When dealing with continuous cylindrical products like cables, pipes, hoses, or wire, achieving consistent and uniform 360-degree cleaning, drying, or cooling is notoriously tricky. EXAIR‘s Air Wipes solve this issue by using a “Coanda” effect… More
Cabinet Cooler Accessories: Adding to Efficiency and Effectiveness
Accessories can add much needed enhancements to assist in making your application as efficient and effective as possible. The same is true when it comes to our Cabinet Cooler Systems. Among the most essential accessories for our products are compressed air filters and regulators, which we highly recommend using with all our offerings, as well as with other brands. The Filter Separator effectively eliminates water, dirt, and rust from your compressed air system, while its 5-micron filter element prevents contaminants from clogging or damaging your equipment. For even more precise filtration, an Oil Removal Filter should be installed downstream of the Filter Separator; this filter utilizes a 0.03-micron element to remove oil and solid particulates. Additionally, our Pressure Regulators allow you to set the desired operating pressure, and we advise maintaining the minimum pressure necessary for optimal performance. This not only conserves air consumption but also fine-tunes the efficiency of EXAIR products in various applications.
A Cold Air Distribution Kit is an additional accessory available with our Cabinet Cooler Systems that enhances their efficiency. This kit features a length of flexible vinyl tubing designed to channel cold air for optimal circulation or to target specific hot spots. It also includes tubing connectors and adhesive-backed clips to secure the tubing in place.
Solenoid valves and thermostats are effective tools for conserving compressed air. Cabinet Cooler Systems equipped with thermostat control utilize a solenoid valve and thermostat to regulate the flow of compressed air, activating it only when cooling is necessary. The thermostat is preset to 95°F (35°C) and typically maintains a temperature within ±2°F (1°C) inside the cabinet. Solenoid valves are available in various voltage options, including 120V at 60Hz, 110V at 50Hz, 240V at 50/60Hz, and 24VDC. All solenoids are CSA Certified and either UL listed or recognized.
EXAIR’s Side Mount Kits facilitate the installation of cooling systems on the sides of electrical enclosures, particularly beneficial in scenarios where vertical or top mounting is impractical. It is important to note that NEMA 4 and 4X Cabinet Cooler Systems must be installed in a vertical orientation. These kits preserve the NEMA ratings for both large and small enclosures classified as Type 12, 4, and 4X, and they fit into standard electrical knockouts measuring 1-1/2 NPS. The Side Mount Kits designed for NEMA 12 Cabinet Cooler Systems are constructed from aluminum, while those intended for NEMA 4 and 4X systems are made from either Type 303 or Type 316 stainless steel.
If you have questions about the Cabinet Cooler Systems accessories, or anything regarding EXAIR and our products, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Jason Kirby
Application Engineer
Email: jasonkirby@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jk
Dynamic Viscosity and Kinematic Viscosity
Dynamic viscosity is the frictional force between the liquid layers. It is measured with a viscometer that uses mechanical rotational resistance to discs that are placed in the fluid. They have the units of Centipoise (cP) or Pascal-second (Pa-s). Kinematic Viscosity removes the density to see how the behavior of the fluid flows. This type of viscosity is measured with funnels or tubes to see how long gravity will pull the fluid through under its own weight. The units for this type of viscosity are Centistokes (cSt) or M2/sec. Both types of viscosities are easily changed with temperature. To convert the kinematic viscosity to dynamic viscosity, you only need to divide the dynamic viscosity by the fluid’s density in grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm³), reference Equation 1. Because the density changes with temperature, the conversion is fluid specific. Why do I bring this up? If you are looking to transfer different fluids, EXAIR has a solution for you.
