Multiple capabilities for airknife systems
November 28th 2009 Airknife systems are suitable for drying, cooling, curing, cleaning and even deionisation of web materials. They can even be employed for spreading and distributing coatings for enrobing processes. Providing a continuous and even curtain of air across full web widths via linear plenums, they ensure the full surface area is treated.
Blower driven Airknife systems, such as manufactured by Air Control Systems (ACI) of Chard, provide a cleaner, quieter and more cost-efficient option than conventional compressed air alternatives.
They are cleaner because there is no risk of air contamination from oil and/or condensate; quieter because they deliver large volumes of air at high velocity as opposed to low volumes at high pressure; and more cost effective because they use correctly sized dedicated blowers that require only minimal maintenance and do not suffer from the innate weaknesses of compressed air systems (leakages, airflow impedance through extended airlines and compressor sizing to match maximum line loadings).
For applications that experience static problems, a specially developed de-ionisation bar can be added. This generates an electrical field that causes air molecules to separate into positive and negative ions that are propelled into the target field where they neutralise any static charge on the web.
ACI Airknife systems may be as simple as connecting a single blower to a 1 metre Airknife, or it might incorporate multiple blowers and airknives, as well as including an array of accessories, depending on the size and shape of the customer's product. The blower might be located locally or remotely and housed in an acoustic chamber. More articles from Air Control Industries Ltd: | 
