Choosing the right tool according to the specific job is important for successful industrial applications. However, making the right choice can be a difficult challenge. In fact, there are multiple factors to consider when selecting an air or electric motor and determining which one is better. This blog will be a comprehensive guide for selecting the right motor for the specific industrial application.
When trying to pick the right motor according to the specific requirements, the following 5 factors will help you make informed decisions.
Torque Requirements
- Torque is an important factor to consider when it comes to industrial applications; for this, an air motor is the most preferred and dynamic choice.
- Air motors are designed in a way that allows the operator to adjust the output torque to match the exact torque requirement for industrial applications.
- If and when the air motor is overloaded, the air pressure increases until it bypasses and meets the requirements. This process causes no damage to the motor. Essentially, air motors are more versatile and can load the torque to meet specific application standards.
- On the other hand, electric motors have fixed outputs for torque. While some electric motors are purchased with multiple speed settings, the torque output of an electric motor cannot be adjusted by the operator as required.
- If the electric motor gets overloaded and the breaker is not able to relieve the load, then the motor will fail and require replacement.
Weight Of Motor
- It is also important to know that in most cases, a motor plays a major role in the overall weight of the application. Let’s take an example: if the weight of the motor is determined in large part by the weight of the motor. With this in mind, it’s clear that the weight of the motor matters; an electric motor has more weight than an air motor.
- Air motor has more power to weight ratio means you get the high power output from the motor for industrial applications without increasing the weight of the application.
Speed Control Requirements
- An air motor can provide precise and variable speed when the air control valve is adjusted. While the option for variable speed control can be available for certain electric motors, this can increase the overall cost of the motor.
- For this reason, if applications require variable speed control for any specific reason, then an air motor is the preferred choice.
Energy Efficiency And Cost
- The major difference between the electric motor and air motor is energy efficiency. But there is one drawback: air motors are less efficient than electric motors.
- This is due to the fact that air pressure serves as the energy in the air motor, which can be lost at some points in fittings, elbows, and tubes that are necessary for the function of the air motor. In some cases, this loss of air pressure means that less than 20% of the total energy input of the air motor becomes usable energy for the application.
- The cost difference between electric and air motors goes hand in hand with the difference in energy efficiency. When comparing the operating cost of the same-size electric and air motor for the same amount of work hours and power cost, it can be cheaper to operate an electric motor.
Operating Environment
- The environment in which you plan to use the motor is another major factor to consider while making the decision between an air motor and an electric motor. Most of the environments are hazardous for electrical motors even though explosion free motors are available in market but still tight fit between the parts is required to ensure the integrity of the explosion proof enclosure is responsible to cause moisture from condensation to accumulate and this mixture can be corrosive with moving parts of the electric motors.
- Air motors are the preferred choice when working in harsh and hazardous environments because the compressed air is used as the energy source in the air motor and does not generate any electrical sparks. Air motors can operate optimally and safely in corrosive and wet environments, making air motors the preferred choice when the industrial application needs a motor that performs well in any environment.
The Deciding Factor
Every industrial application is unique, and you can determine which factors are influential when choosing between an electric motor and an air motor; each of the categories listed is worthy of consideration, but in order to determine the importance of each factor specific to an application. Air motors are preferred in hazardous environments when applications are kept lightweight and require dynamic torque output along with variable speed control. On the other hand, an electric motor is preferred to increase energy efficiency and reduce operational cost. Careful consideration of the merits of each motor and the requirements of a specific industrial application helps to decide which motor is right for your application, electric or air, and for a more precise decision, you can engage with the experts at GoodWin LLC.
FAQ’S
What is the key difference between torque handling of an air motor and electric motor?
The air motor offers adjustable torque, and the electric motor offers fixed torque output.
Which motors are more energy efficient?
Electric motors are more energy efficient.
Which motors are the preferred choice for the hazardous environment?
Air motors are the preferred choice for the hazardous operating environment.
When are electric motors the preferred choice?
Electric motors are the preferred choice for the operating environment with stable loads.
Which motors have a long lifespan and require low maintenance?
Electric motors have a long lifespan and require low maintenance