Compressed air is an essential resource in the glass industry, playing a vital role in various manufacturing processes. Its reliability and efficiency enhance operations across different stages of glass production, from forming to finishing.
Glass Forming: Compressed air is used in machinery that shapes and molds glass. It powers pneumatic tools that assist in the precise handling and formation of glass products.
Cutting and Finishing: Air-powered cutting tools are employed to achieve clean edges and accurate dimensions in glass products. Compressed air systems also assist in finishing processes, ensuring high-quality surfaces.
Cleaning and Drying: Compressed air is utilized for cleaning glass surfaces during production and post-manufacturing. Air knives and blow-off systems remove dust, debris, and moisture, ensuring a pristine final product.
Material Handling: Compressed air systems power various equipment for transporting and handling glass materials, enhancing workflow efficiency and reducing manual labor.
Quality Control: Compressed air is used in inspection and testing processes, ensuring that glass products meet the required standards for strength and clarity.
Precision: Compressed air enables accurate control in forming and finishing operations, crucial for producing high-quality glass products.
Efficiency: The ability to power multiple processes with compressed air enhances overall productivity and reduces production time.
Safety: Using compressed air minimizes the risk of spark-related incidents, making it a safer option in environments where flammable materials may be present.
In conclusion, compressed air is a critical component in the glass industry, supporting a wide range of applications that enhance efficiency and quality. By investing in reliable compressed air systems and ensuring air purity, glass manufacturers can maintain high standards and achieve optimal performance in their production processes.
Piping Material Features Comparison |
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Piping Features | Stainless Steel(Type 304L) | Mild Steel | Blue anodized Aluminum Alloy |
Weight (Dia 6inch, Length 6m) | 127.2 | 169.6 | 29.142 |
Corrosion Resistant | Yes | No | Yes(100%) |
Pressure drop (Dia 2 inch Length= 20m,Airflow=3 cubic metres/Minute, Pressure=10 bar) | 0.25 | 0.4 Bar | 0.1 |
Energy Efficiency | High | Low-moderate | High( Potential Cost savings of 34%) |
Mechanical Strength | Very Strong | Very Strong | Strong |
High-Temperature Rating | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Installation Ease | Less Difficult | Difficult | Easy(High Flexibility and Modularity) |
Installation Time | Approx 6 feet length per hour | Approx 6 feet length per hour | Approx 45 feet Length per hour |
Work Hours/Manpower Required for a 2″ pipe and a 3000 feet piping | Approx 600 man-hours/8 men for 2 weeks | Approx 600 man-hours/8 men for 2 weeks | Approx 100 man-hours /8 men for less than 2 days |
Annual Cost(Installation, Commissioning, and operation) | Approx 3000 dollars | Approx 7820 dollars | Approx 1300 dollars |
Installation Cost Material%/Labor% | 30% / 70% | 25% / 75% | 80% / 20% |
Surface roughness | 0.03 | 0.05 | 0.001 |
Special Tools Required (welder, threader, groove cutter) | Yes | Yes | No |
Air Quality | High(Should the application require it, these pipe systems can help meet the requirements of ISO 8573-1: 2010 air quality standards. | Low( Not according to !SO 8573-2010 air quality standards) | High(Should the application require it, these pipe systems can help meet the requirements of ISO 8573-1: 2010 air quality standards. |
Cost per meter | Almost 2 less than Aluminum | 3 Times less than Aluminum | 163.64 Dollars(Parker Transair) |
Life Span( Will vary according to environmental factors, Pipe design, and Pipe grade. | 30 years | 40 years | 20 years |
Initial Cost of installations | Material : 30% Labor:70% | Material : 25% Labor:75% | Material : 80% Labor:20% |
Maintenance | Difficult(Accumulation of rust under pipes and fittings which travels to machinery, may require preventive maintenance every week) | Difficult (Accumulation of rust under pipes and fittings which travels to machinery may require preventive maintenance every 3-4 days) | Easy (No accumulation of rust, may require preventive maintenance every 4 Weeks) |