Air motors convert compressed air into linear or rotary mechanical energy. Their versatility makes them perfect for many uses, such as sterile and safe food, pharmaceutical, and chemical processing environments. They are a popular choice in hand tools and agitators because they do not generate any sparks, making them suitable for corrosive, explosive, or wet environments. They can also dynamically load torque versatile to meet precise application needs.
Safety
Air motors are often used to power tools like drills and jackhammers. They also play an essential role in high-performance vehicles and industrial equipment. These motors can supply rotational force with minimal vibration and noise, making them ideal for precision tasks. Regarding safety, an air powered motor is much safer than its electrical counterparts. It can withstand overload conditions without suffering any damage to internal components. Unlike electric motors, it do not contain windings that can become heated or damaged in an overload condition. Air motors should be operated at speeds closer to the point of maximum power. It will ensure a reserve of power available in the event of a load increase. It will also help to save energy as the motors operate more efficiently at these higher speeds. Air motors are also an excellent option in hazardous environments as they do not generate electrical sparks.
Reliability
Air motors harness compressed air’s safe, reliable power to produce torque and rotational motion. They work well in various environments, including food, pharmaceutical/fine chemistry, mining, nuclear, petrochemical, and construction.
Unlike electric motors, they do not require a speed control (only an air regulator), generate no sparks upon start-up, and have an extensive torque range. Moreover, they can operate in volatile atmospheres without the risk of ignition. Air motors are instantly reversible with no loss of power, can withstand overload conditions that exceed their stall torque, do not damage themselves when stalled, and remain cool to the touch during operation because of the constant air expansion.
They also feature high torque outputs and can ramp up production without overworking machinery, resulting in greater productivity. They can dynamically load torque to meet your exact application standards. This feature and their ability to work in various environmental conditions and temperature ranges make them an excellent choice for many applications. They are used to power hand tools, raise foundry copes and drags, drive cranes, and power various other equipment in facilities worldwide.
Flexibility
Air motors have a higher power-to-weight ratio than electric motors, making them an excellent choice for facilities that need to save space or for portable applications. They also do not need a sophisticated control system to vary the torque or rotation speed since they operate at a fixed air supply flow and pressure. The cooling effect of the air expansion during operation also makes these motors ideal for hazardous and volatile industrial environments. They are not prone to overheating and do not produce electrical sparks, eliminating the risk of fire or explosion in sensitive areas. It also enables them to operate in ATEX environments without needing costly special housing. Piston air motors are commonly used in industrial process applications, such as paint mixer and agitator drives, oilfield cable and hose reel tensioning, and back flush filter drives. These motors typically have two to six cylinders arranged axially or radially within a housing. The pistons reciprocate inside the cylinders to generate output torque. They have a high starting torque, precision speed control at low speeds and high torque at all rates.
Efficiency
Air motors are significant in hand-held power tools, high-performance vehicles, and industrial applications. They provide the rotational force needed for drilling, cutting, and grinding in demanding environments. They are also used in applications that require a higher level of torque or operate in hazardous and volatile environments. Because they don’t depend on electricity or produce sparks, they can work in sensitive and corrosive environments unsuitable for electric motors. The air they use is compressed, which means there is no risk of a fire or explosion.
Additionally, they do not generate any electromagnetic fields, which makes them ideal for MRI scanners and other equipment that needs to avoid electromagnetic interference. Air motors operate over a wide range of speed and torque, which can be adjusted by regulating the inlet pressure. They are durable and can run over their rated torque curve without significant damage. In contrast, an electric motor may burn out if stopped under load. In addition, unlike electric motors, air motors do not require overload protection to prevent overheating.
Cost
Air motors do not require expensive magnetic starters, overload protection, and other support components. It lowers the overall cost compared to electric motors. Additionally, since they run off compressed air and don’t produce electric sparks, they can be used in environments otherwise unsafe for other engines. Air motors can dynamically vary their torque and speed by adjusting the compressed air supply pressure. It makes them an ideal choice for applications that require a high level of control, such as the pharmaceutical/fine chemistry, food, and steel aluminum industries. They are also able to operate in humid and wet conditions that can cause damage to electrical motors. They are even suitable for explosive environments as they do not produce sparks. They are also very compact and lightweight, requiring less space than an electric motor with the same power output. Air motors are cooled constantly by injected air and do not overheat. They are instantly reversible, withstand continuous stalling, and do not get damaged when operated at full load.