluid control applications. They come in two-, three-, and four-way designs.

Guided Air Cylinders

Guided air cylinders use compressed air to drive machinery and equipment. Guide rods are mounted parallel to the main rod inside the cylinder, which also houses a piston and stabilizes the air cylinder under high side loads. These guide rods prevent the uneven wearing of seals and piston bending and rotating. Guided air cylinders can be single acting, where the rod and piston are retracted via a spring action, or double acting. Double acting guided air cylinders have a compressed air port on either end of the cylinder, which pushes the piston and rod in opposite directions. Guided air cylinders are used in material handling, packaging, and conveyor applications.

High Flow Air Lubricators

High flow air lubricators provide large amounts of lubrication in pneumatic systems to reduce wear to components. The compressed air passes over a needle valve and through a tube and bowl to pick up oil. High flow air lubricators evenly distribute oil to pneumatic components and may feature a sensor to ensure correct oil-to-air ratio.

Locking Air Cylinders

Locking air cylinders work with piston-operated clamps to hold loads in position. They are used to stop and hold piston rods at any point along the stroke and to hold the maximum allowable cylinder load without drifting. Locking air cylinders use a spring-loaded lock that clamps onto a groove in a rod and holds the cylinder in place, even in the event of air pressure loss.

Main Air Line Lubricators

Main air line lubricators provide lubrication to components in pneumatic systems and ensure cylinders, pistons, and valves stay lubricated to avoid wear, friction, and damage. Main air line lubricators release oil into the main air line before compressed air reaches downstream equipment.

Main Line & Modular Air Filters

Different types of filters are designed to remove a variety of unwanted substances including dust, dirt, and moisture. Main air line filters remove contaminants in compressed air dryers and ensure clean air feeds into and out of dryers. Particulate pre-filters remove contaminants before compressed air enters the dryer. Filters installed at the exit of the dryer clean the dry, compressed air. Also available in membrane air dryers, coalescing filters further eliminate contaminants before drying occurs. Modular style air filters are specifically designed to work in unison with a regulator, or with a lubricator and regulator to form what is referred to as a FRL combo unit. These modular filters are used to remove contaminants from compressed air and eliminate pressure fluctuations in the air supply.

Manifold Mount Air Regulators

Manifold mount air regulators mount directly on pneumatic circuit boards or manifold subplates to ensure controlled, consistent, and accurate air pressure throughout a pneumatic system. They are quick to respond to air pressure that dips or spikes and feature multiple adjustment ranges.

Manual Mechanical Air Control Valves

Manual and mechanical air control valves use actuation to control air pressure in pneumatic systems. Actuation is the change of the valve’s position from open to closed or closed to open. Air control valves can be manually actuated or mechanically actuated. Manual air control valves are actuated by hand levers, foot pedals, or push-buttons. Mechanical air control valves are actuated by a mechanical drive, such as a plunger or roller cam.

Membrane Air Dryers

Membrane air dryers use a porous membrane to remove water vapor from compressed air. A filter cleans the compressed air and removes liquid particles. The air is then sent through the membrane for further filtering. Any water vapor that passes through the membrane is vented out of the air dryer. Available for point-of-use installation, membrane air dryers are relatively small, require no electricity, and do not vibrate or discharge heat. Because of these factors, they are a lightweight alternative to dryers that use desiccant (water-absorbing) material to remove water from compressed air. Because they have no moving parts, membrane air dryers provide silent, highly reliable, low-maintenance operation. Most membrane air dryers are capable of lowering the dew point at the inlet to -40 degrees Fahrenheit. The outlet dew point depends on the inlet dew point, membrane purge rate, and air pressure.

Micro Mist Air Lubricators

Micro mist air lubricators provide a consistent delivery of oil to components and parts in pneumatic systems. They create fine, micro mist particles that ensure parts are lubricated to avoid friction, wear, and damage. Micro mist air lubricators avoid oil overflow and are easy to refill when under pressure.