Equation 1:
Kinematic Viscosity = Dynamic Viscosity / density
Not all liquid vacuums are the same. Have you seen motor burnout, loud noises, single directional flow, and potential electrical hazards? EXAIR manufactures a pneumatic venturi pump to remove all those issues, the High Lift Reversible Drum Vac System. It does not have any moving parts to wear; a two-way action to fill or expel liquid from standard drums; and is quiet. They only use compressed air to generate a powerful vacuum to lift liquid into a drum; and with a simple twist of the knob, it will push the liquid out. And by using compressed air, no electricity is required, making it safe to use. They work great for fluid transfers or liquid spills, and the High Lift Reversible Drum Vac can fill a 55-gallon (208L) drum in 85 seconds from 15 feet of lift. And with the powerful vacuum pressure, it can move thick liquid with viscosity up to 1400 Cp through 20 feet (6m) of hose. How can this product be useful for you? If you work with liquids in a cistern, underground tanks, higher viscous fluids, or pits, EXAIR has a product for you; the High Lift Reversible Drum Vac System. They are reliable and simple to use, and that is why it was awarded the 2015 Product of the Year by Plant Engineering. In this blog, I will go over the specifications and packages that EXAIR offers.
The High Lift Reversible Drum Vac pump has stainless steel construction for corrosion resistance. It comes with a built-in safety relief valve to avoid over pressurizing and an internal float to stop any over-filling of the drum. The air consumption is only 43 SCFM (1,218 SLPM) at 80 PSIG (5.5 Bar), and it has a quiet noise level of only 83 dBA. Systems are available in 30-, 55- and 110-gallon capacities (114L, 208L, and 418L respectively) in different packages.
The standard package will include the two-way pump assembly, shutoff valve, 20′ (6m) vacuum hose, a 90° quick release elbow, a standpipe, and an aluminum chip wand. The standpipe is cut to length for the properly sized drum (the drum is not included in this option). The standpipe extends inside the drum to remove as much liquid as possible when emptying.
The Deluxe package will include all the items shown above in the Standard package and adds a drum dolly, ABS spill recovery kit, (2) extension wands, crevice tool, skimmer tool and a magnetic toolholder.
The Premium package will include all the items in the Standard package and adds the drum with lock ring and lid, drum dolly, ABS spill recovery kit, (2) different lengths, aluminum crevice tools, skimmer tool, a magnetic toolholder and a 20′ (6m) compressed air hose.
With the relationship between dynamic and kinematic viscosities, you can determine the best EXAIR Industrial Housekeeping Product to transfer or discard. If you have any questions about the High Lift Reversible Drum Vac System, you can contact an Application Engineer at EXAIR. We will be happy to help you.
John Ball
Application Engineer
Email: johnball@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jb
Extend Refractory Life with an Unusual (and Practical) Cooling Fix
How an EXAIR Super Air Amplifier can reduce hot-spot damage and save thousands in unplanned downtime.
Hot spots on refractory walls are common in high-heat operations, but premature refractory failure need not be. If you can quickly pull heat out of a problem area (without touching the lining), you can reduce thermal stress and keep your furnace running longer.
Figure 1. Targeted, non-contact cooling helps stabilize refractory hot spots before they become cracks or spalls.
The problem: localized hot spots
During heat cycles, refractory walls rarely heat perfectly evenly. Burner impingement, scale buildup, airflow changes, and normal process variation can create concentrated hot spots. Left unchecked, these areas run hotter than the surrounding area, accelerating wear that shows up as cracking, spalling, and ultimately downtime.
The solution: EXAIR Super Air Amplifier
A Super Air Amplifier converts a small amount of compressed air into a high-velocity, high-volume stream of ambient air. Aimed at a hot spot, the airflow impinges on the outside surface of the refractory to carry heat away quickly without contacting or mechanically disturbing the lining.
Because cooling is targeted and non-contact, it can reduce peak temperatures and thermal gradients in critical areas. The result: less thermal stress, slower localized erosion, and a better chance of getting maximum life from your refractory lining.
The payoff: more uptime and real savings
Even small gains in living life matter. Extending a campaign by days, or even hours, can help you delay an early reline, reduce emergency maintenance, and keep the furnace in production when it counts.
