How Air Starters Ensure Smooth Functioning of Engines?

Air starters are imperative for the functioning of an engine, especially in industries where efficiency is paramount. Starters are used for the initial crank of the internal combustion engine. Its immediate counterparts, electric starters, fare poorly due to problems with inefficiency and being impractical in various circumstances.

If you are looking for an overview regarding what air starters actually are and their various benefits to the industrial sector as well as their major players, this blog covers it all. Read on!

Air Starters: A Brief Overview

Air starters refer to a type of engine starter that helps in the combustion of fuel by releasing the compressed air into a turbine which converts the air into mechanical energy in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the engine. This is beneficial in sectors such as oil rigs and industrial machines where continuity of workflow and reliability are important. Air starters have an edge over electrical starters as they provide more power to the engine. By releasing compressed air, it takes advantage of the pressure of the stored air, which maintains continuity in torque.

Why Air Staters Are Gaining Traction?

Reliability: Air starters are more dependable as compared to other types of starters, such as electric and diesel as the requirement for transport of electric batteries and diesel tanks may cause transit problems.

Durability: Air starters can withstand harsh environments such as extreme pressure or fluctuation in temperature. Electric batteries might encounter hindrances while starting an engine or stop working altogether.

Maintenance: Minimal maintenance is required for the upkeep of the air starter. This is extremely beneficial in regions where regular access to the engine is not possible. Due to the non requirement of lubricant in order to ensure smooth functioning, the air starter does not disrupt regular workflow.

Safety and Efficacy: Air starters are safe to use even in moist or hazardous conditions as they are not dependent on electricity and heat. Electric starters are prone to catch fire if in contact with sparks or hazardous or flammable chemicals, proving as a disadvantage for normal use.

Power Air starters supply a high amount of torque, which is useful for high-performance industrial machines used in oil rigs or machinery in the maritime industry.

Who Provides Air Starters?

With rapid industrialization and increasing urbanization, many companies are now looking to establish themselves as key players in the air starter market. Some of the top market participants are:

Honeywell International Inc.

Honeywell International is a multinational corporation that has headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company offers products in four areas, namely building technologies, aerospace, safety & productivity solutions, and performance materials and technologies. Honeywell Aerospace provides aircraft engines, avionics, flight management systems, and services to airlines, airports, manufacturers, space programs, and militaries. Honeywell is the leading producer of air turbine start system (ATSS) technology for gas turbine aircraft engines.

Austart

Austart provided both air starters as well as diesel engines which are mainly used in industrial and hazardous conditions. Due to the absence of friction-causing components, the need for lubrication is eradicated, resulting in the greater adoption of these components. Air starters provided by Austart can be used in rugged conditions such as coal mines and oil rigs due to the decreased level of maintenance that is required.

Hilliard

Hilliard is an American multinational company that manufactures products in the realm of engineering, braking systems, motion control, and even filtration systems. They provide expert solutions and curated products for specific manufacturing and industrial concerns and are modified to mee new applications. Since its inception in 1905, this company has maintained its relevancy as the go-to company for products related to engine breaks, starters, or even hydraulic parts.

Maradyne

Maradyne is another well established company serving and providing technological components. They produce a variety of air and engine starters, which can be utilized in various industries ranging from automotive to maritime and shipbuilding. Through their Pow R Quik starters they have revolutionized hydraulic as well as air starters by providing their customers with a soft start technology aiming to reduce the effort to crank up an engine.

Wrapping Up

Air starters are unique products that are changing the way internal combustion engines function. By reducing the dependence on electricity or diesel, air starters ignite the fuel in an engine by using its own compressed air and utilizing the pressure it contains to convert that force into mechanical work.

Where electric starters are prone to industrial disasters due to potential contact with fire or flammable and hazardous chemicals, air starters don’t even produce friction in order to function, thereby reducing dependence on lubricants, making the engine self-sufficient along with being durable as well as reliable. Major companies are also establishing themselves as a purchaser’s leading choice for air starters which in turn drives research and innovativeness.