Methodical Purchasing Blog

Vacuum regulators are devices found in a wide variety of applications, playing a critical role in controlling pressure within a vacuum system. While commonplace in many industrial operations, vacuum regulators are also a staple of aircraft system design, supporting the functionality of a number of flight-critical instruments. This guide will explore the basics of vacuum regulators, their function, and their importance in aviation, while also touching upon their broader applications.

Gas springs, also known as gas struts or gas dampers, are mechanical devices that utilize compressed gas to exert a force. Boasting an ability to provide controlled motion, support, and damping in applications where traditional mechanical springs might not be sufficient or effective, gas springs are a versatile solution to many engineering challenges. In this blog, we will delve into the functionality, design, and diverse applications of gas springs to offer a comprehensive understanding of their role in modern technology.

In industries ranging from manufacturing to aerospace, hose assemblies are often found facilitating the transfer of fluids or gasses. Understanding what hose assemblies entail is essential for ensuring their efficient operation across different sectors, so read on as we delve deeper into their components, assembly process, and applications.

When connecting copper tubes or pipes in plumbing and gas systems, two popular options for creating secure, leak-free connections are flare fittings and compression fittings. These fittings play a vital role in promoting system integrity, although they function in slightly different ways. In this blog, we will briefly cover the key differences between flare fittings and compression fittings, providing you with a clear understanding of each to help you make informed decisions for your specific applications.

In the industrial realm, there are a wide range of devices that make operating large machines and systems simple. The first of these devices is a rotary switch, which is operated by the rotation of an actuator while being able to stop in several positions to control multiple circuits with a single mechanism. The second is a rotary encoder, which is popularly known for converting the rotational movement of a shaft into an analog or digital signal. Lastly, a rotary coded switch is activated by a rotating shaft and has several position options for users. To learn more about these versatile devices, this blog will cover the differences between each and their various uses.

While most tires you would find on the road are made from rubber and metal, in an industrial assembly, you will likely see a number of wheels made from molded urethane. Also known as polyurethane, molded urethane is a lab-made elastomer that can be used in its liquid form to seal and coat assemblies, or molded to form solid components. Offering several advantages over rubber, metal, and plastic, urethane has become a popular choice for its flexibility, durability, and noise reduction, among other characteristics which we will discuss further in this blog.

Across pressure piping systems, fluids flow in many directions, requiring special tubing to allow for smooth change from one direction to another. Unlike classic, straight pipes, elbows are designed with a bend, and they connect to two pipes on either end which may have the same or different diameter. While useful, employing an elbow also comes with added factors to consider, as flow direction impacts system pressure due to fluid impact, friction, and re-acceleration. Given their varying designs, this blog will take a closer look at different types of elbows and their unique functions.

Hydraulic couplers are mechanical devices designed for attaching hoses and fittings to one another in high-pressure hydraulic systems. However, they also control and prevent spills and air inclusions. Hoses and other fittings that need to be connected to one another also can prevent spills and inclusions with the help of a coupler. These typically large devices are made from non-ferrous metals like brass and aluminum alloys. In particular, hydraulic couplers are used in higher-pressure oil systems which are very aggressive. They are built to consistently tolerate large amounts of high pressure, hot temperatures, and intense oil degradation. In addition, they have to be fire-resistant because of the extremely flammable oil moving through the network.

Various industries make use of pipes in their daily operations to transport gasses and liquids. In systems that rely on straight lengths of pipe, pipe fittings are used to join sections and regulate the flow of fluids. Depending on the particular needs of a system, you will require different types of pipe fittings. With various shapes and sizes available on the market, it is useful to know the functions of each as well as some common classifications of pipe fittings. For your better knowledge, this blog will explore some commonly used pipe fittings and their general purposes in fluid transport systems.

In the course of their journey through the air, it is crucial that pilots have timely, accurate information about various flight conditions with some of the most important being the speed and altitude of their aircraft. For this information, pilots generally rely on a grouping of pressure-sensing devices called the pitot-static system. These systems consist of a pitot tube and static tube, working in combination to tell the pilot valuable information about the airspeed, altitude, and vertical speed of their aircraft. For more information about this valuable system, read on as we discuss the inner workings and uses for pitot tubes and static tubes.