月: 2023年2月

What Is a Sensor Bracket?

A sensor bracket is a fixture used for supporting a sensor. There are metal and plastic ones. There are various types of sensor brackets for laser sensors, photoelectric tube sensors, proximity sensors, and many other sensors, each with different mounting holes and mounting methods.

There are straight, L-shaped, and Z-shaped brackets, as well as some with pipes and others with rails. The position and angle can be adjusted in detail according to the desired installation location.

Uses of Sensor Brackets

Sensor brackets are fixed to the frame of a machine, etc., to support a sensor.

When the light of a sensor is to be shone on a location away from the frame, or when the sensor is to be suspended in midair, a pipe-type sensor stand or a rail for sliding the sensor can be combined with a single plate type bracket.

Brackets are available for each type of sensor, such as laser sensors, proximity sensors, fiber optic sensors, and photoelectric sensors, and the bracket should be selected according to the sensor to be mounted.

Principle of Sensor Brackets

There are single plate types, combination types, flexible types, and so on, which are further classified into products adjusted for each sensor.

The single plate type is a bracket to which a sensor can be directly attached and is available in two types: a threaded type and a cylindrical type.

Combination types are used in combination with single plate types and are available in L-shape or rail types.

Flexible types are used by attaching joints or sensor attachments to pipes.

The single plate of the threaded type has screw holes and is used to fix the sensor between the screw and the single plate. The sensor side has mounting holes through which bolts can be inserted to sandwich the bracket and sensor with bolts and nuts.

The cylindrical type is used to fix cylindrical sensors such as proximity sensors. The cylindrical sensor is inserted into the hole in the single plate, and the two thin nuts are used to clamp the plate to secure the cylindrical sensor.

What Is a Self Loader?

A self loader is a special-purpose vehicle used to transport industrial vehicles from a garage to a job site. A self loader is a special vehicle used mainly for transporting industrial vehicles from garages to job sites.

They are mainly based on the chassis of medium- to heavy-duty trucks and are equipped with a special bed to transport heavy industrial equipment and vehicles that cannot be driven on public roads.

The safety loader is similar to the self loader, but only the bed moves backward when loading and unloading the vehicle and is distinct from the self loader in that the entire vehicle tilts backward.

Uses of Self Loaders

Self loaders are mainly used to transport vehicles with wheels or crawlers to construction sites, mountainous areas, and other locations where it is difficult to drive on their own.

Although it is possible to move a vehicle with a crawler by self-propulsion, it may obstruct traffic and damage the paved surface of the road. Also, self-driving in mountainous areas is not practical due to fuel consumption and the burden on the operator.

Self loaders can transport vehicles quickly and reduce the burden on the operator.

Principle of Self Loaders

To facilitate the loading of industrial vehicles, the main feature of self loaders is that the entire body of the vehicle can be tilted backward by approximately 7.0-13.0° using a jack equipped in the front of the load bed.

A ramp is provided at the rear end of the cargo bed to eliminate the difference between the road surface and the vehicle, which further improves loadability.

In many cases, the rear overhang is extended in relation to the base vehicle, so the driver must be careful to avoid swinging the rear end of the vehicle when turning.

What Is a Cell Sorter?

 

A cell sorter is a device used to isolate specific cells. In recent years, single-cell analysis, in which biological phenomena are observed at the level of a single cell, has become increasingly important in biological research.

Flow cytometry is a representative technology for high-throughput analysis of individual cells, and a cell sorter is used to separate and collect cells. A cell sorter, like a flow cytometer, allows cells labeled with a specific marker to flow through a tube. Only a specific population of cells can be aseptically sorted into a separate tube. The separated and collected cells can then be cultured for further analysis.

Uses of Cell Sorters

Cell sorters are used in a variety of fields, including cancer research, genetics, immunology, and culture engineering. Recently, the technology has also been applied in the medical field. For example, attempts are being made to use cell sorters to extract hematopoietic stem cells alone and transplant them into patients with leukemia.

In the field of regenerative medicine, plans are underway to induce differentiation of necessary cells in vitro from pluripotent stem cells, such as ES cells and iPS cells, and to use them for transplantation therapy and drug development. In this case, too, it is important to collect only the target cells, and cell sorter technology is being used to isolate and collect specific cells.