Mist Separators & Odor Removal Filters

Mist separators remove and separate water and oil from compressed air systems. They ensure only clean, dry air is present and remove contaminants that are too small for ordinary filters. In an air filter, a bowl within the mist separator accumulates different types of fluid from the air. As pressure is released, a seal opens to allow fluid to flow out of a drain that is either auto or manual. Auto drains that open automatically under certain conditions are called normally closed drains because they are normally closed when at rest. Auto drains that close automatically under certain conditions are called normally open drains because they are open when at rest. Manual drains do not open or close automatically and require an operator to open or close. Mist separators typically operate at higher flow rates and filter ratings than micro mist separators. Odor removal filters remove oily odors from compressed air in pneumatic systems. They are typically designed as high-efficiency filters that cover large areas. Odor removal filters are used in a wide range of industries including medical, marine, aviation, agriculture, manufacturing, and food and beverage.

Modular Air Lubricators

Standard air lubricators consistently and evenly deliver oil to components and parts in pneumatic systems. The compressed air passes over a needle valve and through a tube and bowl to pick up oil. Keeping pneumatic systems oiled is important to avoid equipment damage, friction, and wear.

Pilot Operated Air Regulators

Pilot operated air regulators provide consistent, accurate outlet pressure flow and can be installed anywhere in a pneumatic system. They are designed for hard-to-reach places and are operated from a distance using a remote pilot. Pilot operated air regulators react quickly and accurately to maintain outlet pressure and are used in a range of applications including furnaces, steel mills, and natural gas.

Pin Air Cylinders

Pin air cylinders work with pistons to create motion. Compressed air forces the piston in the desired direction, transferring energy to a pin and giving it force to move the desired object. Pneumatic pin air cylinders are preferred over hydraulic cylinders because there is no leakage of fluid. They are ideal in small spaces and applications requiring precise motion.

Pneumatic Check Valves

Pneumatic check valves allow pneumatic energy to flow in one direction only. They have two openings, or ports: an intake valve, which allows air to enter, and an output valve through which air flows out. Check valves work automatically and are not powered by external control. They are excellent for protecting systems from backflow and will not re-intake substances and contaminate the source.

Pneumatic Cylinder Mounting Hardware

Air cylinder mounting hardware is used to mount air cylinders to surfaces and objects. Side mount brackets are used with cylinder mounting nuts and allow side mounting, while rear mounts are used with bolts and allow the cylinder to pivot. Rear mounts come in one piece and two piece forms. Other air cylinder mounting hardware includes flanges, which allow inside mounting, rod clevises, and clevis mounting brackets.

Pneumatic Flow Controls

Pneumatic flow controls are one-directional controls that manage the flow of air into pneumatic circuits and regulate extending and retracting speeds. They block airflow from one direction while allowing airflow from the other to control the circuit’s directional flow. There are two types of flow controls. Meter-out controls exhaust flow from an actuator, while meter-in controls, also called reverse controls, regulate flow into an actuator.

Pneumatic Flow Switches

Pneumatic flow switches monitor and control airflow in pneumatic systems. They send signals to a control system when airflow rises above or falls below set levels. Also called air flow switches, these highly accurate devices display flow rates and quantities, correct airflow to prevent overheating, and come with fixed or adjustable settings. Pneumatic flow switches are ideal for applications that require low to high velocity.

Pneumatic Gauges

Air tanks are pressure vessels that can contain a certain volume of compressed air. Once tanks become full, the compressor shuts off. If a number of tools are running off the tank at once and empty it before more compressed air has been made, time must be allowed for the compressor to refill it.

Pneumatic Grippers

Pneumatic grippers operate like fingers to grip and release items. They are powered by a cylinder operating on compressed air. When air is supplied, the gripper jaws open. When the direction of the air is changed, the gripper releases. The purpose of the gripper is to hold objects to either change their orientation or to move them as part of a pick-and-place operation. They can be used to pick up everything from small, delicate objects, such as a transistor or chip for a circuit board, to very large items such as an engine block for a car. Grippers come in various opening sizes, gripping strengths, and the gripping surface shapes. They are often used with industrial robots. They are used in many different industries including packaging, automotive, appliances, electronic, medical, and aerospace.

