Ranging from commercial transport to military search and rescue operations, a helicopters' unique design permits a broader scope of suitable environments for takeoff and landing. Of the various design elements available, one of the most critical in determining application viability is the landing gear. The three main types of landing gear used in helicopters are wheels, skids, and floats. Each of these serves a different purpose and comes with its own sets of advantages and disadvantages. In this blog, we will detail several landing gear options, highlighting their pros and cons to help you better decide which is best for a given application.
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An aircraft's water and waste system is an essential component that ensures a safe and comfortable flying experience for passengers and crew members. From providing clean drinking water to managing waste disposal, this intricate system plays a vital role in maintaining the hygiene onboard larger aircraft. In this blog post, we will explore how this system works, shedding light on various components and processes involved.
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As stated before, one of the most basic ways in which one can care for their aircraft exhaust system is to have it regularly inspected. During these times, you will be able to find any potential problems that are present, ensuring that they are tackled before they become worse. Due to the immense heat present in the exhaust system during standard operations, assembly components will face thermal contraction and expansion that may lead to damage around the joints and bends. Any spotted corrosion should be tackled promptly, as such issues can become much worse when ignored.
Unlike other engine types, aircraft engines are generally designed for synthetic oil as it presents more stability and a decreased chance of breaking down. As synthetic oil tends to present a fairly substantial lifespan when compared to petroleum options, changes tend to be carried out every six months or every 500 hours of flying time, whichever comes first. While changing oil highly benefits the aircraft engine, it also protects the exhaust system when the oil decreases overall heat and deters wear.
For those who operate their aircraft in coastal or marine environments, the propeller and rotor shaft of the aircraft will need to be rotated, alleviating any potential galvanic corrosion that occurs as a result of the electrochemical processes between two different metals. To rotate these assemblies, a propeller shaft coupler can be used. Although this method of protection is not entirely perfect, it is a very simplistic way of protecting assemblies.
Whether you happen to come across an aging component or a corroded assembly, any issue that affects overall airworthiness must be tended to as soon as possible for the safety of flying and for compliance. When carrying out replacements, be sure to find a reputable distributor for all your sourcing. Luckily for you, Purchasing Efficiency is a leading purchasing platform that can help you save time and money on over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find products that we have in stock on our database.
Take the time to explore our website as you see fit, and our search engine and filters can help you quickly narrow down results when you already have an idea of what you require. Once you locate any items of interest, you are encouraged to fill out and submit an RFQ form as provided on our website with as much information as you can regarding your needs and restrictions. Upon our team receiving and reviewing your completed form, a member of our staff will reach out to you in 15 minutes or less to present a customized quote for your comparisons. If you happen to be facing a time constraint and need parts fast, rest easy knowing that we can offer expedited shipping options for domestic and international orders alike through the use of our expansive supply-chain network. If you have any questions, give us a call or email at your convenience, and a member of our staff will reach out to you to assist you in any way that they can!
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The greatest difference between a piston compressor and screw compressor is the way they function. Screw air compressors utilize two fitting helical screws, whereas piston air compressors employ pistons driven by a crankshaft. Specifically, screw compressors contain a set of two externally threaded rotors which operate within close contact, but never touch. As such, the air is spun around very quickly and forced through very tight spaces between the two rotors, being compressed as a result. Conversely, a piston compressor has a crankshaft that continually moves a piston up and down inside the cylinder to continually take in more air before compressing and exhausting it into a storage tank.
Due to their structure, piston air compressors have many benefits and drawbacks to consider. Firstly, because the piston portion of the device collides with the cylinder around it, piston compressors tend to wear out more quickly. Therefore, despite having a much lower starting cost, piston compressors will often have greater maintenance and replacement costs in the long run. Nevertheless, piston compressors can be an affordable and effective option for basic applications with low production requirements. They also do not contain oil in the resulting compressed gas, meaning they do not require a degreasing device to output clean air.
In comparison with piston air compressors, screw compressors are more capable and exhibit longer service lives. With a no-contact design between the two moving parts, screw compressors are much less likely to malfunction and have no wearing parts. They also operate at the same capacity as the piston variety with lower motor power and a more stable exhaust system, making them considerably efficient. Finally, they have the advantage of low vibration and noise, and are typically able to complete the same processes within a smaller device. However, piston air compressors are much more costly to buy than piston compressors, so it is reasonable to consider the price in comparison with what will be required of the compressor.
