When we mention machines that make use of air in order to function, one primary type is known as a vane air motor. Vane air motors are quite common in the work space. Let’s dig into what they are, what they do, why we use them, where they are used and how to maintain them.
Force and energy in a vane air motor A vane air motor is a machine that pronounces compressed air as energy. This energy can be used to make the motor move and do work. Within a vane air motor are small sections known as vanes that reciprocate in and out as the motor rotates. This energy is produced for operating the motor.
A vane air motor is very neat the way it works. As compressed air rushes into the motor, it pushes against the vanes and causes them to spin. As the vanes turn, they rotate a middle part known as a shaft, which is linked to whatever the motor is aiding. And that’s how the engine is able to shift around and do work, such as spinning a pump or a conveyor belt.
There are quite a few advantageous factors of using a vane air motor. They are small and light, for one thing, which makes them easy both to set up and to move. And they can be put to work on any number of tasks. Vane air motors are tough critters and need to be if they’re going to last.
A variety of applications use vane air motors. In car factories, they allow extra power for tools and machines. Their food and drink industry counterparts, move conveyor belts and mixers. They are also used in aerospace to pump water and for other machines.
West 402 An optional oil sight glass is offers viewing of the vanes in motion and the oil level in the housing. Care and maintenance Inlet air filtration Air piping system Filtration to the air line system should be line to keep impurities from entering the motor. Periodic internal inspection of all air piping should be also be made. Lubrication The vanes should be lubricated according to the instructions of a West 402 lubricator (optional). Keep the lubrication system clean to avoid sedimentary particles that could cause erratic operation of the motor. Lubrication system Drain the lubricator housing and keep the oil level just below the opening on the cover of the lubricator (optional). Refill housings with ARROW VAN OIL, DTL-L-24111 (available from West in 4 fl. oz. bottles, Model 730) or MIL-L-7870 C. West 402 Orifice size When using an orifice type lubricator, install the smallest diameter orifice that will deliver the correct amount of oil. Oil supply Always use a filter when supplying oil to the lubricator. This will prevent solid impurities from entering and slowing down operation of the motor. Regular inspection Regularly inspect the insulating material for oil and replace if necessary. ATTENTION Lay on(side) If seals and vanes are attacked by oil, lay on(side) the vane air motor so that the lu6rication oil does not contact with the vanes or more an incident may occur. Any van air motor having a vane housing equipped with a drain plug must be operated in a vertical position with the hose connection on the bottom. Rotate motor shaft by hand with air pressure removed sufficiently to expose the vanes for inspection. Spin the rotor by hand to check for freedom of movement. If the unit is stiff or will not rotate, check for contamination or broken vanes. Clean and/or replace as necessary. Then rotate the rotor to check for full range of movement. ATTENTION Before assembling, clean all parts of the motor to remove possible contamination. All parts must be lubricated before reassembling. Always refer to the operation and service manual supplied with the West 402 Vane Air Motor for your specific model. If an open end wrench is used to secure nut or rotor, seal bearing should be grease. If not specified, apply lubricate to any area requiring of grease. Devices located or welded to the van air motor should transmit no measureable torsion(moment) in all modes of operation. Scuppers on the vane housing drain air and condensed moisture to the outside. If the motor is laid on (side) the scupper will NOT function properly. ATTENTION Install a support under the body of the motor to protect motor (Figure 2). lubricator (optional). If operation requirements allows, install the lubricator on top of the motor and maintain liquid outlet orifice 70 ~ 100 mm away from the vane air motor. For any kind of regular maintenance, after about 500 hours of operation, please be sure to replace vanes and Buna-N seal. Part numbers don’t display correctly in this catalog. If operating costs are an issue, please ask for support. Drain the housing before reinstalling on the motor.
In order to maintain the excellent performance of a vane air motor, it needs to be cleaned regularly and oiled. This is what makes it last and last and last. If a vane air motor isn’t running the way it should be, try this. Quicktech Note: Check the air supply It’s clean and examine the vanes for any damage.