A question about the muzzle energy of a pumpkin…?

Took the family to the local "Oktoberfest" today for the hay rides and other activities, and they had a "Punkin Chunker" there. For $3.00 you can pull the trigger on the punkin chunker and try to hit a beat up pick up truck about 100 yards downrange. Really is a lot of fun. It’s basiscally a huge air gun attached to an industrial air compressor that shoot the pumpkin out of a 15 ft. long or so barrel.

Anyhow, I got to thinkin, this looks like it is quite powerful and started thinking about the ballistics. It seems to take about 1.5 seconds to hurl a pumpkin what looks to be just about 100 yards with about 30 vertical feet of arc in the flight path. I’m guessing that each pumpkin is in the nieghborhood of 5 lbs. and the muzzle velocity somewhere around 300 fps.

This comes out to a muzzle energy of nearly 7000 foot pounds with each pumpkin, does this sound right? 7000 foot pounds is so much more powerful than all but the most magnum rifles, yet this guy is out here chucking pumpkins with that much force, I must be mistaken. How much kinetic energy do you think a pumpkin has in this scenario?

I don’t have the formula for figuring the kinetic energy of a pumpkin whose weight is figured in pounds rather than in grains. However, you can convert pounds to grains by multiplying by 7,000. nce you have the weight in grains, you can calculate the foot pounds of kinetic energy by multiplying the weight of the pumpkin in grains times the square of the velocity in ft./sec. and dividing by 450,400. If we assume that your figures are correct, a 5 pound pumpkin will weigh 35,000 grains. If that mass is moving at a velocity of 300 fps, we can multiply 35,000 by 300 squared and divide by 450,400. Doing this we get 6993.7 ft.pounds of kinetic energy. This confirms you calculation of "nearly 7,000 ft. pounds". The reason for this amount of kinetic energy is the tremendous mass of the pumpkin as compared to the mass of a bullet.

How do you identify what type of power your commercial building has? or what type do I have?

Inside the fuse panel it indicates:
Type 1 (I assume this is the fuse box style/type)
200 amp Max
120/240V AC 1 phase 3 wire
208Y/120V AC 1 phase 3 wire
So would this be identified as a 3 phase 240V or a 3 phase 440V? also, is it a delta or a wye…or do I even need to know that before I purchase a new screw type air compressor for industrial use. I am in one of those stripstyle commercial warehouse buildings if that helps. Thanks in advance

your best bet is to consult a licensed electrician or EE for help. Just reading a label inside a panel will not tell you what you have.

what is the power require to run a 600 kg per sq cms pressure Air compressor?

The purpose is industrial.
what would be its ware & tare?

600 kg/cm^2 is roughly 8500 psi. There isn’t a compressor in the world that could produce that kind of pressure, let alone a system that could handle it.

In general terms though, in order to size a compressor, you need to know the SCFM. air compressor companies rate their compressors in terms of ACFM because the properties of air changes so much. The ACFM rating is basically the same as SCFM if the compressor was tested when the ambient conditions were standard conditions. For selecting a compressor, I consider them the same thing. Most standard compressors have max pressure ratings up to 125 psig or so. There are some booster compressors made for high pressure applications that will boost pressures up to around 300 psig.

As far as ware and tear, if a compressed air system is designed correctly, you can minimize the wear and tear. First thing to do is ensure a tank is in the system right after any dryers, ususally 1 gallon/4 SCFM. If the system has many points of use where there is a lot of diversity, another surge tank can be placed right after the compressor, around 1 gallon/ 1 SCFM.

The compressor only runs when the system pressure drops below a certain point, the demand of the compressed air will mainly determine how often the compressor will run, which is basically ware and tear.

For your system, I would imagine it would run indefinately until the motor burned up or the system exploded.

I want to purchase an air compressor what should I look for?

I would like to know what specs should I look for to run my industrial pneumatic speed sander its a 4560 Hutchins I only want to use for about two to three hours .I do some body work on weekends.