Screw compressors are considered much more capable, especially with a lower operation cost despite their high initial price. As such, they are commonly used in operations that demand high accuracy and strength in a compact device. Nevertheless, piston compressors are found in just as many applications for their affordability and effective use in certain applications, such as powering air tools, paint sprayers, and abrasive blast equipment.
If you are in need of a reliable air compressor for your business, you can rely on Purchasing Efficiency as a leading distributor of piston and screw compressors, alongside countless other industrial components. Many of our items are subjected to rigorous quality assurance measures, tests, verifications, and assessments to ensure their effective use in aircraft and other harsh working environments. More than that, backed by speedy turnaround times and unmatched cost savings, we are ready to help customers meet their operational deadlines and find solutions for AOG situations. To begin procuring the parts you need, we invite you to browse our online catalogs of available parts at your leisure and request quotes for your comparisons on any items of interest using our Instant RFQ service.
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Analog Pressure Gauges
Commonly referred to as dial gauges, analog pressure gauges are mechanical components that incorporate a rotating needle which moves in response to changes in pressures sensed by a measuring element. This needle will directly move along numbers on a scale to signify internal pressure ratings within the apparatus containing the liquid or gas.
Distinctive qualities analog pressure gauges feature in comparison to digital pressure gauges are that they do not need a power source and are easy to use. However, as they contain several internal moving items susceptible to damage from mechanical vibration, they are also sensitive to extreme temperatures, system overpressure, corrosion, and clogging. When part wear becomes visible from such factors, pressure gauge readings are vulnerable to inaccuracy and often require recalibration or replacement. Luckily, this makes them a fairly inexpensive component readily available by many manufacturers.
Digital Pressure Gauges
Unlike analog pressure gauges, digital pressure gauges do not have any moving parts, and they rely on pressure transducers to display current pressure readings on a digital indicator. As such, to stay operational through any number of environments, they are either powered by solar radiation, a battery, or a loop device. In part for their limited power supply, digital pressure gauges should only be applied to equipment that demand infrequent use of a pressure gauge.
Characteristics that give digital pressure gauges an advantage over their analog counterparts include their durability, calibration, readability, and access to customization methods. Moreover, they produce rapid, accurate results, avoiding any parallax errors which can be present when interpreting needle analog measurements. This is because digital gauges are routinely equipped with a large, easy-to-ready digital display supported by backlighting optimal for visual interpretation. Albeit, digital pressure gauges do come at an increased up-front cost as they use equipment like microprocessors and other sophisticated electronics to swiftly get the job done without error.
Conclusion
For any pressure gauge and all accompanying parts for their operations, we invite you to browse our inventory for numerous items ready for application. Whether you require a bourdon tube, diaphragm seal, and more, Purchasing Efficiency is here to streamline and expedite any one of your orders for immediate procurement. Due to our quality control and export compliance, we operate with AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accreditation, alongside our NO CHINA sourcing pledge. If you would like to request a quote for your comparisons, you can submit an RFQ form as provided on our website. Upon receipt, a dedicated account manager will quickly review and respond with a personalized solution to your needs in just 15 minutes or less, 24/7x365.
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One of the most common applications for Zener diodes is as a simple voltage regulator, and Zener diodes are arranged in series with a resistor in such instances. This ensures that voltage is only able to flow through the output when conditions surpass the breakdown voltage, allowing it to optimally serve as a regulator. If the Zender diode and resistor were to be switched in the circuit, the diode would then act as a voltage shifter instead. This means that the voltage output is lowered in accordance with the Zener voltage to enact more control in a circuit as needed.
These are not the only possible roles and configurations that Zener diodes can undertake, as there are other ways in which they may be implemented. For example, two Zener diodes placed back-to-back in a voltage regulator circuit will create what is known as a waveform clipper. With this circuit design, any oscillating signal will be prevented from surpassing the Zener voltage in both the positive and negative directions. This causes an oscillation where the top and bottom of the signal is considered “clipped off.” It is important to note that depending on the voltage of the signal, there may be instances where the output may vary to some extent from the input voltage. As such, if an application demands extreme precision or control, using two Zener diodes as a waveform clipper may not be the best possible option on the market. If this is not an issue, the waveform clippers made through the use of Zener diodes may be a better bet.
