International Appliance Manufacturing 2008 - (Page 12) Straight Talk on WOB-L® Piston Pumps Whether for Pressure or Vacuum, These Versatile Pumps May Be Just What You Need. David C. Droege OEM Product Specialist Thomas Products Division Gardner Denver, Inc. If you work with pressurized air or vacuum systems, chances are you’ve either specified or considered a pump that uses WOB-L piston technology. It’s no wonder. You’ll find WOB-L pumps so small that they fit in the palm of your hand, with lots of room to spare. You’ll also find double-cylinder versions that require both arms and a strong back to lift. And all sizes in between. WOB-L piston pumps represent what is arguably the most versatile pressure and vacuum technology available today. Despite this versatility, however, selecting the appropriate WOB-L piston pump is not a job for the uninformed; even more basic, WOB-L technology is not necessarily the best choice for every application. STEP 1: ASSESS THE UNIVERSE OF TECHNOLOGIES No single air pressure or vacuum technology is best across the board, as Figures 1 and 2 on the next page demonstrate. Flow, pressure and vacuum charts, commonly available in pump manufacturers’ literature, will help get you in the ballpark. In addition, here are chief characteristics of the most common pump technologies used by equipment designers: WOB-L piston: High pressure and vacuum capabilities relative to the compact size and light weight of the unit. Moderate to high air flows, depending on the design. Very efficient, especially compared with similarly sized diaphragm pumps. Relatively quiet. Easily serviceable. Dry-running (oil-less) design for very clean output. Modern seal materials and simple design contribute to long, service-free 12 International Appliance Manufacturing 2008
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