Pneumatic tool

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Drilling a blast hole with a pneumatic drill (jackhammer). Tennessee Valley Authority Douglas Dam French Broad River Sevier County TN man with jackhammer 1942.gif
Drilling a blast hole with a pneumatic drill (jackhammer).

A pneumatic tool, air tool, air-powered tool or pneumatic-powered tool is a type of power tool, driven by compressed air supplied by an air compressor. Pneumatic tools can also be driven by compressed carbon dioxide (CO2) stored in small cylinders allowing for portability. [1]

Contents

Most pneumatic tools convert the compressed air to work using a pneumatic motor. Compared to electric power tool equivalents, pneumatic tools are safer to run and maintain, without risk of sparks, short-circuiting or electrocution, and have a higher power to weight ratio, allowing a smaller, lighter tool to accomplish the same task. Furthermore, they are less likely to self-destruct in case the tool is jammed or overloaded. [2]

General grade pneumatic tools with a short life span are commonly less expensive and considered “disposable tools” in tooling industries, while industrial grade pneumatic tools with long life span are more expensive. In general, pneumatic tools are cheaper than the equivalent electric-powered tools. Regular lubrication of the tools is still needed however. [3]

Most pneumatic tools are to be supplied with compressed air at 4 to 6 bar. [4]

Advantages and disadvantages

Pneumatic tools have many benefits which have contributed to their rise in popularity. The benefits of using compressed air to power tools are:

The primary disadvantage of pneumatic tools is the need for an air compressor, which can be expensive. Pneumatic tools also need to be properly maintained and oiled regularly. Failing to maintain tools can lead to deterioration, due to a build up residual oil and water. [5]

Technical terms

Pneumatic tools are rated using several metrics: Free Speed (rpm), Air Pressure (psi/bar), Air Consumption (cfm/scfm or m3/min), Horse Power (hp), and spindle size. Each individual tool has its own specific requirements which determine their compatibility with air compressor systems.

Flow or airflow, related to air consumption in pneumatic tools, represents the quantity of compressed air that passes through a section over a unit of time. It is represented in l/min, m3, at the equivalent value in free air in conditions of standard reference atmosphere (SRA). For example: +20 c, 65% of relative humidity, 1013 mbar, in accordance with norms NFE.

Types of pneumatic tools

Pneumatic tools come in many shapes and form, including small and large-sized hand tools.

The most common types of pneumatic tools include:

Common brands

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jackhammer</span> Pneumatic tool

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Chicago Pneumatic, also known as "CP", is an industrial manufacturer providing power tools, air compressors, generators, light towers and hydraulic equipment. Products are sold in more than 150 countries through a worldwide distribution network. CP is active on markets such as tools for industrial production, vehicle service, maintenance repair operation for mining, construction, infrastructure equipment.

Kirloskar Pneumatic Company Limited (KPCL) is one of the core Kirloskar Group companies and was founded in 1958 by Shantanurao Laxmanrao Kirloskar. The company offers engineering products and is represented by offices across the globe. KPCL serves major sectors like Oil and Gas, Steel, Cement, Food and Beverage, Railways, Defense and Marine. Their product range includes air compressors, air conditioning and refrigeration systems, process gas systems, vapour absorption chillers and industrial gearboxes.

Compressed air dryers are special types of filter systems that are specifically designed to remove the water that is inherent in compressed air. The compression of air raises its temperature and concentrates atmospheric contaminants, primarily water vapor, as resulting in air with elevated temperature and 100% relative humidity. As the compressed air cools down, water vapor condenses into the tank(s), pipes, hoses and tools connected downstream from the compressor which may be damaging. Therefore water vapor is removed from compressed air to prevent condensation from occurring and to prevent moisture from interfering in sensitive industrial processes.

References

  1. "Pneumatic Tools, Air Tools – Soartec". www.soartec.com.tw. Retrieved 2019-03-28.
  2. S. R. Majumdar (1996). Pneumatic Systems: Principles and Maintenance. Tata McGraw-Hill Education. pp. 107–. ISBN   978-0-07-460231-7. [ verification needed ]
  3. S. R. Majumdar (1996). Pneumatic Systems: Principles and Maintenance. Tata McGraw-Hill Education. pp. 107–. ISBN   978-0-07-460231-7.[ verification needed ]
  4. 1 2 3 4 S. R. Majumdar (1996). Pneumatic Systems: Principles and Maintenance. Tata McGraw-Hill Education. pp. 107–. ISBN   978-0-07-460231-7.
  5. "Air Tool Maintenance & Operation". VMAC. 2016-09-06. Retrieved 2019-03-28.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "How Many CFM Do I Need to Run Air Tools? - CFM Chart". VMAC. 2018-10-30. Retrieved 2019-03-28.
  7. "History - Insight Performance Group" . Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  8. kirloskarkpcl.com