Pneumatic Manifolds

Pneumatic manifolds serve as juncture points for the distribution of fluids or gases through a network of channels or fittings. The manifold is a wider channel through which smaller channels connect. They are made for systems that need pneumatic power supplied throughout, from equipment to facilities. Pneumatic manifolds come in a wide range of sizes, fabrications, port configurations, and operating pressure limitations to suit different needs. Pneumatic manifolds are used in a wide variety of industries and facilities. They are particularly important to the oil, gas, and energy industries

Pneumatic Pressure Switches

Pneumatic pressure switches use pressurized gas to close off electrical contact when a set pressure has been reached, on either pressure rise or pressure fall. Pneumatic pressure switches are used in a range of applications including manufacturing facilities, utility plants, public buildings, gas stations, and many other settings. They are also used for in-cell charge control in batteries, traffic counting, and cabin pressure monitoring in aircraft.

Pneumatic Quick Exhaust Valves

Pneumatic quick exhaust valves increase the cycle speed of air cylinders and exhaust processed air through an exhaust port. Pressurized air from a control valve enters the quick exhaust valve through an inlet port, flows into the air cylinder, and pushes against the piston to extend the rod. It then travels a short distance back through the exhaust valve and exits through the exhaust port, which quickly retracts the cylinder’s rod and increases the cylinder’s overall cycle speed. The valve also prevents exhaust from entering back into the valve.

Pneumatic Relays

Pneumatic relays use input signals to conduct compressed air from one circuit to another. The force of energy produced in one circuit opens a switch that causes energy to flow into the second circuit. Pneumatic relays are used for a range of control functions and are often used with other air-operated tools, such as air amplifiers, to enhance pneumatic efficiency.

Pneumatic Rotary Actuators

Pneumatic rotary actuators use pressurized gas to produce a rotary motion or torque. The motion produced may be continuous, as for an electric motor, or intermittent. The actuator is comprised of a piston, a cylinder, and valves or ports. A seal covers the piston and traps air in the upper part of the cylinder, creating pressure that forces the seal downward. The seal then moves the piston and valve stem below, creating energy to move the rotors. The size of the output pressure depends on the size of the piston. Larger pistons are good if air supply is low because they create more pressure than smaller pistons.

Pneumatic Shock Absorbers

Pneumatic shock absorbers are used to damp shocks and absorb and dissipate energy. They consist of a cylinder with a sliding piston. The cylinder is filled with air that has a high energy storage capacity and allows pneumatic shock absorbers to be more compact than other forms. Also called air shock absorbers, these pneumatic shock absorbers convert the kinetic energy absorbed into heat. The heated air is then exhausted. Shock absorbers are essential to vehicle suspensions, aircraft landing gear, machinery, and other devices where repeated shocks are damaging to equipment.

Pneumatic Shuttle Valves

Pneumatic shuttle valves have one output port and two or more input ports to allow fluid to flow through the valve from more than one source. They use a blocking element, such as a ball or plunger, to close off one input port while the port with the highest pressure allows flow. This design prevents backflow through one of the input ports. Pneumatic shuttle valves are used to actuate a cylinder or valve from one of two air sources and control fluid in braking and transmission systems.

Pneumatic Slide Tables

Pneumatic slide tables use pressured gas to power sliding motion platforms for a number of vertical or horizontal uses. Tables are usually equipped with speed controls, shock absorbers, and stop blocks to enhance position accuracy to make specific table moves and workpiece mounting repeatable. They are usually adaptable for automated processes. Typical applications include placement of tall parts, pick-and-place operations, and the ability to make cross cutting easier and safer. They are used in industrial, research and development, production, and quality inspection environments.

Pneumatic Soft Start Valves

Pneumatic soft start valves control the flow of low-speed air to gradually raise a pneumatic system’s initial pressure. They prevent harmful air surges and contamination in the system, as well as quickly exhaust air by cutting off the supply air. Pneumatic soft start valves consume low power and are lockable.

Pneumatic Vacuum Buffers

Pneumatic vacuum buffers serve as interfaces between vacuum pads or cups and the system that absorbs pneumatic energy generated by the cup. Buffers can be rotating or stable and are available in various lengths. They may also be adjustable to accommodate various distances between the workpiece and machinery.

