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Air Knives / Blow Offs - Capability
Surface moisture, coatings and contamination can all be very effectively removed from a wide range of materials and shapes by electric air knives (blow offs). High velocity blades of air ensure the removal of residual films as well as bulk
liquids, leaving surfaces free from staining and streaking.
Drying
- Automotive Parts
- Castings
- Automotive Trim
- Poultry
- Fruit and vegetables
- Cans and Jars
- Bottles
- Beer kegs
- Carpets
- Printed Circuit Boards
- Wire
Removal of Films and Solids
- Water
- Oil and swarf
- Dust
- Excess E Coat
- Sand blast residue
Electric Air Knives offer:-
- Energy Savings
- Reduction in factory floor space requirements
- Ability to handle complex shapes
- Reclamation of waste consumables
- Increased process speed
- Improved surface finish
- Low capital cost
- Easy integration with existing process lines
Air Knives / Blow Offs - Technology
The basic components of an air knife system are a blower, plenum, orifice and connecting ductwork. The high velocity air knife blows off gross contamination and shatters residual film, dispersing in the form of atomised water and vapour. It is the removal of the residual film that ensures the elimination of stains and streaks. Ideally the product surface should be placed as near as practicable to the slot orifice.
Maintenance
With the exception of the blower the air knife has no moving parts and requires the minimum of maintenance.
Air Knives / Blow Offs - Selecting Equipment
Air knives whilst following a general design pattern are fabricated to suit the specific application. Some of the factors that will influence the design of the system will be :-
- Mass and nature of liquid to be removed
- Presence of solid materials such as swarf
- Product composition, shape and surface finish
- Product throughput speed
- Method of product transportation
- Need to cater for variation in product size and shape
- Contraints on light weight components
Air Knives / Blow Offs - Effective use of energy
Where surface moisture has to be removed from a product, the air knife can result in energy cost savings of up to 80% when compared with thermal drying systems.
Air Knives / Blow Offs - Benefits
Rapid start up
The air knife system can be operational within seconds.
Rapid drying
Process line speeds can be increased.
Energy cost savings
Energy cost savings of up to 80% come from the air knives ability to remove large quantities of liquid film that otherwise would need to be evaporated, by the input of latent heat. AF1 blower powered air knives also offer considerable energy savings over conventional compressed air blow off systems.
Low capital cost
Capital cost of an air knife installation can be a fraction of that of conventional drying system.
Simple to install
Air knives can be easily integrated with existing product lines.
Space saving
Conversion to air knife drying can result in a space saving reduction of up to 90%.
Flexibility
One blower can service several process lines. Where the lines will not be required to operate simultaneously, the blower size can be correspondingly reduced.
Better product quality
Air knives are capable of precise and repeatable action. Surface finish is improved and there are no residual moisture streaks. Reject rates can be reduced.
Reduction in cost of consumables
Excess filsm and coatings can be cleanly stripped for reclamation.
Effective drying of complex shapes
The air knives / Blow Offs have the ability to dry complex shapes in a more efficient manner than conventional techniques.
Lower Maintenance
Air knife systems are simple in concept and rugged in construction. Apart from the blower there are no moving parts. Maintenance is minimal.
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