Principle of Cell Sorters

The first step in the cell sorter process is to pass the cell suspension through a very thin tube and separate the cells one by one. At this point, the cells are designed to flow from top to bottom, and the cells fall as droplets from the tip of the nozzle. Next, the falling cells are irradiated with laser light, and the scattered light from them is analyzed to read the characteristics of each cell. The instrument instantly determines whether the cells should be separated or not. When a cell to be separated is detected, the droplet containing that cell is given a + or – charge. The charged droplet then falls between two subsequent polarizers. Droplets with a + charge are attracted to the negative plate, and droplets with a – charge are attracted to the positive plate and collected in the test tubes placed under each plate. Uncharged droplets fall vertically and are usually discarded. Some instruments use microplates as collection vessels, and cells can be aliquoted into each well of the plate.

What Is a Ceramic Paint?

Ceramic paints are paints that contain ceramic particles in urethane or silicone paints.

They have high durability, heat resistance, water resistance, and chemical resistance, and are used in a wide range of applications. Ceramic particles are made from oxides such as silicon dioxide and alumina, which are highly durable and heat resistant. Adding these ceramic particles to paints makes the paints harder and improves abrasion and chemical resistance.

They are often used in places where durability is required, such as car and ship paints. It is particularly suitable for use under high temperatures. They are also used in applications where water resistance is required, such as the painting of household goods and exterior walls of buildings.

Uses of Ceramic Paints

Ceramic paints are used in a wide range of industries due to their durability and waterproofing properties.

1. Mobile Equipment Industry

In the mobile equipment industry, ceramic coatings are used for vehicle exteriors and interiors. Due to their durability and lightweight characteristics, they are often used in luxury and sports cars, and remain beautiful for a long time. It is also used to improve waterproofing and abrasion resistance of ships, and is also used to paint ship bottoms to improve durability.

2. Construction

It is sometimes used on the exterior walls of buildings. Because it is extremely resistant to water, it can protect the exterior walls of buildings from rainwater. It also has a high heat reflectivity, which can reduce the temperature rise inside buildings in the summer.

3. Other

Other applications include the use of coatings for industrial and household products. In particular, it is suitable for coating products used under high temperatures. For household products, it is used as a paint for kitchen utensils and bathroom products.

Principles of Ceramic Paints

Ceramic paints differ from ordinary paints in that they contain ceramic particles. It is composed of ceramic particles, pigments, and resins. Ceramic particles are made from oxides such as silicon dioxide and alumina. They are extremely hard and heat resistant, and when mixed with paint, they improve the hardness and chemical resistance of the paint film.

Ceramic paints, like most paints, contain resins, which are used to adjust the viscosity of the paint and the flexibility of the coating film. Typically, acrylic and urethane resins are used.

Pigments are also added for color. Ceramic paints use natural or artificial pigments, which, like the ceramic particles, are uniformly dispersed, resulting in an even and beautifully colored paint film.

Types of Ceramic Paint

Ceramic paints are available in the following types

1. Silicon Ceramic Paint

Silicon ceramic paints are made of silicon resin and ceramic particles. It has high durability, heat resistance, water resistance, and chemical resistance. It is particularly suitable for use under high temperatures and is often used on the exterior walls of high-rise buildings, factories, and other buildings.

2. Acrylic Ceramic Paint

This paint is a combination of acrylic resin and ceramic particles. It has high weatherability and abrasion resistance, and is available in a wide range of colors. It is mainly used for the exterior walls of houses.

3. Urethane Ceramic Paint

Urethane ceramic paints are made by blending urethane resin and ceramic particles. In addition to high weatherability and abrasion resistance, it also has excellent water resistance and chemical resistance. It is mainly used in factories, commercial facilities, and other places where use in harsh environments is required.

4. Glass-Ceramic Paints

Glass-ceramic paints contain glass flakes or ceramic particles. It is characterized by its hard coating film, durability, and chemical resistance. They are suitable for use in harsh environments such as plants and offshore structures.

Other Information on Ceramic Paints

How to Apply Ceramic Paint

When painting exterior walls with ceramic paint, either the roller method or the spraying method is used.