Not all Zener diodes are made alike, as their characteristics will come down to the doping of their p-n junction. Additionally, the depletion region will be quite thin once formed, while the electric field is very high as a result. This property allows for electrons to tunnel from the p-type material’s valence band to the n-type material’s conduction band. Due to the way that construction affects the operations of Zener diodes, the breakdown voltage is directly tied to the doping process, and controlling this properly during doping is very accurate when done correctly.
If you need Zener diodes for your next big project, we at Purchasing Efficiency can help you secure everything you require with ease while also treating you to competitive pricing and rapid lead times for your benefit. Take the time to explore our offerings as you see fit, and our industry experts will be available at any time to answer your quote requests and inquiries. With AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accreditation, we guarantee the quality and caliber of our offerings. Furthermore, our strict NO CHINA SOURCING pledge promises that all orders ship out alongside all qualifying certifications and manufacturing trace documentation, as applicable. Get started today and see why countless customers continuously rely on our services.
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Essentially, a resistor is one type of passive electrical component used for creating resistance in the flow of current through a circuit. A resistor’s value is determined by its resistance as measured in Ohms (?). Resistors can be categorized by either their construction type or their resistance material resistors, as both factors impact their functions.
When looking at construction types, resistors can be fixed or variable in their resistance levels. While fixed resistors have a fixed-resistance and tolerance regardless of any changes in external factors like temperature or light, variable resistors and physical quality resistors have changing resistances. The difference between these two is that a variable resistor requires a manual change to its modifiable resistance, while physical quality resistors can change their resistance on their own based on a variety of physical properties. Most variable resistors incorporate a dial that can be turned to increase or decrease resistance. Meanwhile, physical property resistors use changes in temperature, light levels, and even magnetic fields to adjust their resistance.
The material of the resistor you choose also makes a big impact on its function. For example, carbon composition resistors are a more outdated material design as they have a low degree of precision. Today, metal and metal oxide resistors are the most widely used, and are better for providing a stable tolerance and resistance, while also being less influenced by changes in temperature.
Once you have decided on the type of resistor that makes the most sense for your applications, it is important you understand how to operate one. One such application is to measure electrical current by monitoring voltage drop in a circuit. You may also use a resistor in tandem with an LED light to prevent it from receiving too much current and burning out. Other common applications include slowing the ventilation system in a car, and more.
Before purchasing your resistor, it is important to calculate your required resistance with Ohm’s law, so you slow your system enough without slowing it down too much. Then, it is important to calculate the amount of power your resistor will dissipate with your calculated resistance value. Lastly, you should determine the proper construction and material type needed for the resistor.
When you are ready to move forward with the procurement process, make Purchasing Efficiency your purchasing partner. As an ASAP Semiconductor owned and operated enterprise, we make quality the cornerstone of all we do. With access to an inventory of over 2 billion new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find part types from manufacturers around the world, you can rest assured that all orders you place with us will ship to you alongside their applicable manufacturer and trace documentation. As such, we encourage you to browse our ever-expanding inventory at your leisure until you locate one or more items you desire. Then, kickoff the procurement process by submitting a completed Request for Quote form with all details relevant to your purchase. Our team of experts uses information like target prices, shipping deadlines, and desired quantities to formulate custom quotes for your comparisons in 15 minutes or less. To learn more, call or email us at any time, 24/7x365!
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During the design phase for the film capacitor, the dielectric material is drawn to establish a desired dielectric strength beneficial for the application in question. Typically, the dielectric will be made extremely thin, and once it is established, electrodes are supplied. Capacitor electrodes will often come in the form of metallized aluminum or zinc which is directly implemented on the plastic film surface or on a separate metallic foil. For the next step, two conductive layers are wound around the winding to establish a cylinder shape before being flattened to better fit in the constrictive space of a printed circuit board.
Film capacitors come in a variety of subtypes that differ by the material chosen as the dielectric. Across the market, metalized film, polyester film, polypropylene film, polystyrene film, and PTFE film capacitors are all common choices. It is important to choose the correct type for the application at hand. For example, PTFE film capacitors with heat-resistance are highly beneficial for aerospace and military technology applications, while a system requiring long-term stability may benefit from a low-cost, metalized polyester film capacitor. If you have a project that has a tighter budget where performance is not of the highest concern, then a cheaper plastic may be best as the dielectric.
