Will air caster work for your application?

The following information on the features of air casters, and on the floor surface and air supply interface requirements will assist you in determining if air casters will work for your application.  If you have any additional questions, please call us.  We will be happy to discuss your requirements and answer any questions you may have.

FEATURES 

There are significant benefits to be derived from air caster equipment, including:

·        LOW COST for moving heavy loads compared with other equipment or methods.

·        OMNIDIRECTIONAL MOVEMENT of loads allows better utilization of plant space.  You really can move virtually anything, anywhere.

·        REDUCED DAMAGE to floors.  Air casters spread the weight of heavy loads over a large area, unlike wheeled equipment which concentrates it.

·        HAZARDOUS AREA use made possible by spark-free operation.

·        MINIMAL MAINTENANCE COSTS through simplified equipment design.

·        PRODUCTIVITY through the reduce time it takes to move heavy, difficult loads.

·        SAFETY & ERGONOMICS by providing the means for moving loads and handling parts without strain.

 OPERATION IN CLOSEUP

 FLOOR SURFACES

 For effective operation of air casters, floor surfaces should be smooth, flat, and continuous.

·        SMOOTHNESS:  The surface should feel smooth to the fingertips (non-abrasive).  Floors that are slightly abrasive can be lightly sanded and sealed to give a good finish.

·        FLATNESS:  A straight edge should show that the floor is flat within L" in a 10 foot span if the air caster is 18½" or smaller, or flat within ¼" if the air caster size is larger.

·        CONTINUOUS:  Where air casters will see repetitive action, construction joints or large cracks should be sealed.  For occasional air caster use, joints or cracks can be covered with 18 or 20 ga. sheet metal.

Caution:  Asphalt and woodblock surfaces are generally too porous for air casters.  A steel sheet or plate overlay would be needed in such applications.

 AIR SUPPLY

Existing plant air systems satisfy most air caster applications.  Since load movement is intermittent and of relatively short duration, air system requirements are seldom significantly increased.

AIR CONSUMPTION:  The volume of air flow required for operation on a smooth concrete floor is shown in the charts for each product.  Air supply pressure can be from 60 to 110 psi.

AIR CONNECTIONS:  You should have the following:

·        Dirt leg on plant air drop

·        Air line filter (equal to or larger than hose size)

·        Safety flow sensor to shut off air flow if hose is severed (consult factory)

·        Shut-off valve (ball valve or globe type)

·        Quick disconnect couplings if hose is to be removed.   Coupling should be full-flow (non-restricting) type.

·        Air supply hose equal in size to inlet fitting size of equipment, for hose lengths up to 50 feet.  For longer hoses, increase to next size up.