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Author: Brian Ribeiro

  • How do regenerative blowers work?

    How do regenerative blowers work?

    Regenerative blowers use an electric motor to rotate multiple vane impellers inside their chamber. The rotational force pushes and compresses the air as it enters through the inlet. The procedure keeps going as the blower continuously draws in more air, compressing it and forcing it to the outer edges of its impellers. The air that has been fully compressed is then gathered and sent to the outlet.

    Regenerative blowers function similarly to the two blower types mentioned above, but because of their extremely tight tolerance, they behave like positive displacement blowers in that the majority of the gas is forced through by internal slip (clearances), and they also use the impeller’s velocity to provide pressure, just like centrifugal blowers do. This blower’s typical flow rate, vacuum, and pressure range are up to 1500 CFM, 20″HG vacuum, or 15 PSI at its highest.

     

  • What characteristics should we look at when searching for an industrial pushbutton switch?

    What characteristics should we look at when searching for an industrial pushbutton switch?

    Each application is unique, and therefore, when selecting an industrial pushbutton switch, several key characteristics need to be considered to ensure it meets the operational and environmental requirements.

    Here are the important factors to look at:

    1. Type of Operation: Determine whether you need a momentary or maintained (latching) pushbutton. Momentary buttons return to their default position when released, while maintained buttons stay in their new position until actuated again.
    2. Contact Configuration: Look at the number and type of contacts, such as normally open (NO), normally closed (NC), or a combination. This should match the control logic of your application.
    3. Current and Voltage Rating: The switch should be able to handle the current and voltage of the circuit it will control. Ensure these ratings match or exceed the requirements of your application.
    4. Environmental Ratings: Consider the environmental conditions where the switch will be used. This includes factors like temperature range, humidity, dust, and water exposure. Industrial switches often come with IP (Ingress Protection) ratings that indicate their resistance to solids and liquids.
    5. Size and Mounting: The physical size of the pushbutton and its mounting style should fit your panel or control box. Common mounting styles include panel mount, PCB mount, and surface mount.
    6. Material and Build Quality: Industrial environments can be harsh, so the switch should be robust and made from high-quality materials. Metals like stainless steel or durable plastics are common in industrial switches.
    7. Actuation Force: This is the amount of force required to activate the switch. It should be suitable for the operator’s convenience and prevent accidental activation.
    8. Color and Labeling: For safety and ease of use, pushbuttons are often color-coded and labeled according to their function (e.g., red for stop, green for start). Make sure the switch aligns with standard practices and is clearly identifiable.
    9. Illumination: Consider if you need the pushbutton to be illuminated for visibility. Illuminated pushbuttons are especially useful in low-light conditions or to indicate the status of the switch or associated equipment.
    10. Safety Features: In some applications, you may require additional safety features like shrouds to prevent accidental activation, or key-operated switches for restricted access.
    11. Compatibility with Control Systems: Ensure the switch is compatible with the control logic and voltage levels of your existing control systems.
    12. Certifications and Standards: Check for compliance with relevant industrial standards and certifications, especially those related to safety and quality.
    13. Ease of Installation and Maintenance: The switch should be easy to install and maintain, with readily available replacement parts if necessary.
    14. Manufacturer Reputation: Choose a reputable manufacturer known for producing reliable and durable industrial components.

    It’s critical to balance all of these factors to select an industrial pushbutton switch that is optimal for the operational demands and environmental conditions of your specific application.

  • What are the benefits of using an AC drive?

    What are the benefits of using an AC drive?

    An AC drive, also known as a variable frequency drive (VFD) or adjustable speed drive (ASD), is a device that controls the speed, torque, and direction of an AC motor by varying the frequency and voltage of the electrical power supplied to it. AC drives offer several benefits in various industrial and commercial applications:

    1. Energy Efficiency: AC drives can help reduce energy consumption by controlling the speed of motors. By adjusting the motor’s speed to match the load requirements, you can save energy and reduce electricity costs, especially in applications with varying loads.
    2. Improved Process Control: AC drives provide precise control over motor speed and torque, enabling better regulation of industrial processes. This helps maintain consistent product quality and operational efficiency.
    3. Soft Start and Stop: AC drives offer soft-start and soft-stop capabilities, which reduce mechanical stress on equipment and extend the lifespan of motors and connected machinery. This feature is particularly useful in applications where abrupt starts and stops can cause damage.
    4. Reduced Mechanical Wear: By starting and stopping motors gradually and smoothly, AC drives reduce wear and tear on equipment, minimizing maintenance and downtime.
    5. Speed and Torque Control: AC drives allow for precise control of motor speed and torque, making them suitable for applications that require different speeds at different times, such as conveyor systems and fans.
    6. Adaptability to Changing Loads: AC drives can adjust motor speed in real time to match variations in load, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency.
    7. Energy Cost Savings: By reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency, AC drives can lead to significant cost savings over time, making them a cost-effective investment.
    8. Power Factor Improvement: AC drives can improve the power factor of a system, leading to a reduction in reactive power and potential cost savings on utility bills.
    9. Reduced Maintenance: With soft-start and stop features, AC drives help reduce mechanical stress, which in turn lowers maintenance requirements and extends the lifespan of equipment.
    10. Noise Reduction: Slower motor speeds, made possible by AC drives, can reduce noise levels in industrial environments, creating a more comfortable and safe workplace.
    11. Process Optimization: AC drives can be integrated with automation systems and control algorithms, allowing for more sophisticated process optimization, which is essential in many manufacturing and industrial operations.
    12. Environmental Benefits: Lower energy consumption and reduced wear and tear on equipment can lead to a smaller carbon footprint and contribute to sustainability efforts.