The roller method uses a special roller with synthetic fibers wrapped around it to apply the coating, and is used when durability is important because it allows for a thicker coating. This method requires the use of different rollers for uneven and smooth surfaces, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive. In addition, painting must be done by hand, which takes time.

In the spraying method, paint is sprayed on using a special sprayer. The use of a machine allows painting in a short time and at low cost, but it requires a larger amount of paint and causes noise problems. It is not suitable for detailed painting, and it also requires time and effort to cure areas that are not to be painted.

What Is a Slide Pack?

A slide pack is a low-cost, linear motion system that enables unlimited linear motion by combining a slider with a precision press-formed ball case and roll-formed rails.

Combined with slide rails, the system is lightweight, and compact, and enables nimble linear motion.

Uses of Slide Packs

Slide packs can be used in linear motion systems for relatively light loads, such as copy machines, tool cabinets, electronic equipment cabinets, beverage vending machines, machine tool slide covers, cash registers, curtain walls, crane game rails, elevating racks, door rails, etc., and other sliding parts with relatively light loads.

Similar linear packs are also used in a wide range of applications, such as magnetic disk drives, electronic equipment, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, medical equipment, measuring instruments, plotters, and copying machines.

Principle of Slide Packs

Slide packs are a linear motion system in which a slider with an integrated ball case moves in an infinite linear motion.

Austenitic stainless steel is used for the slide pack’s rails, mounting plates, stoppers, and other parts to ensure high corrosion resistance.

In addition, the rigidity of the slide packs has been improved by increasing the thickness of the rails.

In addition, the slider section has been improved in recent years, resulting in lower noise.

When there is a possibility that the slider may overrun and come off the slide rail during use, a special stopper is attached to the end of the slide rail.

Even if the slider is pulled out from the slide rail during assembly, the ball is designed not to fall out, but if it is pinched during assembly, it may fall out.

What Is a Sprue Bush?

A sprue bush is a cylindrical component attached to a mold. “Sprue” is a word that means path (hot water channel) that carries molten resin (plastic) injected from the nozzle of a molding machine to the mold. A sprue bush is used to form this sprue.

This part consists of a sprue hole fitted with a taper and a base that is suitable for attaching injection molding machine nozzles closely to each other. It is one of the most important parts when molding resin in a mold.

Uses of Sprue Bushes

Sprue bushes are an indispensable part when melting resin and processing it in a mold. The size of processed products using this part varies from small to large, and the thickness also varies from thin to thick. These parts are used in a variety of situations, and the materials used include metal, highly durable diamond, and even specially processed resin. The appropriate sprue bush is used depending on the application.

Principle of Sprue Bushes

Molded resin products are made by sending plastic resin from an injection molding machine to a mold. The mold has a path for the resin to pass through, and the resin flows into the sprue, then the runner, and finally the gate, in that order. The cross section of the sprue is circular, and the sides are sloped. The runner is an important path through which the resin flows at once, so it must be just the right thickness for the molded product. If there are multiple molded products, the resin will branch off and flow through the runner, so it must be placed so that the resin flows evenly through it. The last gate is the entrance to the molded product, where the speed at which the plastic resin flows in is very important.

In the sprue bush, the molten resin passes through hundreds of thousands of times, and coagulation is repeated inside, so this part must have excellent abrasion resistance and good surface roughness. The radius of the entrance of the sprue bush should be about 1 to 2 mm larger than the radius of the nozzle tip, and the diameter of the sprue entrance should be about 0.5 to 1.0 mm larger than the nozzle diameter. If the size is inadequate, molten resin will leak out, making it difficult to pull out the sprue bush.

What Is a Spring Caster?

A spring caster is a caster, or wheel, to which springs are attached. The purpose of a spring caster is to increase the shock-absorbing capacity when transporting loads on a cart equipped with a spring caster.

Some expensive ones are equipped with shock absorbers.

By increasing the shock-absorbing capacity, they not only reduce noise and abrasions when transporting loads but also reduce the load applied to start the cart.

Uses of Spring Casters

Spring casters are used on equipment such as transportation carts.

These carts are used to transport loads by applying intermittent and continuous force under human power.

It should be noted that these carts are not intended to carry people or animals.