Pneumatic Vacuum Cups

Pneumatic vacuum cups are suction cups designed to grip objects. They are commonly used to move materials in pick-and-place operations in the automotive, food, and packaging industries. Pneumatic vacuum pumps use pumps or vacuum generators to draw air from under the cups and create a vacuum seal between the cup and an object. This object can only be released from the vacuum cup when a shut-off valve breaks the seal.

Pneumatic Vacuum Filters

Pneumatic vacuum filters protect vacuum generators and pumps from vapors, toxic chemicals, and dust. They filter air to prevent machine contamination and keep components in working order. Pneumatic vacuum filters come in two types: intake and exhaust. Intake filters capture dirt particles and prevent contaminants from entering pneumatic systems, while exhaust filters prevent oil mist from entering work environments.

Pneumatic Vacuum Kits

Pneumatic vacuum kits contain the necessary parts and equipment to keep pneumatic vacuums working properly. Kits include repair kits, accessory kits, and maintenance kits.

Pneumatic Vacuum Manifolds

Pneumatic vacuum manifolds serve as juncture points and provide vacuum generation access to multiple ports. The manifold is a wide channel used to connect smaller channels. This allows pneumatic vacuum manifolds to be used with systems that require pneumatic vacuums for multiple functions. Strong and durable, pneumatic vacuum manifolds withstand the high pressure differentials necessary to supply pneumatic energy throughout a system.

Pneumatic Vacuum Regulators

Pneumatic vacuum regulators are used in pneumatic systems to regulate the flow of energy, ensure proper calibration, and adjust pressure to set levels to prevent over-pressurization. These self-contained, director-operated control devices are powered by the system’s pneumatic energy. They can be adjusted manually or pneumatically.

Pneumatic Vacuum Replacement Parts

Vacuum replacement parts include components of a vacuum system, such as rotors, vanes, gaskets, drive couplings, silencers, switches, air nozzles, and filters.

Pneumatic Vacuum Switches

Pneumatic vacuum switches convert vacuum signals into pneumatic signals and ensure reliable output signals. They are commonly used in vacuum automated systems to vary flow rates and outputs and to send signals when a set vacuum level is reached. Some pneumatic vacuum switches have push buttons for tool-free calibration.

Pneumatic Vacuum Valves

Pneumatic vacuum valves control vacuum air flow to pneumatic motors, other valves, and cylinders in pneumatic systems. Ideal for vacuum manifold systems, these valves cycle pumps on and off as needed. Some valves have self-contained switches, while others run off of pilot switches. A common type of vacuum valve is the solenoid valve. A solenoid is a coil or wire that generates electromagnetic force under electrical currents. Solenoid valves use this electromagnetic force to open and close.

Pneumatic Valve Replacement Parts

Pneumatic valve replacement parts are used to repair pneumatic valves and return them to peak operating performance. Depending on the type of pneumatic valve, these replacement parts include a variety of valves, such as airline isolator valves, poppet valves, ball valves, and heavy duty valves. Other replacement parts include exhaust silencers, limit switches, and electro-pneumatic interface modules.

Pneumatic Visual Indicators

Pneumatic visual indicators display air pressure and the status of components in a pneumatic system. When a certain pressure is reached, the indicator is actuated and a colored sleeve extends into the display window. Pneumatic visual indicators can be in-line or panel mounted.

Precision Air Regulators

Precision air regulators provide extremely precise, accurate outlet pressure regulation to downstream pneumatic equipment. They react quickly to outlet pressure changes caused by temperature fluctuations and leaks. They are ideal in pneumatic systems that require consistent outlet pressure levels. Precision air regulators ensure pneumatic systems function properly and may be used in large-flow applications.

Refrigerated Air Dryers

Refrigerated air dryers lower the temperature of compressed air to remove water vapor. When the dryer lowers the temperature, it causes condensation that forms water droplets. These droplets are then separated and removed from the air. This process may be completed with one or two heat exchangers. When two exchangers are used, the first one pre-cools the air and the second refrigerates to cause condensation. In addition to removing water from compressed air, refrigerated dryers may also remove oil and other contaminants. Unlike membrane air dryers that use a porous membrane to remove water vapor, refrigerated dryers are ideal for large-scale operations where some water vapor is acceptable. The refrigerated water removal process handles larger quantities of air while potentially allowing small amounts of vapor.