I agree that bigger is better when it comes to compressors. I’ve had a few smaller ones, like the ten gallon ones. They never were big enough to keep up with my air tools.

OH! One other thing, steer clear of any compressor that say "oilless". From my personal experience, the compressors that don’t use oil overheat and break down very quickly. I’ll never buy another compressor if I don’t see a dipstick to check the oil.

This question is regarding the compatability of an air compressor with a pneumatic nailer.?

I am interested in buying a Ridgid brand air compressor> Ridgid Model # OF45150; and a Hitachi brand roofing nailer> Hitachi Model # NV45AB2. The compressor seems to have more than enough power to do what I want (To power two nail guns at once) BUT, most nailers have a 3/8 inch air inlet. The Ridgid brand air compressor is fitted with 2 Universal Push Style Quick Couplers that accepts both ¼” industrial and automotive plugs. My question, might sound stupid but, can I change out the 1/4 couplers to 3/8 couplers that will fit the nail gun hoses? Will that effect the performance of the compressor? Or do they sell a 1/4 to 3/8 inch adapter that will work?? Or are the two units incompatible?? If you are knowledgable about this please help. THANKS

You can get the fittings at any hardware store…..ACE is the place…..And no it will not effect the performance of the nail gun…..Just remember when you buy the fittings you get Teflon tape and put it on the threads of the fittings so it doesn’t leak…….
Bring one of the fittings with you when you buy them because they are not all compatible…….

I need a place that can rebuild an air compressor?

It is an industrial sized air compressor

google air compressor/repairs/ and your location or google the manufacturer direct to get a dealer close to you .

Does anyoody understand air compressors and the cfm ratings?

I am preparing to buy an air compressor. I was told that in order to use certain air tools, the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating on the compressor needed to exceed the cfm or scfm rating of the air tool. Unfortunately, most of the 110v air compressors that I’ve looked at, up to $400, don’t have the cfm output volume that various air tools require (as stated on their packaging). I find it difficult to believe the that I would need to buy an industrial 220v 10hp air compressor to get enough cfm to drive, say a sand blaster.

Anybody know about this? Your help would defintely be appreciated.

YOU HAVE HEARD CORRECTLY….THE AC MUST AT LEAST MEET THE CFM REQUIREMENTS OF THE TOOL…AND TO INSURE THE MAX USE OF THE TOOL MUST EXCEED THE CFM REQUIREMENT…

The Truths About Swamp Coolers That You Really Need To Know

There are various types of devices that may be used to help cool off a humid room. Most people today use standard airconditioning, but there are those who are fans of alternative tools and, instead, choose swamp coolers.

No, a swamp cooler is not in any way linked to dark and murky swamp. It is a new type of refrigeration system that makes use of the simple process of evaporation to give off cool air. Also called a desert cooler, an evaporative cooler, or an air cooler, the swamp cooler differs from the regular airconditioner in a way that the latter employs a compressor and a heat pump to operate.

A swamp cooler is best for environments with low humidity, where its installation is relatively cheap compared to traditional airconditioners. Areas with high humidity may also benefit from swamp coolers, like dry cleaners, greenhouses and industrial plants. But it is really best for environments whose humidities are relatively light.

There are two types of cooling mechanisms under a swamp cooler. One is the indirect evaporative cooling, which happens in a closed circuit and makes use of a heat exchanger. The other is called direct evaporative cooling, which happens in an open circuit, where warm and dry air is converted to cool, moist air by reducing the air temperature via the evaporation process.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Swamp Coolers

There are a number of reasons why swamp coolers are a better choice than traditional airconditioners.

First, they are a lot less costly to install. When compared with refrigerated air conditioners, setting up a swamp cooler costs about an eighth to half. Operating it is also cheaper, accounting for just a fourth of what is expended on refrigerated air. You are also more likely to spend a lot less on energy because a swamp cooler’s operational system is based simply on a water pump and a fan. Patrons of swamp coolers also attest that the air is relatively fresher.

