Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will X-Block® work on any type of cylinder configuration and air compressor? Yes, the device works on any type of existing or new cylinder configuration and air compressor type. The system will not work on single acting cylinders.

2. What is the maximum pressure to be used with device? The air pressure should not exceed 10 bars or 145 psi.

3. Are air receiver tanks required? Air receivers are required for single cylinder configurations. Air receiver tanks may not be required on multi-cylinder configurations where the cylinders positive and negative strokes are moving at different time intervals. (Cylinders can store each other's air provided they are at different cycle positions).

4. What size receiver tanks are recommended? Generally, the air receiver should be at least the same size as the largest cylinder on the configuration. Larger tanks result in decreased air pressure on negative cylinder side resulting in faster speeds on forward stroke. Conversely, smaller tanks increase pressure good for larger loads on return-stroke but decrease speeds on forward stroke. 

5. How are air/energy savings achieved? Compressed air is required to move the forward-stroke as in standard system. However, air required for return-stroke is sourced from the internally created circuit, which is used repeatedly over and over rather than sourcing new air each time as with a standard system. This cuts the air require by almost one half (accounting for air leakage and rod volume).

6. Is installation complicated? No, it is relatively easy. The hose connecting positive cylinder side with valve is the same as standard system. The hose connected to the negative cylinder side needs to be reconnected to X-Block® rather than to valve as with standard system. The air receiver (if required) is connected either between the negative side of cylinder and X-Block® or behind the device. A hose also needs to be connected between the device and a hose leading to air compressor to provide for a constant small source of additional pressure to account for leakage. Screws located on device are used to regulate desired internal circuit pressure (usually 2-3 bars). It is recommended to remove the speed regulator on negative side and replace speed regulator on positive to inverse air flow. 

7. Why the large variances in speed enhancements? Speed increases are often achieved as the pressure on one side of the cylinder is normally lower than otherwise. In a normal cylinder configuration, the air pressure on the two cylinder sides are the same. The pressure can be substantially lowered on one cylinder side as in most cases the same level of pressure is not required. The speed regulator on the cylinder's negative side can be removed, not needed since air cushioning is already provided for in the X-Block® configuration. Less air demand can often decrease the frequency of pressure drops, resulting in a steadier (and often faster) cylinder(s) performance.

8. What happens in event of emergency stop or accident? A back valve on device will let out sudden increases in pressure. It is therefore recommended to install no more than one X-Block® per production unit.

9. Do the receiver tanks need ASME certification? These regulations vary country by country. In general small tanks do not require ASME coding. In the U.S., for example, tanks under 6 inches in diameter do not require ASME coding. It is unlikely tanks larger than this are required. 
10. Is more air required to push cylinder forward since their exists a steady pressure on the cylinder's negative side? No. The speed regulator on the negative side is no longer required since there exists already the air cushioning needed from the internally created circuit. Removing the speed regulator offsets the counter-force on the other side.
11. Is more air needed to push the cylinder forward and back due to counter-forces on each side of the cylinder? No. The speed regulator used on the forward stroke is removed and the pressure on the return stroke side is considerably lower than the pressure on the forward stroke side. For the return stroke, the valve emits the air used for the forward stroke into the atmoshere as the return stroke begins and continues its return. Accordingly, the return stroke also has little counter-force pushing against it.
12. How do I order X-Block® ? Currently, the device should be ordered directly from X-design AB.  However, all orders within the U.K. can be done directly through X-Design (U.K.) ltd.  (see contact information).