    It’s important to note that the benefits of using an AC drive can vary depending on the specific application and the efficiency of the system it’s integrated into. When considering the implementation of an AC drive, it’s essential to perform a detailed analysis to determine potential energy savings and operational improvements for your particular use case.

  • What is the most important thing to consider when selecting a drive for a motor?

    What is the most important thing to consider when selecting a drive for a motor?

    Current and Voltage! You cannot always rely on the HP or KW value, some motors have special characteristics that greatly change the amount of current that it draws. You should ALWAYS make sure the output voltage range of the drive meets the input voltage rating of the motor, and that the FLA of the motor is less than or equal to the drive’s output current rating.

    Additional criteria to consider include reliability and technology. For reliability, you want to evaluate the mean time to failure (MTTF) and warranty period. This gives you a sense of how long the drive should last in the field and what coverage the company provides if there is an issue. For technology, the interface, remote capabilities, and software are important to ensure that the drive is compatible with your application and you are able to achieve the desired outcome.

     

  • Fuji Electric Corp. of America Celebrates 50th Anniversary

    Edison, N.J– Fuji Electric Corp. of America is celebrating 50 years in the United States. Fuji Electric Corp. of America (FECOA) was established in 1970  with it’s first office in New York across from Grand Central Station, with sales of heavy electrical machinery- rectifiers and power generation equipment, Ring Compressors and Distribution and Control products.

    In the 1980’s  US Fuji Electric was established in Piscataway, NJ manufacturing and selling Photoconductors, the NY FECOA  Company moved to Lincoln Park, NJ and Fuji Hi-Tech was established in Fremont, CA repairing power drives for computers. In November 1994, FECOA moved their  offices to Saddle Brook, NJ , and  in the late 1990’s Fuji Electric purchased Collmer Semiconductor of Texas the exclusive American Fuji Electric Semiconductor Distributor. A joint venture between Fuji Electric Japan and GE was formed in 1995 for the sale of inverters, known as GE Fuji.

    Fuji Electric experienced many transformations from 2000 to present, moving Semiconductor operations from Texas to Piscataway, NJ and the  US Fuji Electric entity became Fuji Device Technology America. In October 2007 the Fuji Hi Tech entity was merged into FECOA. GE Fuji was dissolved and FECOA decided to promote Fuji’s own inverter business in 2007 with its headquarters in Fremont California. Then in 2009, all Fuji American Companies were merged together under the first Fuji American entity FECOA corporate name and brand.  All of the Fuji Electric NJ locations were combined and moved to Edison, NJ, the current corporate headquarters, helping to expand total product sales.  In 2014, the Roanoke, VA facility was opened and started manufacturing inverter panels and transit equipment. In 2015 Reliable Turbine Services was purchased to support the turbine repair business and in 2016 a joint venture was created with Semec for local Linear Train Door manufacturing.

    Today, Fuji Electric Corp. of America is a  leader in supplying the Americas with all types of power and electronic products ranging from semiconductors, photoconductors,  HMIs, instrumentation, AC Drives, ring compressors and blowers, contactors, relays, power generation equipment, transit equipment, power supplies, uninterruptible power supply systems and commercial bean-to-cup coffee machines.  Our commitment to our customers continues to remains a top priority.

    “It is a very exciting time for Fuji Electric celebrating 50 years. The company has always strived to provide the most technically advanced engineered products for the power electronic industry, along with strong customer service and technical support. In these difficult times with Covid-19, Fuji Electric continues to support our customers, especially those in essential markets to keep those customers running efficiently.” Said Matt Sato, CEO of Fuji Electric Corp. of America.

    Fuji Electric Corp. of America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Electric Co., Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan and has been responsible for sales and distribution of the company’s products since 1970.  Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. began developing power electronics equipment in 1923.  For more information, please visit https://americas.fujielectric.com/or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

    Media Contact:
    Lisa Pross
    Fuji Electric Marketing Manager
    fea-marketing@fujielectric.com