How (and Why) to Choose an Air Motor

The simple design principle, allowing for easier maintenance and higher reliability thanks to the low number of moving parts, is one of the factors that make air motors a suitable choice when designing
a machine or a plant. This article sums up the key features of pneumatic motors, their basic operational principles and the main elements to consider when choosing the best type of motor for
a specific application requirement.

by Franck Roussillon

There is no doubting the growing popularity of air motors: a trend driven by a myriad of advantages over their electric counterparts that include far smaller installation dimensions and their ability to be loaded until they stall, without damage. Air motors can also be used in harsh environments that are subject to effects such as dust (most are ATEX-certified), vibration and impact, while a choice of materials means that they can also function in damp and aggressive operating conditions.
Air motors can be stopped and started continually without damage, and are reversible as standard. However, it is arguably the simple design principle that appeals most to design engineers and specifiers: a factor that makes them very easy to service, while the low number of moving parts enhances reliability. To maximise the gains made available by leveraging these benefits, selecting the correct air motor for the application is paramount.

Construction and basic principles
To prepare for making the optimum selection, it is first advisable to consider the basic construction of an air motor. There are a number of different air motor designs, including tooth gear and turbine types, but this article will focus on vane types as they are more suitable for regular operating cycles, where slower speeds are required.
The principle centres on a rotor with a number of vanes enclosed in a stator and in the cylinder body. Compressed air is supplied through one connection and air escapes from the other. For reliable starting, springs press the vanes against the rotor cylinder and the air pressure always bears at right angles against the surfaces. This function means that the motor torque generated is a result of the vane surfaces and air pressure. Air motor performance is dependent on the inlet pressure. At a constant inlet pressure, air motors exhibit the characteristic linear output torque/speed relationship. However, by simply regulating the air supply, using the techniques of throttling or pressure regulation, the output, torque and speed of an air motor can easily be modified.
A pneumatic motor achieves its maximum power when it is operating as close as possible to its rated nominal speed (50% of the rated idle speed). Energy balance and efficiency are best in this area because the compressed air is used efficiently and the power is at its maximum.

Avoid using components that have to be lubricated
Across modern industry, oil and oil mist are avoided wherever possible to ensure a clean work environment. Manufacturers now try to avoid using components that have to be lubricated. The P1V air motors series from Parker, for example, are equipped with vanes for intermittent lubrication-free operation for power lower than 1000 watts, which is the most common application of air motors.
If unlubricated compressed air is used, it should comply with the relevant purity standards in order to guarantee the longest possible overall service life. Furthermore, if the unlubricated compressed air has a high water content, condensation can form inside the motor, causing the corrosion of internal components. A ball bearing can be destroyed in a remarkably short time if it comes into contact with a single water droplet. For food grade and other hygienic/high cleanliness applications, external components should be made from stainless steel. Take the Parker P1V-S range, for example. Here, the air motor and planetary reduction gear are built into a polished stainless steel housing. The output shaft, which is also made of polished stainless steel, is sealed by a fluorocarbon (FKM) rubber seal. This design means the motors can also be deployed under water to a depth of around 8 m.
Thanks to a cylindrical shape, there are no pockets that can accumulate dirt or bacteria. Additionally, the two halves of the motor body are sealed with a positive O-ring to prevent contamination. Operation is intended at intermittent intervals under non-lubrication conditions. For this reason, no particles of lubricant escape with the exhaust air and service costs are reduced.

Environment, power, position: some of the factors that drive the choice
First and foremost, decide which drive principle is suitable for the application. Air vane motors are ideal for regular operating cycles, where speeds are slow, say, less than 10,000 rpm, for example. In contrast, tooth gear air motors or turbines are suitable for continuous 24-hour operation, where speeds can be up to 140,000 rpm.
Environment choice is another major factor. To determine the optimum material, consider whether the air motor will operate in a normal production area, or one that is potentially explosive? Clearly, air motors have an advantage here, as electric motors typically cannot be used in ATEX-rated environments. The type of industry may also have a bearing on material selection; sectors such as paper, food processing, medical and pharmaceutical will all have an influence. So, what about calculating the required power of the air motor? Many factors will come into play here, including direction of rotation, air pressure working range, air class quality and mainly the expected torque and speed under load.
As a tip, always select a motor that is slightly too fast and powerful, then regulate its speed and torque with a pressure regulator and/or throttle to achieve the optimum working point. As a point of note, it is important to ensure that the pressure supplied to the inlet port of the motor is correct, so it can work at maximum capacity. If the valve supplying a large motor is too small or the supply line is underspecified, the pressure at the inlet port may be so low that the motor is unable to function. Further factors determining the selection of an air motor include the position in which it will be used.
In conclusion, for intermittent, yet regular operating cycles where speeds are low, vane-type air motors provide a great option. However, only by optimising the selection and installation process, users will be able to enjoy the potential benefits and maximise efficiency and longevity. n

(Franck Roussillon is Product Manager BU Actuators, Parker Hannifin)