As film capacitors are non-polarized, they are able to be used in alternating current power and signal applications. Additionally, they are able to hold their capacitance value for a long time over operation, making them fairly reliable, dependable, and precise. This is coupled with their long shelf life and low failure life, as well as low dissipation, self-inductance, and ESR. Many older film capacitors were made with soldered connectors, though modern power film capacitors will take advantage of screw-type terminals that make the replacement process much easier and convenient.
When in operation, film capacitors can handle voltage levels in the kilovolt range, and they are more than capable of supplying strong surge current bursts. However, the specific type of film capacitor that one uses will determine exact values. For safety, it is important to note that film capacitors are at risk of catching on fire when overloaded, though this is a common issue for capacitors of all types. Whether you need film capacitors or the metal strip and plastic components they comprise, look no further than Purchasing Efficiency for all your various sourcing needs.
Purchasing Efficiency is a website owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, and we are your one-stop-shop with over 2 billion items listed on our website. With AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accreditation, we go above and beyond industry standards to guarantee items of the highest quality and caliber. Explore our vast catalogs as you see fit, and our team can even provide customized solutions for items not currently on our database. Once you find items of interest, send us a completed Request for Quote (RFQ) form, and a dedicated account manager will reach out to you in 15 minutes or less to continue the purchasing process. See why customers steadily rely on Purchasing Efficiency for all their operational needs when you get in touch with us!
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The predecessor of modern winglets, “wing end-plates” were patented in 1897 as a means of emulating the lift generated by birds’ wing tips. About a century later, in the 1980s, rising concern about oil prices pushed increased research into the feasibility of winglets, leading them to become a staple of the aircraft industry. Winglets have played critical roles in various flights including that of NASA’s Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a specially modified Boeing 747. NASA’s testing proved that winglets increase efficiency by calming the small vortices of air, which form on wingtips as the airplane cruises in level flight. This is separate from the function of wing fences, those of which are flat plates attached to the top surface of the wing and designed to avoid stalling.
The two main categories of winglets are upward facing and downward facing, both of which can turn to become perpendicular to the wing in opposite directions. Upward facing winglets lift to a maximum of 90 degrees, but typically rest at a lesser angle. This is the more popular of the two designs, and it is rare to find a passenger jet without them. Upward facing winglets generate additional lift to reduce fuel consumption. In flight, these winglets also prevent the air pressure above and below the wing from mixing. This not only eliminates the vortices that tend to form on the tip and create drag, but it also converts a certain percentage of this swirling air into thrust.
On the other hand, downward facing winglets, or “drooped wingtips,” point in the opposite direction, but they perform essentially the same function. Initially, they were implemented in German aircraft as a means of counteracting the aircraft’s tendency to “Dutch roll,” a frustrating combination of uncontrollable yaw and rolling. A more modern design referred to as Hoerner tips can be observed on gliders, sport planes, homebuilts, and light,experimental aircraft.
In addition to these traditional designs, the latest innovation in winglet technology are blended winglets. These were first introduced by Aviation Partners in 1993, and they are more smoothly integrated into the wing design than other winglets with a sloping area that creates less drag. Moving forward, we might begin to see a more advanced blended winglet design known as spiroids integrated into commercial jet designs.
When you are in the market for premium Airplane Winglets, Aircraft Bearings, Aircraft Fasteners Parts, NSN Parts, Aviation Parts, IT hardware Parts for various military and civilian applications, and much more, look no further than Purchasing Efficiency. Owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we are a trusted distributor of only top-quality parts sourced reliably from suppliers off our Approved Vendor List (AVL). We proudly operate with a strict No China Sourcing policy alongside AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 00-56B accreditation, so our loyal customers can rely on us to handle the logistics of their operations while focusing on what they do best. Kick-off the parts procurement process today by completing a Request for Quote form for any item to receive a personalized quotation for your comparisons within 15 minutes or less. We only ask that you provide as much detail as possible regarding your part requirements, such as specific shipping deadlines and target prices. For further questions, contact us via phone or email to learn more about our services; we are available at any time!
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When it comes to safety, there are a lot of requirements that aircraft must meet to create a reasonably prepared environment for emergencies. Fire extinguishers are a common safety protocol in most public places, and a passenger aircraft is no exception. In fact, a strict passenger to portable fire extinguisher ratio must be maintained within most aircraft. Extinguishers are stored in both the cabin and the flight deck, and a variety of materials are used depending on the severity of the fire. This blog will cover the different types of extinguishing agents as well as the ideal situation in which each should be used in flight.
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