In many operations, that additional runtime translates into thousands of dollars savedthrough fewer relines, less lost production, and more predictable maintenance planning.
A simple cooling upgrade with a significant impact.
The EXAIR Super Air Amplifier is a dependable, low-maintenance solution for addressing refractory hot spots, protecting your furnace investment, and improving your bottom line. If hot spots are shortening your lining life, it’s worth considering as part of your standard operating response.
Neal Raker, Application Engineering Manager
nealraker@exair.com
Spot Cooling Solutions for Semiconductor Manufacturing: How EXAIR Vortex Tubes Improve Process Reliability
Semiconductor manufacturing is one of the most demanding industrial environments in the world. From wafer fabrication and lithography to inspection, packaging, and testing, process stability often depends on maintaining precise temperature control. Even minor temperature fluctuations can impact yield, equipment performance, and product quality.
As semiconductor facilities continue to increase throughput and process complexity, engineers are constantly evaluating cooling solutions that improve reliability while minimizing maintenance requirements. One technology that has gained traction in targeted cooling applications is the vortex tube.
What Is a Vortex Tube?
A vortex tube is a compact device that converts compressed air into two separate air streams—one hot and one cold—without the use of electricity, refrigerants, or moving parts.
EXAIR vortex tubes utilize this principle to generate cold air temperatures as much as 100°F (56°C) below the inlet compressed air temperature. The resulting cold air stream can be directed precisely where cooling is required, providing an efficient solution for localized heat management.
Because vortex tubes contain no moving components, they offer exceptional reliability in environments where maintenance access is limited or contamination concerns are critical.
Semiconductor Applications for Vortex Tube Cooling
Cooling Vision and Inspection Systems
Automated optical inspection systems rely on cameras, sensors, and electronic components that can generate heat during continuous operation. Excessive temperatures may affect measurement accuracy or shorten component life.
Vortex tubes provide a simple method of delivering clean, cold air directly to sensitive electronics, helping maintain stable operating conditions without introducing liquid cooling systems.
Wafer Handling and Processing Equipment
Many wafer handling systems contain motors, drives, sensors, and control electronics operating in confined spaces. Localized heat buildup can lead to premature component wear and unexpected downtime.
Targeted vortex tube cooling can help remove heat from critical areas while avoiding the complexity associated with chilled water loops or mechanical refrigeration systems.
Cooling During Semiconductor Testing
Testing equipment often runs continuously and generates substantial heat loads. Maintaining consistent operating temperatures helps ensure repeatable test results and improves equipment reliability.
Vortex tubes can be deployed to cool fixtures, instrumentation, and electronic assemblies where traditional cooling methods may be difficult to implement.
Packaging and Assembly Operations
Semiconductor packaging processes frequently utilize adhesives, coatings, and thermal interface materials that can be sensitive to temperature variations. Cold air generated by a vortex tube can assist with process stabilization, spot cooling, and accelerated cooling between production steps.
Advantages of EXAIR Vortex Tubes
No Moving Parts, Clean Operation, Compact Installation, Instant Cooling, Reliable Operation in Harsh Environments
The simplicity of vortex tube technology makes it particularly attractive for applications involving vibration, dust, or challenging operating conditions where conventional cooling equipment may struggle.
The semiconductor industry depends on precision, repeatability, and uptime. EXAIR vortex tubes provide a straightforward and dependable method for localized cooling without the complexity of mechanical refrigeration. For engineers seeking a low-maintenance solution to cool electronics, sensors, fixtures, and process equipment, vortex tube technology remains a proven option for improving thermal control in critical semiconductor manufacturing operations.
Jordan Shouse
Application Engineer
E: JordanShouse@exair.com
O: (513) 671‑3322
F: (513) 671‑3363
A: 11510 Goldcoast Dr Cincinnati OH 45249
www.exair.com
Find time on my calendar by scheduling a meeting here.