Some types of spring casters are capable of handling very heavy loads, but they are designed to transport goods at speeds of only a few miles per hour.

Spring casters are often used in automobile factories.

Principle of Spring Casters

Spring casters use the elasticity of springs to cushion shocks and reduce vibrations by about half compared to ordinary non-spring casters.

Therefore, even precision parts can be transported without being damaged by vibration during transportation.

Furthermore, the life of the wheels, which are subjected to loads, is also significantly longer than that of general casters.

In addition, the resistance applied at the start of transportation, when the load is greatest, is also mitigated by the springs, enabling smooth transportation.

Coils are used for springs, and expensive ones are equipped with shock absorbers.

In addition to the spring, the material of the caster’s wheels also greatly affects the performance of spring casters.

Rubber wheels are often used for spring casters because of their higher elasticity and wear resistance.

Urethane wheels are harder than rubber wheels, which reduces the initial resistance, and they are more resistant to load and oil.

What Is a Spiral Heat Exchanger?

A spiral heat exchanger is a device that utilizes a spiral configuration to facilitate heat exchange. Its design allows for efficient heat transfer by creating a spiral flow path that reduces pressure drop and brings fluids into closer proximity, enhancing heat exchange efficiency. The design is adaptable, allowing for customization based on specific requirements.

Uses of Spiral Heat Exchangers

Spiral heat exchangers are primarily used for energy conservation by utilizing waste heat. They enable heat exchange between high-temperature and low-temperature fluids, even when direct contact between the fluids is undesirable. Their efficiency and reduced maintenance needs make them suitable for applications requiring minimal cleaning.

Principle of Spiral Heat Exchangers

The core of a spiral heat exchanger consists of two metal plates coiled in a spiral, allowing heat exchange as fluids pass through the spirals. The design promotes turbulence, enhancing heat exchange. The compact flow path increases velocity and encourages a self-cleaning effect, while a wider channel width can accommodate fluids containing solids.

Types of Spiral Heat Exchangers

Spiral heat exchangers are categorized into three types based on fluid handling and a tower condenser variant for direct tower connection.

1. Type 1

Type 1 features parallel spiral flow paths for two fluids moving in opposite directions. This design facilitates sediment removal, preventing clogging and maintaining efficiency.

2. Type 2

Type 2 incorporates an axial tube with vortex-shaped tubes around it, optimizing gas and liquid flow paths for reduced pressure loss and improved heat exchange efficiency.

3. Type 3

Type 3 situates the spiral surface of Type 1 vertically, adapting the design for specific spatial requirements.

Other Information on Spiral Heat Exchangers

Laminar and Turbulent Flow

Fluid flow within heat exchangers can be laminar or turbulent, affecting heat conductivity. Spiral heat exchangers are designed to induce turbulent flow, thereby enhancing thermal conductivity compared to other exchanger types.

What Is a Snake Pump?

A snake pump is a type of pump that moves liquid using a distinctive spiral shaft (rotor) rotating inside a tube shaped like a snake.

Also known as a uniaxial, eccentric screw pump, it serves as an alternative to other pumps, such as plunger pumps, for discharging challenging materials like highly viscous substances or those containing solids.

Uses of a Snake Pump

Snake pumps efficiently discharge and pump fluids containing viscous and concentrated materials or solids, generating strong internal propulsive force. They are used for slurries (muddy plasma, a high-viscosity liquid mixture of minerals and sludge), processed foods (like fish and ground meat) unsuitable for conventional pumps, fibrous liquids, and cosmetics manufacturing.

In the automotive industry, they are employed for pumping highly viscous liquids and mixtures such as lubricants, abrasives, and silicone resins.

Principle of the Snake Pump

Classified as a rotary pump within positive displacement pumps, snake pumps consist of a metal rotor (male thread) and an elastic material stator (female thread). The screw-like twisted rotor rotates within the stator, pumping liquid without pulsation and at a consistent volume.

The sealed helical space created by the rotor’s tangent line within the stator facilitates the transfer of liquid from the suction to the discharge side through piston motion, as the rotor rotates and reciprocates.

The discharge volume, adjustable by rotor speed, varies with rotation speed. Discharge pressure, on the other hand, can be altered by modifying the rotor and stator length, with longer components providing higher pressure if space permits.

