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How to modify vane air motor performance ?

AM000tech3-1

There are two methods of altering the power of an air motor: Throttling or pressure regulation. The best approach depends on the conditions of the individual application.

When selecting an air motor for a specific application, the first step is to establish the 'working point'. This is the combination of the desired operating speed for the motor and the torque required at that point.

AM000tech3-2
The free speed and torque can be reduced by up to half on Chicago Pneumatic motors. The air motor can be operated at any point in the color-coded area

The free speed and torque can be reduced by up to half on Chicago Pneumatic motors. The air motor can be operated at any point in the color-coded area

Throttling 

Throttling is synonymous with air flow control and affects speed more than torque.

Throttling is synonymous with air flow control and affects speed more than torque.

A throttle valve is normally installed in the air inlet of the motor, although it can also be installed at the air outlet. The advantage of throttling at the inlet is the reduction in compressed air consumption. A slightly higher starting torque remains when the outlet is throttled. If the motor speed is to be lowered while maintaining the maximum starting torque, throttling is the best way to change the motor power.

Air supply reduction

Air exhaust reduction

Reduces speed

Reduces speed

Decrease air consumption

Keeps a good starting torque

Reduces starting torque

Keeps stability

May impact functioning stability

 

Pressure regulation

If a pressure regulator is used, it is always fitted into the air inlet of the motor. A pressure regulator is suitable if the stall torque is to be changed but a high starting torque is less important.

Motor performance with other air pressures

AM000tech3-4
All power curves for Chicago Pneumatic air motors have an input pressure of 6.3 bar. For other pressures, the power curves must be recalculated. To do this, the motor data at 6.3 bar must be multiplied by a correction factor. This factor is shown on the right in table 1.

Correction factors

Correction factors
Air pressure Output Speed Torque Air
consumption
Bar Psi
7 101 1.13 1.01 1.09 1.11
6 87 0.94 0.99 0.95

 

0.96

5 73 0.71 0.93 0.79 0.77
4 58 0.51 0.85 0.63 0.61
3 44 0.33 0.75 0.48 0.44

On which markets are air motors used?