10 Things to Consider When Specifying Pneumatic Cylinders for Washdown Areas
Camozzi Automation UK has outlined ten key factors engineers, OEMs and distributors should consider when specifying pneumatic cylinders for washdown environments.
Pneumatic cylinders used in washdown areas will be exposed to water, cleaning chemicals, detergents, temperature changes and high-pressure spray. These conditions can accelerate corrosion, damage seals and allow contamination to collect around the cylinder body, piston rod and mounting points.
Selecting a cylinder based only on bore, stroke and mounting dimensions can therefore lead to premature failure, increased maintenance and unplanned downtime.
Camozzi Automation UK recommends considering the following ten areas before selecting an ISO-profile pneumatic cylinder for a washdown application.
1. Understand the Washdown Process
Washdown conditions vary considerably. Some machinery may receive an occasional low-pressure rinse, while other equipment is cleaned daily using heated water, aggressive chemicals or highpressure jets.
Engineers should establish the cleaning frequency, water pressure, temperature, spray direction, chemical concentration and expected contact time.
2. Assess Direct Exposure
A cylinder protected behind guarding may require a different specification from one positioned directly within the wash zone.
The level and direction of exposure should be considered alongside the possibility of splash, vapour and cleaning-fluid run-off.
3. Select the Correct Cylinder Construction
A standard aluminium-profile ISO cylinder may be suitable for light, occasional or indirect exposure.
For more demanding environments, corrosion-resistant versions featuring stainless-steel piston rods, treated fasteners, protective coatings or alternative scrapers may provide a better balance between durability and cost.
Camozzi Series 63 ISO 15552 cylinders are available in configurations developed for demanding conditions, including corrosion-resistant, hydrolytic, food and beverage, dirty and dusty, and polyurethane-coated versions.
4. Consider Whether Stainless Steel Is Required
For intensive washdown or highly corrosive environments, a stainless-steel cylinder may be more appropriate.
Camozzi Series 90 cylinders comply with ISO 15552 and feature AISI 316 stainless-steel construction. They are designed for applications requiring high corrosion resistance, including food, marine and offshore environments.
However,“ stainless steel” should not be treated as a complete specification. The precise grade and the materials used for the piston rod, fasteners and mountings should also be confirmed.
5. Review the Complete Assembly
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The service life of a pneumatic cylinder can be limited by its least resistant component.
The cylinder body, piston rod, fasteners, brackets, sensors, fittings, tubing and accessories should therefore be assessed as one complete assembly.
A stainless-steel cylinder fitted with standard plated-steel mounting hardware may still leave vulnerable points within the installation.