How to Select Snake Pumps

Selecting the appropriate snake pump depends on its intended application, considering the following factors:

1. Discharge Volume

The discharge volume, influenced by rotor shape and diameter, can also be adjusted through rotor speed. However, consistent high-speed operation can lead to abrasion and is limited by liquid viscosity, necessitating the selection of a model suitable for the intended discharge volume.

2. Liquid Properties

Liquid properties, particularly viscosity and wear, significantly affect allowable rotor speed and discharge volume. High-viscosity liquids permit lower rotor speeds. Conversely, single-phase fluids allow higher speeds due to lower wear, while fluids with hard solid particles necessitate slower speeds.

3. Type of Fluid

The stator’s elastic materials, varying in rubber and resin types, should be chosen based on resistance to substances in the pumped fluid. Incorrect selection can cause critical failures, such as stator damage or melting.

4. Discharge Pressure

Discharge pressure correlates with the rotor-stator length and the number of spirals. Higher pressure requires longer equipment, which may be constrained by space availability.

Other Information on Snake Pumps

Disadvantages of Snake Pumps

A significant disadvantage of snake pumps is the constant contact between the rotor and stator, leading to wear. Dry operation can quickly damage the rotor, and discharged debris from rotor damage, especially in the food industry, can result in contamination and serious issues.

What Is a Scroll Compressor?

A scroll compressor is a device that produces compressed air by rotating a spiral-shaped rotating plate (scroll).

Compressed air is used in our daily lives in everyday objects such as bicycles and car tires. The role of a compressor is to produce this compressed air.

There are three main types of compressors: scroll, reciprocating, and screw.

Uses for Scroll Compressors

A familiar use for scroll compressors is in the outdoor units of household air conditioners. Scroll compressors are relatively small compressors with high efficiency and low noise.

Being oil-free compressors, they are widely used in the general household, food, refrigeration, and transportation industries.

Principle of Scroll Compressors

A compressor is a device that compresses air existing in a certain space.
A scroll compressor is a device that compresses air. In order to compress air, a scroll compressor combines two scrolls that are made up of involute curves. An involute curve is the curve drawn by the tip of a thread when the thread is wound around a cylinder and then unwound without loosening.

Involute curves are also widely used in the tooth profiles of gears used for power transmission. In a scroll compressor, two scrolls with involute curve shapes are meshed with each other with a 180° displacement. The scroll compressor compresses air by utilizing the change in volume of the space between the two scrolls that is created when one scroll is fixed and the other scroll is moved.

Structure of a Scroll Compressor

The moving part of a scroll compressor consists of two scrolls. One is a fixed scroll and the other is a swirling scroll.

When gas enters through the inlet port, the swirling scroll rotates to move the air. When a certain amount of air accumulates in the gap between the fixed scroll and the swirling scroll, compressed air is pushed out through the discharge port in the center of the scroll.

The repetition of this cycle is the mechanism of a scroll compressor, which continuously delivers compressed air.

Characteristics of Scroll Compressors

Scroll compressors have the following features

1. Oil-Free Air

The compressed air produced by scroll compressors is oil-free air. When a compressor is used to produce compressed air, there is a method in which oil is added to the equipment to make the lathe or piston move smoothly, and this method is widely used for operating air for general factory machinery.

Scroll type compressors do not use oil and are oilless, making them suitable for food, painting, medical, and other applications where oil is not recommended.

2. Low Noise and Low Vibration Operation

Scroll compressors generate much less noise and vibration than other types of compressors. Therefore, noise can be kept to a minimum even when working in close proximity.

3. Small Class and High Efficiency

Scroll compressors are the most efficient method in the small class of compressors. However, screw compressors offer higher efficiency in medium-sized compressors, such as for factory air.

Other Information on Scroll Compressors

Cautions for Use

As you continue to use a compressor, water will accumulate due to condensation. Caution is required because continued neglect of the accumulated water will lead to rust, and the air tank will no longer serve as a tank.

Furthermore, as rust progresses, it can lead to failure of the compressor itself. Therefore, regular cleaning is important when operating a compressor.

It is also affected by the ambient temperature. Placing the compressor under extremely low or high temperatures can shorten its service life, so proper temperature control is necessary.