Rodless Air Cylinders

Rodless air cylinders use compressed air to drive equipment and machinery without a rod. They consist of a cylinder and an internal piston connected to an external carriage by magnets, cables, or sealing bands. Magnetic rodless air cylinders have thinner cylinder walls that allow external magnets to pull the piston assembly’s internal magnets down the length of the stroke. The cabled version uses two cables inside the cylinder to smoothly move the assembly. Rodless air cylinders with sealing bands use one band to prevent internal air from escaping and the other to protect the slot and first band. Rodless air cylinders take up less space than standard air cylinders and are ideal in applications that require long stroke lengths.

Round Body Non-Repairable Air Cylinders

Round body non-repairable air cylinders use stored energy in compressed air to drive machinery. They contain a piston and attached rod housed inside a stainless steel cylinder body. These low friction air cylinders do not have a replaceable cylinder and cannot be taken apart to repair, but are maintenance free during their working life spans. Round body non-repairable air cylinders come in single or double acting forms. Single acting air cylinders have a compressed air port that drives the rod in one direction and a spring that brings the rod back. Double acting air cylinders have two compressed air ports that extend and retract the rod and piston assembly.

Round Body Repairable Air Cylinders

Round body repairable air cylinders use stored energy in compressed air to drive machinery. They contain a piston and attached rod housed inside a metal cylinder body. Repairable cylinders can be taken apart to repair or replace components and extend the cylinder’s life span. These low friction air cylinders also come in single or double acting forms. Single acting air cylinders have a compressed air port that drives the rod in one direction and a spring that brings the rod back. Double acting air cylinders have two compressed air ports that extend and retract the rod and piston assembly.

Solenoid-Operated Air Control Valves

Solenoid-operated air control valves use actuation to control air pressure in pneumatic systems. A solenoid actuates the valve by changing the valve’s normal state from open to closed or closed to open. When a solenoid receives an electric signal, it uses an electromagnetic lever to actuate the valve.

Standard Air Regulators

Standard air regulators ensure accurate, consistent outlet pressure levels in pneumatic systems. Outlet pressure levels can be disturbed by temperature fluctuations and varying inlet pressure levels, also known as supply pressure levels. Standard air regulators maintain proper outlet pressure levels to avoid equipment damage and malfunction.

Stopper Air Cylinders

Stopper air cylinders stop applications during various stages. They are commonly used in conveyor systems where they stop objects to be machined and processed. Stopper air cylinders come in single and double acting forms and can withstand impact side loading. These durable air cylinders also come shaft, roller, and toggle-lever types. Roller stopper air cylinders retract without creating friction, while toggle-lever stopper air cylinders divert impact forces to a shock absorber and allow the air cylinder to handle high forces.

Vacuum Ejector Pump Modules

Vacuum ejector/pump modules discharge compressed air at high speeds to generate vacuums. They can be employed as single in-line ejectors or joined together to create multi-stage systems with higher flow rates. Vacuum ejector/pump modules are used in lifting and conveyor applications and can be enhanced with pressure switches and supply and relief valves.

Vacuum Pumps

Vacuum pumps remove air molecules from a closed volume and exhaust them to create a pressure differential, called a vacuum. This vacuum converts mechanical energy from rotating shafts into pneumatic energy. Vacuum pumps are durable devices that can withstand strong pressure differentials. They come in lubricated and non-lubricated forms. Lubricated vacuum pumps have longer life spans and are able to create a higher vacuum because the lubricant acts as a sealant.

Hydraulic Gauges

Hydraulic gauges monitor pressure and temperature within a hydraulic system. They are manufactured with different accuracies, pressure fluid compositions and temperatures, pressure ranges, and mounting methods. Gauges are also manufactured for different environments. Some hydraulic gauges have stainless steel parts that prevent corrosion and allow outdoor use. Other gauges are vibration and shock resistant for use in high-vibration environments. A third type of hydraulic gauge combines the two with a thermoplastic case that resists vibrations and corrosion for use in especially harsh and demanding environments.

Environmental Testers

Test irrigation systems, voltage and resistance levels, and coaxial cables using these convenient and portable environmental testers.