Ensuring that air bellows meet safety standards in industrial settings is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and safety. At Tevema, we specialize in the design and manufacturing of high-quality air bellows, leveraging over 50 years of experience and advanced technologies. Here’s how we ensure our air bellows meet the highest safety standards.
Material Selection and Construction
Our air bellows are constructed from high-quality materials, including an inner and outer rubber cover with reinforcing fabric plies and steel beads. This robust construction ensures durability and reliability under various operating conditions. We offer different designs, such as dismountable, bead ring, and crimped designs, to suit various applications.
The choice of materials is critical. For instance, the standard material for most air springs is electro-galvanized steel, known for its high wear resistance and durability. However, for environments exposed to acids, chemicals, or cleaning agents, we recommend stainless steel options like AISI-304 or AISI-316L. These materials provide superior resistance to corrosion and extend the lifespan of the air bellows.
Pressure and Media Compatibility
Tevema air bellows are designed to operate at a maximum pressure of 8 bar for standard constructions. For applications requiring higher pressures, we offer a four-ply construction capable of handling up to 12 bar. This high-strength construction allows the air bellows to achieve greater forces, making them suitable for more demanding applications.
Our air bellows can work with various media, including compressed air, nitrogen, oil, water, and air containing oil. This versatility ensures that our products can be used in a wide range of industrial environments. When using water as the working medium, it is essential to use stainless steel metal parts to prevent corrosion and ensure long-term reliability.
Storage and Maintenance
Proper storage is essential to maintain the integrity of air bellows. They should be stored in cool, dark, and dry conditions, away from direct sunlight and ozone-producing equipment. This helps prevent degradation and extends the lifespan of the bellows. According to ISO 2230, rubber bellows should not be exposed to high or very low temperatures during storage.
Maintenance is another critical aspect. While our air bellows are designed to be maintenance-free, regular inspections can help identify potential issues before they become significant problems. This proactive approach ensures that the air bellows continue to perform optimally throughout their service life.
Elastomer Compounds
We use various elastomer compounds to cater to different environmental conditions:
- Natural Rubber (NR/SBR): Excellent universal properties, suitable for temperatures from -40°C to +70°C.
- Chlorobutyl (CIIR): Outstanding resistance to acids, suitable for temperatures from -30°C to +115°C.
- Nitrile (NBR): Excellent resistance to oils, fuels, and ozone, suitable for temperatures from -25°C to +110°C.
- Ethylene Propylene Diene (EPDM): Excellent resistance to high temperatures and ozone, suitable for temperatures from -20°C to +115°C.
- Chloroprene (CR): Good weather resistance and medium oil resistance, suitable for temperatures from -20°C to +110°C.
Each compound offers unique benefits, making it essential to choose the right material based on the specific application and environmental conditions. For example, EPDM is ideal for high-temperature applications, while NBR is better suited for environments with exposure to oils and fuels.
Isolation and Vibration Control
Tevema air bellows provide superior vibration isolation, absorbing more than 99% of unwanted vibrations. This not only enhances the performance of machinery but also extends its lifespan by reducing wear and tear. The air pressure can be regulated to maintain a uniform operating height, ensuring consistent performance under varying loads.
Effective vibration isolation is crucial in industrial settings where machinery operates continuously. By minimizing vibrations, our air bellows help reduce noise levels and improve the working environment. This contributes to better overall productivity and worker safety.
Advantages as Actuators
Our air bellows can replace traditional rigid actuators, offering benefits such as lateral misalignment absorption, compact installation height, and uniform movements without the stick-slip effect. They are also cost-effective compared to conventional pneumatic cylinders.
The flexibility of air bellows allows them to accommodate lateral misalignments up to 30 mm, reducing the need for precision guides and lowering installation costs. Additionally, their compact design makes them ideal for applications with limited space. The absence of sliding sealing elements in our air bellows results in lower operational costs and longer service life.
Compliance with Safety Standards
To ensure compliance with safety standards, we adhere to rigorous testing and quality control processes. Our air bellows are designed to meet or exceed industry standards, providing reliable performance in demanding industrial applications.
We conduct extensive testing on our air bellows to verify their performance under various conditions. This includes pressure testing, durability testing, and environmental testing to ensure that our products can withstand the harshest conditions. By maintaining strict quality control measures, we ensure that every air bellow leaving our facility meets the highest standards of safety and reliability.
Conclusion
By focusing on high-quality materials, robust construction, and rigorous testing, Tevema ensures that our air bellows meet the highest safety standards in industrial settings. This commitment to quality and safety helps our clients achieve optimal performance and reliability in their operations.