Parker introduces innovative air motors for use in food grade and aggressive applications

Based on a simple but extremely reliable design, Parker’s P1V-S series air motors are compact, lightweight and capable of providing an exceptionally long operating life. The air motor and planetary gear are built into a polished stainless steel housing, which is sealed by a fluor-rubber O-ring to prevent the ingress of moisture, debris and other particulate contamination. Cleanliness is enhanced still further by the cylindrical shape of the air motors as there are no pockets in which dirt or bacteria can accumulate, while a further O-ring seals the two halves of the air motor body.

Equally, the P1V-S series has been developed to operate at intermittent intervals under non-lubrication conditions, meaning that no particles of lubricant can escape with the exhaust air, further reducing service costs and requirements. Furthermore, the planetary gear is lubricated with a USDA-H1 standard grease, which is approved for use in food grade applications.

Using Parker’s proven vane rotor construction, the air motors produce optimum levels of power and torque and as the vanes are spring mounted into the rotor, they form a consistent, low friction seal against the cylinder wall, giving superior start-up, slow running and high speed characteristics. In addition, the speed of the motors can easily be adjusted using standard pneumatic flow control valves or pressure regulators located in air inlets. The powered rotor then turns a keyed output shaft, which is connected directly to the planetary gearbox.

This simple design makes the P1V-S air motors easy to install and control, with high levels of resistance to vibration, impact and prolonged heavy use. By comparison with electric motors, they are considerably lighter, require minimal maintenance, can continuously be stopped and started, and can be safely overloaded to the point at which they stall, without the risk of damage. Additionally, the direction of rotation can almost instantly be reversed by changing the direction of air flow through the inlet and exhaust ports.

Parker’s P1V-S stainless steel air motors are available in seven different sizes, with powers ranging from 20 to 1,200 watts, and speeds from 5 to 24,000 rpm. These latest devices form part of the company’s comprehensive range of fluid power products and are backed by its global manufacturing and customer support services.