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Global Manufacturing, Inc
®
800.551.3569
TOLL FREE USA & CANADA
1801 East 22nd Street
501.374.7416
TEL
501.376.7147
FAX
Little Rock, AR 72206 USA
w w w. G l o b a l M a n u f a c t u r i n g . c o m
II. Air Blaster Operation
General Overview—How the Air Blaster Works:
Each Blaster is charged with compressed air through an air inlet controlled by a 3-way normally open
valve (either a manual valve or a solenoid valve). Once filled, the Air Blaster remains charged as long as
pressure to the tank is maintained by pressure in the fill line. To fire the Air Blaster, pressure in the fill
line is suddenly reduced by switching the 3-way valve, evacuating the air in the fill line to the atmosphere.
After firing, re-switching the 3-way valve will restore plant air allowing the Air Blaster to refill. A step-
by-step outline of the filling and discharging process follows:
1. A 3-way valve in the open position allows plant
air to enter the Air Blaster. The pressure of the
plant air insures an air tight seal between the
piston and seat, preventing any air loss while
Air Blaster is waiting to be fired.
2. Plant air is forced out through the check valve in
the valve cap to fill the pressure vessel with air.
3. Once filled, the Air Blaster remains on standby
waiting to be fired.
4. When the 3-way valve is switched, air in the fill
line is exhausted, causing the air pressure at
the back of the piston to drop.
Air Requirements:
For optimum performance, operate the Air Blaster
on filtered, regulated air between 45 and 125 psi (3
- 8.6 bar). The pressure may be adjusted to obtain
the desired amount of blast force (generally 80-100
psi). Refer to the performance data in Appendix F to
see how the blast force varies with air pressure and
to determine the quantity of air needed to fill the
Air Blaster for each pressure level. A standard air
compressor can be used, however, nitrogen, carbon
dioxide or another inert gas can be used in place
of the normal air supply. The Air Blaster pressure
vessel has a 125 psi pressure relief valve (safety
valve) which can be used to completely exhaust
the compressed air inside the tank without firing
the Air Blaster.
5. Due to the pressure differential created, the
tank pressure forces the piston back into the
open position.
6. The compressed air in the pressure vessel
escapes through the discharge in an explosive
blast that lifts and separates material particles,
restoring material flow.
7. The 3-way valve is re-switched allowing the
plant air to recharge the Air Blaster.
8. The pressure of the plant air forces the piston
to close against the valve seat preventing
contaminants from entering the Air Blaster.
Air Filtration:
Use filtered (40 Micron) compressed air to fill and
operate the Air Blaster.
Lubrication:
Global Air Blasters require no lubrication.
When to "Fire" the Air Blaster:
It is best to discharge the Air Blaster only when
a material flow problem occurs. Firing too often
when the storage vessel discharge is closed is not
recommended. A group of Air Blasters may be fired
sequentially using the Global Blaster Master micro-
controller based sequencing timer.
1
1
2
2
Air Blaster filled and in standby
Air Blaster discharging
Air Blaster recharging
4
6
6
6
6
5
8
7
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