Another Modec innovation : A pneumatic motor with integrated speed control system

Pneumatic motors have the advantage of being very flexible in terms of speed adjustment. This depends on several factors: 

The speed of a pneumatic motor depends on the air flow, air pressure and the load applied

For a given load applied to a motor, the speed depends essentially on the air flow and, to a lesser extent, the feed pressure.

In the same way, at a constant pressure and flow, the speed will depend on the load applied. Therefore, when using a pneumatic motor with a variable load, the speed is not consistent. The motor turns at maximum speed when turning “free” (without a load) and it stops when the load reaches the maximum torque the motor can handle – this is what we call the fixed  torque.

This particularity of a pneumatic motor is, in most cases, considered a plus – it means the operator can judge the load applied to the motor “by ear”, that is by simply listening to the noise the motor makes. Changes in the sound made by the motor is an indicator of variations in speed and, similarly, in the applied load. It also guarantees that the motor won’t break because a load is too heavy, as it will simply adjust without any damage.

However, in some cases, it may be necessary to control and vary the speed to obtain a required torque. Pneumatic motor operators are familiar with this situation and usually use a simple air flow regulator placed on the exhaust. In effect, you collect the air coming out of the motor and direct it towards a flow regulator which changes the pneumatic motor’s speed by changing the output of the air flow.

While this solution is simple and economic, it can take up a lot of space. You need to collect the output in a flexible (container?) and attach this to a flow regulator and then fix everything in place. This can be a problem for applications in compact or portable machines.

With an integrated airflow regulator, the motor’s speed can be adjusted without any accessories

Modec invented and developed an innovation that allows operators to regulate a pneumatic motor’s speed much more easily, and independent of the torque applied. An airflow regulator is integrated directly in the motor, so that a simple wheel placed on the motor itself allows the speed to be varied for a load, an airflow and a consistent pressure. The motor’s dimensions and weight stay the same, plus you gain space and time when setting up and using the equipment. This option can be extremely useful for certain applications such as conveyors, mixers, rotating machinery and valve actuators.

Thanks to our expert, proficient design office, Modec is constantly innovating and developing solutions and product adaptations to make pneumatic motors easier to use. One of our most recent innovations is the centrifugal clutch system that guarantees the pneumatic motor’s starting torque. This patented discovery is THE solution for all lifting applications!

At Modec, letting a client go away unsatisfied is not an option. This is why we work closely with our clients to find together the best solution for their particular application.

Contact us so we can help with your projects! You’ll enjoy working with us!