Pneumatics equipment cuts compressed air set up times

According to RWC, the brass and plastic push-fit systems from its SharkBite and JG Speedfit’s brands complement each other to make machine builders and installers’ lives easier, and improve the efficiency and performance of air-rings. They can also reduce set up times by up to 50% in comparison to conventional methods according to RWC. Specially designed for small to large commercial and industrial applications, SharkBite has introduced a heavy-duty push-fit air piping system that can handle pressures of up to 20 bar and exceed industry standards for added peace of mind. This system is a welcome solution to traditional challenges in the industry says the company, such as lengthy installation times, pipework corrosion, pressure drops and leaks that lead to higher energy costs.

The brass push-fit compressed air system is available in sizes from 10mm up to 54mm, and includes a tamperproof design for secure demounting. The range also includes a 45° elbow to provide for better air flow and reduced pressure drops in the air line. Phil Lacey, UK Specialty Sales Director at RWC says, “Customers face a number of performance related issues with copper and steel compressed air installations. These systems are prone to corrosion and degrade over time, resulting in leaks and pressure drops, which impact energy consumption, equipment lifecycle and user efficiency. Maintenance and servicing of conventional installations is also a challenge and comes with lengthy downtimes, as the pipes and fittings need to be threaded, crimped, soldered or glued together”.

RWC believes it has overcome all of these concerns with its SharkBite Air & Pneumatics range, citing installation being much faster and that connections can be made without tools with just a simple push-fit action. The brass fittings and anodised aluminum pipes are claimed to be highly resistant to corrosion, ensuring optimal flow and air quality, while extending system and equipment lifecycle and efficiency. The new SharkBite Air & Pneumatics solutions complement RWC’s existing John Guest lightweight plastic push-fit fittings and pipe range which is designed for small to mid-size applications up to 10 bar, such as garages and commercial systems.

Both plastic and brass push-fit systems are well suited to the current trend of flexible factories, where factory layouts need to adapt and change quicker than ever before with minimal downtime. All fittings and pipe can be easily demounted, and then altered, extended or modified in seconds. These solutions are also said to be inherently sustainable – the pipes and fittings are reusable and interchangeable, with accreditations from UKAS and BCAS.