Parker Balston New Compressed Air Testing Device

New Compressed Air Testing Device Allows Users to Test for the Presence of Microbial Contamination in Compressed Air Systems

HAVERHILL, Mass. — The Filtration and Separation Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies, has introduced an innovative compressed air microbial detection device which allows users to quickly test for microbial contamination in compressed air that comes into contact with food and food contact surfaces.

The warm, dark, moist environment inside a compressed air system provides the perfect conditions for microbes to flourish and grow. These bacteria flow along with the air stream and begin their journey through the compressed air system. Introducing this type of microbial contamination to food products is very risky and would be considered a lack of control by the facility. It is not always apparent where the compressed air is contacting the food. Working surfaces such as counters and conveyors are obvious and manageable contact points. However, air is invisible, and leaves no visible trace where it contacts the food, food contact surfaces, or the packaging.

Currently, the only devices capable of sampling compressed air systems for microbes are expensive, cumbersome, require lengthy sample times and extensive training.

The Parker Balston CAMTU detection device allows food safety personnel to quickly and easily test for contamination present in compressed air supplies that come in direct contact with food product or food packaging/processing equipment. The CAMTU is portable, weighing less than one pound, and is supplied with connection tubing, shut off valve, pressure regulator, and metering orifice.

To obtain a sample, simply plug the CAMTU into the compressed air system, expose the petri dish for 20 seconds and then incubate the dish for 24 - 48 hours.

Testing is critical for understanding how to properly treat the compressed air. The CAMTU will assist with identifying Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) risks. Without adequate treatment in place, an increased risk of food product contamination exists.

For additional information about Parker Balston products, please contact Forberg Scientific Customer Service.
Toll Free: 855-288-5330
Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com
www.forberg.com

Parker Balston Membrane Compressed Air Dryers Exemption from EU ATEX Directive

Parker Balston Membrane Compressed Air Dryers Receive Exemption from EU ATEX Directive

Haverhill, MA, May 21, 2012 - The Filtration and Separation Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies, is pleased to announce that Parker Balston Membrane Compressed Air Dryers are exempt from the EU ATEX Directive.

According to the Hazardous Locations Product Team of CSA International, “The Membrane Dryer products are not required to meet the EU ATEX Directive. The product is non-electrical with no moving mechanical components. The air movement within the product is not likely to produce static as an ignition hazard…There is not enough energy around to cause an ignition.”

Parker Balston Membrane Air Dryers offer the unique ability to lower a compressed air stream’s dewpoint without electricity or moving parts permitting use in flammable and hazardous environments where explosions or fires are a concern.

The drying system produces a dewpoint of -40°F (-40°C) and lower while removing all other compressed air contaminants 0.01 micron in size and larger. The system utilizes sophisticated technology to dehydrate the air without the need of electricity. The wall mountable air dryers can be easily configured and are ideal for space constrained. Unsurpassed in performance and durability to dehydrate and purify compressed air, Parker Balston Membrane Air Dryers significantly outperform conventional air filtration. Prefilters, membrane, modules and mounting brackets are included with the system.

If you would like to receive more information about Parker Balston Membrane Compressed Air Dryers or other Parker Balston Products please contact Forberg Scientific customer service.
Phone: 248-288-5330
Email: mechanicalsales@forberg.com

Can I use PVC for my Compressed Air System?

Author: David Connaughton

In a word - NO - Let me repeat just in case you didn't hear - NO!!

PVC is easy to use and connect, seal and is lightweight so why not use it for compressed air? First OSHA does not allow it. In a report that they posted, they warn that PVC pipe can explode and send shrapnel in all directions. In their report: "a section of PVC pipe being used for compressed air exploded 27 feet above a warehouse floor. A fragment of the pipe flew 60 feet and embedded itself in a roll of paper. Fortunately, nobody was in the area at the time."

PVC is subject to creep and fatigue over time. Also compressed air pipes can be subject to vibration. The compressible nature of compressed air means that when a rupture occurs, it occurs catastrophically. Compare that to a breach in a water line. Water is non-compressible. Once a rupture occurs all the pressure is quickly dissipated and an explosive tear is avoided.

Note that there are some forms of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) that are safe for use in compressed air systems. Please check with the manufacturer of the pipe to confirm that it is safe for use in your particular application.

How to drain liquids at high pressure

Author: David Connaughton
Blog: Compressed Air The Fourth Utility

Occasionally customers have high pressure compressed air or natural gas lines that need to be filtered to remove oil and water contamination. The problem is, how do you drain out the accumulated liquids? Most automatic drains have a maximum pressure of 150 psig (10 bar), well below the pressure of the filtration vessel. Attaching a valve to the drain could create a dangerous situation. In the diagram above, draining is accomplished by utilizing two valves and a small receiver tank rated at the same pressure as the filter vessel. The receiver could even be a length of pipe as long as its volume is sufficient to hold the amount of liquid that is expected to accumulate between draining. The draining is manual. Initially, the valve closest to the filter vessel is left open to allow liquids to drain into the receiver and must be accomplished by closing the top valve near the filter vessel and opening the bottom valve slowly. It is important to open the bottom valve slowly and carefully because the receiver is at operating pressure. Naturally safety gear like goggles, etc. should be worn.

Do I need a regulator? What does a regulator do?

Author: David J. Connaughton
Blog: Compressed Air th Fourth Utility

Why do you need a regulator? Well, maybe you don't. Regulators of compressed air control the downstream pressure within a very tight range. Precision regulators are often two stage and can be approximated with two regulators in series. But are they always needed on an air line? Regulators should be used only when the downstream "work" that the compressed air is doing is sensitive to variations in pressure. Compressed air systems typically go up and down in pressure depending on the compressor's cycling and system demand. Spray painters should be especially careful to specify regulators because without them the air pressure to their gun will go up and down so the flow of paint from the nozzle will go up and down. Fluctuating flow changes how much paint is laid down. Air dryers, on the other hand, don't need a regulator up stream of them unless there is a chance that the air supply pressure can exceed the max pressure of the dryer. Dryer performance tends to improve with higher pressure due to a longer residence time at a given flow rate. So, as long as the performance is met at the minimum system pressure a regulator is not needed. Or is it?

Regulators serve another important function. Energy conservation. If your process only requires 60 psig, then setting your regulator to 60 psig assures that excess air is not wasted.

It is important to note that regulators do not control flow. At least not directly. Flow is governed by a valve or a fixed orifice. The flow through the valve is a function of the valve's upstream pressure so a given valve opening or orifice size, flow through it is less at 60 psig than it is at 100 psig. If there is no restriction of the air downstream of a regulator, the regulator will pass the maximum amout of air it can handle.

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