air caster technology makes loads as light as air terry pitsch, engineering manager
TRANSCRIPT
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Air Caster Technology Makes Loads As
Light As AirTerry Pitsch, Engineering Manager
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How It Works• Captures air inside a bag (air caster) to lift and move objects, like a puck moves on an air hockey table
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How It Works
• Supports up to 5000 tons of weight by moving pressurized air under an object – The air is inside a thin ‘fluid film’ air caster
• The fluid film (caster) bends and flows over the surface like a Hovercraft
• Increased air pressure over a larger area makes it possible to lift a heavier load
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History of Fluid Film Technology
1950 - General Motors– “GM Style Bearing”
1960 - Boeing Aircraft “AeroGo Torus Style Bearing”
1967 - AeroGo founded
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Prior to inflation, the load is solidly supported on landing pads
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When air is applied to the Aero-Caster, the torus bag inflates, creating a seal
against the floor surface and raising the load.
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When the pressure within the chamber is sufficient to offset the load’s weight, air
evenly escapes between the flexible torus bag and the floor. The load is literally
floated on a thin, nearly frictionless cushion of air,
.003 to .005 inches (.08 to .13mm) thick.
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Why Use Fluid Film Technology?
Extremely low friction Typical friction factor 0.001-
0.003 vs. 0.06 for typical wheel Allows medium weights (500-
5000 pounds) to be moved by a single person
Allows heavy weights (10,000 – 6,600,000 pounds) to be moved with greatly reduced drive systems
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Why Use Fluid Film Technology?
Omni-directional movement Unlike wheels, movement in all directions is easy Provides means to precisely align equipment - whether
500 or 5,000,000 pounds - without constant repositioning 360° rotation
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Why Use Fluid Film Technology?
Low surface loading Typical maximum surface loading of 50 psi Allows extremely heavy loads to be transported over
standard floors Will not damage floors or coatings
Built-in lift feature Can be used with or without other lift mechanisms Greatly reduces cost and complexity
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Air Caster Benefits
• Low surface loading• Built-in lift• Low profile • Low friction; no floor damage • Economical and reliable • Flexible for a variety of applications • Easy omnidirectional multi-positioning • Precise positioning without floor damage compared to
traditional material handling equipment methods • Ergonomic - reduces lift hazards • Utilizes existing compressed air• Aero-Casters meet ASME specifications
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Variety of Configurations
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Used in Combination
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Used by Many Industries
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Usage by Industry
Aero-space20%
Heavy Industry5%
Semiconductor 10%
Electrical15%
Power Genera-tion15%
Paper5%
Transport services
25%
Marine5%
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ASME B30.1-2009 Applies to Jacks, Industrial Rollers, Air Casters and
Hydraulic Gantries 1-3 Air Lifting Bags 1-5 Air Casters
Design: Design and Proof Tested 2X Rated Load. Air Pressure Regulation.
Periodic Inspection: Inspect Prior to Each Move Do Not Attempt to Repair Torus Bags
Operating Practices: Safety First – Have a Plan Maintain Control of the Load Maintain Visibility and Communication
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Operating SurfacesOptimum: Smooth, flat and nonporous
* Don’t worry! It is possible to put a temporary overlay over ‘bad’ surfaces, so you can still use air casters to move heavy loads.
Good Surfaces Unacceptable Surfaces*
Typical concrete factory floor with penetrating sealer
Asphalt
Epoxy coated Broom finish concrete
Tile Carpet
Vinyl Gravel
Metal Dirt
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Surface SpecificationsWhat can I do if my surface is bad?
Parameter Allowance
Acceptable Floor Slope 0.25 inch for 10-ft (6.6mm in 3.0m)
Allowable floor undulations 1/4 of total air caster lift height
Allowable overlay thickness 0.020in / 0.51mm Approx. 25 gauge sheet
metal
Beveling overlays or sloping ramps
1:20 slope or ramp
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Application: Power Generation
<Photos Here>
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Application: Power Generation
<Photos Here>
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Application: Lean Manufacturing
<Photos Here>
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Application: Lean Manufacturing
<Photos Here>
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Application: Nuclear
<Photos Here>
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Application: Nuclear
<Photos Here>
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Application: Roll/Reel Handling
<Photos Here>
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Application: Clean Room
<Photos Here>
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Application: Clean Room
<Photos Here>
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Application: Marine/Shipbuilding
<Photos Here>
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Application: Marine/Shipbuilding
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Application: Aircraft/Aerospace
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Issue: High Center of Gravity
Recommended 2:1 or less.
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Issue: Overhanging Load
Recommended 4:1 or less.
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Issue: Poorly Constructed Floors
Prep and prime.
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Issue: Rough Seams or TransitionsSmooth and seamless transitions.
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Issue: Unevenly Distributed Load
Air bearings require a minimum load.
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Issue: Small Load Footprint
Air bearings require a rigid support structure..
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Issue: Ramps and SlopesAir bearings require a smooth transition.
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Issue: Changing Loads
Pressure and flow must change with the load.
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Issue: Insufficient Air Flow or Pressure Look for leaks, pressure drops,
poor floors.
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Questions?