Common Problems That Can Affect How Well An Air Compressor Performs

Most business owners realize the importance of having the right tools. Without the right tools and equipment, a business owner will struggle to keep productivity levels high. The type of equipment your business needs will depend solely on the type of work it does. If your employees work on equipment or build items daily, having a durable air compressor is a must.

Each year, American consumers and business owners spend over $65 billion on air compressors. Once you have found and purchased an air compressor, you need to focus on keeping it in good working order. The following are some problems that can affect how well your air compressor operates.

Air Leaks Can Cause Big Problems

If you want to get the maximum amount of power out of your air compressor, then you need to make sure it is sealed up properly. Allowing air leaks to persist will create big problems in the long run. If you hear air escaping from your compressor, you need to figure out where these leaks are occurring. Using a bottle of soapy water can help you identify where these leaks are located.

Generally, these leaks will occur around compressor fittings and air hoses. If you can’t fix these problems on your own, then hiring an air compressor service to help you out is a good idea. These professionals will be able to pinpoint the source of these leaks and fix them in a timely manner.

Oil Leaks Need To Be Fixed Immediately

One of the main things your compressor needs to stay functional is the right amount of oil. If you start to notice that oil levels are getting lower with each passing day, you need to figure out where the source of this leak is. Allowing your compressor to run without the right amount of oil can damage the internal components it has.

By following these tips, you can find and fix the problems your air compressor has in no time.

6 Guidelines for Choosing and Using Your Ribbon Blender

If you’re purchasing a ribbon mixer, you’re going to need some tips on how to pick out the right one and use it. These guidelines will help keep you on the right track. 

1. Choose the Right Location

Ribbon blenders are floor-mounted items, meaning that you need to have the appropriate floor in place and make sure it is level. Mezzanines can also accommodate these mixers as long as they are stable and level. However, bolting your blender to an unlevel surface can deform your machine and cause your mixer not to operate correctly. 

2. Pick Out the Right Size and Power

Use your intended batch volume to pick out the size of your machine and the bulk density to calculate your necessary horsepower. Additionally, standard-duty agitators can generally handle up to 35 pounds per cubic foot. If your bulk density is heavier than this, go with a heavy-duty agitator. Otherwise, you could end up damaging your blender and having to purchase another one. That is why you should always guess your volume and bulk density measurements before you start shopping. 

3. Fill Your Blender

Thorough mixing and optimal energy efficiency require enough ingredients, generally a minimum of 30 to 40% of the maximum fill capacity. When you work with less than this, you won’t get a good mixture, and you’ll waste electricity. 

4. Tell Your Supplier About Your Cleaning Plans

There isn’t a need to take your agitator shaft out when you are cleaning your blender most of the time. However, some manufacturers need to avoid cross-contamination with certain ingredients. Since they are not built for this frequent disassembly, it is best to tell your supplier if you plan on removing the shaft for regular cleanings. Then, they can recommend modifications to make the process easier. 

5. Use a VFD

Variable frequency drives are used to start your blender when it is loaded, so there is not a sudden spike in torque. You can then adjust these to your necessary speed once the ingredients are in motion, making startup easier on your machine. 

6. Fine-Tune Your Machines

The best thing about ribbon mixers is that they have many options for add-ons, such as paddle agitators and high-speed chopping blades that you can use to mix a plethora of products. Use these options not only to increase the number of mixtures you can make but to fine-tune your processes. 

Picking out and operating your ribbon mixer doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these guidelines, it will be relatively easy. 

Understanding the Plumbing Smoke Test

Have you noticed there is a strange smell coming from a plumbing fixture in your home? Since the majority of your plumbing system is under your home’s foundation or behind the walls, it can be hard to figure out the cause or location.

While this is true, there are solutions that a plumber can use. One is the plumbing smoke test. Keep reading to learn more about it.

The Plumbing Smoke Test

Since many of your plumbing systems are hidden, and because plumbers don’t want to dig up and destroy your property, they use smoke testing. With this, a plumber forces a nontoxic smoke through the plumbing system under a small amount of pressure. This helps ensure it travels all the way through. They then look for any escaping smoke and mark the locations. The areas where smoke is escaping indicate a problem that needs to be addressed. Smoke testing can be used to detect poorly sealed toilets, cracked pipes, faulty connections, leaks, defective traps, or a source of foul odor.

Benefits of Smoke Testing

Excavation work is expensive. Not only that, it causes a lot of damage. There is no reason to invest in this if it isn’t necessary. With smoke testing, it is unnecessary. This is a noninvasive and cost-effective test. It will help a plumber detect harmful sewage or gas leaks that may threaten your health. Also, the smoke test can be done with you and your pet’s home. It’s fast, easy, and effective, making it a smart solution.

If you have plumbing issues, it is a good idea to get in touch with a plumber. They can evaluate the problem and find any issues you may not know about. Being informed and calling a plumber right away will help ensure that more serious issues do not occur.