However, while it has its merits, it also has several trade-offs. One is that it relies on water to function. Thus, you will have to keep checking if it has enough in its tank and its pads are always wet. It is also more expensive to maintain, particularly during cold weather and winter, because it can easily freeze burst.

Another disadvantage to using a swamp cooler is that the air it gives off is very humid, at around 80% to 90%. It is therefore not very advisable in high-humidity environments because it will eventually corrode your electrical systems and moisten surfaces. The evaporated air will consequently condense, which becomes a big nuisance.

A swamp cooler is also not advisable if you have asthma because pollutants and other microbes from outside might be blown into the room if it has not ample filtering.

In sum, while this device provides a less costly alternative, it comes with a catch. If your priority is to cut corners, then this product is for you. If you’ve already gotten used to traditional air conditioners and really find nothing wrong with using them, then there’s no reason to make a switch.

Bill Urell
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/the-truths-about-swamp-coolers-that-you-really-need-to-know-50226.html

New Bosch Technology Saves Fuel

The auto industry is currently geared towards the reduction of fuel consumption as the global community becomes increasingly aware of the threat of global warming. Aside from car makers, other consumer industries have also taken steps to develop devices which will help vehicles save on fuel.

One of the leading makers of automotive components, Bosch, has recently developed yet another innovative technology which will improve fuel economy of vehicles. The Stuttgart, a Germany based company, recently announced the development of their Climate Control Sensor. This sensor essentially checks constantly the level of carbon dioxide inside a vehicle’s cabin.

By monitoring the amount of carbon dioxide inside a vehicle, the device allows the air conditioning unit to optimize its performance. When the amount of carbon dioxide inside a vehicle’s cabin surpassed the preset volume, the air conditioning unit will feed fresh air in side the vehicle. Then, the unit will automatically switch to recirculation mode which means that the air conditioner will not be using up much energy.

This technology saves fuel since it decreases the load on the vehicle’s engine. The air conditioner’s compressor is being powered by the engine and when it is turned off by the new sensor from Bosch, the engine will not need more fuel to burn to power the compressor.

The design of the Climate Control Sensor (CCS) is compact to save space in the vehicle. The technology uses infrared-based spectroscopy to determine carbon dioxide level inside a vehicle’s compartment. The company known for their excellence in developing cutting edge automotive electronics designed the device to determine even minute level of carbon dioxide.

There is also a more advanced version of the sensor which not only checks the level of carbon dioxide but also measures the humidity and temperature inside the vehicle. This more advanced sensor further optimizes the cooling unit’s performance. The use of the said devices according to Bosch engineers can save consumers by as much as ten percent on fuel consumption.

With this innovation, Bosch once again proved that they are the leading producer of advanced auto components which can complement standard auto parts like Nissan ignition coil and other engine operation related components. Aside from auto electronics, the company also provides automobile components like anti-lock braking system, which the company invented, fuel injection system, starters, and alternators. These components from Bosch are known to perform well and for their durability.

Durability is also a strong selling point of Bosch’s industrial machinery, and hand tools sold all over the world. The company is focused in its automotive department as shown by the fact that half of their annual sales globally comes from their automotive technology.

RyanThomas
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/new-bosch-technology-saves-fuel-125733.html

Air Compressor Brands, wondering what you think of them.?

i am currently looking into a new air compressor for my garage. i know Ingersoll Rand is a great compressor along with Craftsmen. but i was wondering what people think of these other brands: Belaire, Industrial Gold, Schulz, Industrial Air, Campbell Hausfeld? thank you very much, we right now have a craftsmen, but its 25 years old and has been struggling lately.

I have a Campbell-Hausfeld and am very satisfied with it. Owned it for at least 20 years, no problems ever. Enough power for roofing nailer, and more than enough for a brad nailer and palm nailer.

They also make a full line of air tools and paint spray guns. I have one of their small (8 oz or so) pressurized paint sprayer and it works well.