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Air Caster Technology Makes Loads As Light As Air Terry Pitsch, Engineering Manager

Air Caster Technology Makes Loads As Light As Air Terry Pitsch, Engineering Manager. How It Works. Captures air inside a bag (air caster) to lift and move objects, like a puck moves on an air hockey table. How It Works.

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Air Caster Technology Makes Loads As Light As Air Terry Pitsch, Engineering Manager

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  1. Air Caster Technology Makes Loads As Light As Air Terry Pitsch, Engineering Manager

  2. How It Works • Captures air inside a bag (air caster) to lift and move objects, like a puck moves on an air hockey table

  3. 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

  4. History of Fluid Film Technology • 1950 - General Motors • “GM Style Bearing” • 1960 - Boeing Aircraft “AeroGo Torus Style Bearing” • 1967 - AeroGo founded

  5. Prior to inflation, the load is solidly supported on landing pads

  6. When air is applied to the Aero-Caster, the torus bag inflates, creating a seal against the floor surface and raising the load.

  7. 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.

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. Variety of Configurations

  13. Used in Combination

  14. Used by Many Industries

  15. Usage by Industry

  16. 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

  17. Operating Surfaces Optimum: 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.

  18. Surface Specifications • What can I do if my surface is bad?

  19. Application: Power Generation <Photos Here>

  20. Application: Power Generation <Photos Here>

  21. Application: Lean Manufacturing <Photos Here>

  22. Application: Lean Manufacturing <Photos Here>

  23. Application: Nuclear <Photos Here>

  24. Application: Nuclear <Photos Here>

  25. Application: Roll/Reel Handling <Photos Here>

  26. Application: Clean Room <Photos Here>

  27. Application: Clean Room <Photos Here>

  28. Application: Marine/Shipbuilding <Photos Here>

  29. Application: Marine/Shipbuilding

  30. Application: Aircraft/Aerospace

  31. Issue: High Center of Gravity Recommended 2:1 or less.

  32. Issue: Overhanging Load Recommended 4:1 or less.

  33. Issue: Poorly Constructed Floors Prep and prime.

  34. Issue: Rough Seams or Transitions Smooth and seamless transitions.

  35. Issue: Unevenly Distributed Load Air bearings require a minimum load.

  36. Issue: Small Load Footprint Air bearings require a rigid support structure..

  37. Issue: Ramps and Slopes Air bearings require a smooth transition.

  38. Issue: Changing Loads Pressure and flow must change with the load.

  39. Issue: Insufficient Air Flow or Pressure Look for leaks, pressure drops, poor floors.

  40. Questions?

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