Bill Wade

It's FRL on purpose, folks!

FRL is an acronym for Filter, Regulator and Lubricator, devices used to ?condition? the compressed air from a compressor before it gets to your application be that through an air valve to air cylinders, powering air tools and so on. When called in to t... Read >

Seven steps to selecting the right air cylinder.

What do you need to know to select the right air cylinder from the huge variety available in the industrial marketplace? Here is the answer. How much force do you need to move the object you wish to move? You'll need to know the weight of the object... Read >

What if there's no power - how do I control my pneumatic circuit?

With the advent of the small PLC's (programmable logic controllers), the Logo or the Pico to name just a couple, controlling pneumatic circuits can be achieved with high reliability, low complexity, and at a relatively low cost with one of the currently a... Read >

Compressed air leaking? Is it the valve or is it the cylinder?

Reducing air leaks in your plant can save thousands of dollars annually. Compressed air is one of the most costly forms of energy you can use in your plant, of course, it's one of the most versatile, fast and strong too. When it's "quiet time" in the p... Read >

About compressed air filters!

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,... Read >

Help. I can't get at my air regulator!

In an earlier article in this e-zine I wrote about "Why use a regulator?". In this installment, the question posed is what do you do when you can't get at your pressure regulator due to it's location? You can control a remote compressed air regulator e... Read >

What is a 3/2 compressed air valve?

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,... Read >

What's a 2/2 compressed air valve?

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 t... Read >

What about the air-lines?

It's really easy to pick up a low cost air compressor at the local store anymore. But, how do you get the air from the compressor to your application? Folks that are plumbing up compressed air lines for their garages or workshops at home, as well as the p... Read >

Why care if there is water in your compressed air?

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 prob... Read >

Why use a compressed air regulator?

If you purchase a do-it-yourself type air compressor, or if you purchase any type of air compressor for that matter, check to make sure that it comes with an Air Regulator. If not, purchase one. You will be glad you did! An air regulator is a device th... Read >

Why does water run out my compressed air line every time I turn the air on?

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... Read >

Eight Tips for Selecting an Air Brush Compressor

If you're looking for an air-brush painting compressor, there are a few things you should consider first. The big question is to ask whether this is for home or professional use. Home use doesn't require the same dependability or rugged construction ... Read >