On July 25th, EXAIR products received some attention from Formula 1 fans. During the qualifying runs for the Hungarian Grand Prix, EXAIR Adjustable Air Amplifiers were used by at least two different drivers to cool down during adjustments in the pits. We first saw Kimi Räikkönen aka The Ice Man cooling off with an Adjustable Air Amplifier.
Photo Courtesy of Jonathon Farmer @jonathanF420 and @F1onNBC
We also receive a photo of Fernando Alonso using an air amplifier in the same application.
Photo Courtesy of Lee Monahan and @F1onNBC
EXAIR’s Air Amplifiers use a small amount of compressed air to produce air flows amplified 24 times the compressed air flow used. This can create flows that reveal Formula 1 cars in speed (up to 250 MPH). Force and flow for the Adjustable Air Amplifier is changed by turning the exhaust end (with knurled lockring loose) to open or close the continuous air gap. When the air amplifier meets the flow required for your application, the knurled locking ring may be tightened to lock the flow.
We have supplied products to a number of racing teams throughout the world over the years, but we did not know exactly how they were being used. To see these two great drivers using our product one is led to believe we may be the industry standard in yet another field. For those that may not know Räikkönen won the 2007 Formula One Championship with Ferrari. Alonso has won the championship twice(2005, 2006). It is reasonable to inquire, how many others in the field are using EXAIR’s Air Amplifiers as well?
I received a call from a manufacturer that has a spiral welding operation. They create tubes and pipes from metal strips that are welded together in a continuous operation. The material is placed into the machine and twisted in a way to create a butt seam along the edge for welding. The edge has to be shaved to create a welding seam. Because of the speed of operation, the mechanical trimmer that prepares the edge was getting dull. The operation had to be stop for replacement. Understanding the costs associated with down time, they wanted to improve the length of time before replacement.
He called EXAIR to see if we can offer a solution. With this process, he could not use liquid coolant, as it would affect the welding operation. I suggested that we should use the Cold Gun Aircoolant System. It is designed to improve the life of tools by removing heat that causes premature failure. The Cold Gun produces a cold air stream at 50 deg. F (28 deg. C) below supply air temperature. I recommended the model 5230 High Power Cold Gun for his operation. Because it has the highest cooling capacity and force, it will keep the trimmer cool and clean. The down time was reduced by half, making the manufacturer happy that they called EXAIR.
When liquid coolant cannot be used in an application or the tools are dulling quickly on a dry machining process, you can contact an Application Engineer at EXAIR to get the correct Cold Gun Aircoolant System.
John Ball
Application Engineer
Email: johnball@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jb
I’ve got a stack of plastic in my wallet. No; it’s not credit cards…I learned my lesson (and paid my tuition) at that school long ago. See, these are the ubiquitous “rewards” type cards…the ones that get you discounts, “points” for use at future purchases, etc., when you present it to the cashier at the time of your current purchase. While I’m perfectly happy to take advantage of the savings on stuff I’m going to buy anyway, I also know that the business who gave me that card is tracking my purchases (along with everyone else’s, very likely including you, dear reader) in order to position product, set pricing, more effectively advertise, and otherwise promote their goods and/or services in the most profitable manner.
Over the course of the past week, the card that I use at my favorite lunchtime (and…full disclosure: other times too) sandwich shop has netted me a coupon, printed on my receipt for a nice discount on my next meal there. It’s only good for the next four days following, so I have to be mindful to “use it or lose it.” Which is about as likely as anyone in my household finding out what the ill effects of letting ice cream reach its expiration date in our freezer.
But I digress…back to the sandwiches. I’m currently 3 for 3 on the coupon deals. I know, in my heart of hearts, that they will not last forever. I’m not going to lie to you; that’s going to be a hard day. But I’ll manage – I do covet your thoughts and well wishes, though.
We don’t have an EXAIR “rewards” card…
Although, how cool would that be? I’m looking at YOU, Marketing Dept!!!
…but we do want to help you take full advantage of “deals” that can net you big savings. The biggest of these, by far, is in the amount of compressed air our Intelligent Compressed Air Products can save you, if you’re currently using non-engineered, commercial-grade or even homemade blow off devices. For more on how we’ve helped others with this, check out our Knowledge Base’s Application Database (registration required.) For specific details on how much we’ve helped some of them save, I refer you to our Case Study Library.
Speaking of Case Studies, that’s another way we can help you save. If you have an application where we can possibly quantify the benefits of replacing your current method with an EXAIR solution, successful participation in a Case Study will get you a credit on your recent purchase, or a discount on your next. Give me a call if you want to know more.
If you’re a fan of free stuff, we also run promotions from time to time…like the two we’re running right now:
*With the purchase of an EXAIR Safety Air Gun, we’re offering a free 1” Flat Super Air Nozzle, applicable to purchases through 9/30/2015. These highly efficient, unique nozzles use a special patented shim to release a precise amount of air, creating a wide, forceful stream of high velocity, laminar airflow, while minimizing air consumption and noise levels. Different shims (sold separately) are available to produce stark changes in performance.
Model 1126 1″ Flat Super Air Nozzle is durable and versatile…and FREE, with a Safety Air Gun purchase by 9/3/15!
*Is the midsummer heat giving you fits with your electrical and electronics panels & enclosures? EXAIR Cabinet Cooler Systems provide a quick and easy to install solution. Not only can we accurately specify the system you need and ship it the same day, we’ll also give you a free AC Sensor if you buy before 8/31/2015.
Cooling capacities to 5,600 Btu/hr, installed in minutes: EXAIR Cabinet Cooler Systems. FREE AC Sensor with purchase by 8/31/15!
Regardless of how we can start (or continue) saving you money, compressed air (which is money,) or improving your noise levels, safety, and overall conditions in your workplace (which can be even better than money,) we look forward to hearing from you. And soon, if you want to take advantage of our promotions.
We often are successful using a Super Air Knife to blow off product traveling on a conveyor or drying bottles in a labeling application. While these are common uses, sometimes we get a unique application that isn’t as clear cut a solution and requires several units and strategic placement to achieve the best result.
Super Air Knife drying stamped parts on a conveyor
This was the case recently as I was working with a robotics company that was needing to contain debris inside a vessel as they removed a robot. They were needing to blow dust off all sides of the robot but had limited mounting space available to cover the round, 24″ diameter opening. Originally, they were considering using (4) 24″ Super Air Knives and mounting the units in a square pattern but were concerned that some parts of the robot wouldn’t be treated effectively and the air consumption might be too great.
I recommended they use (8) of our 9″ Super Air Knives and mount the units in an octagon type pattern around the opening. This setup would allow them to blow off the entire circumference of the opening, treating all sides of the robot from a relatively equal distance to achieve consistent results, as it is removed from the vessel. By going to several smaller knives, they would reduce the compressed air usage, making the operation more efficient. In addition, since they were only needing to blow dust off the robot, using a pressure regulator, they may be able to operate the knives at a lower pressure, further reducing the overall air consumption.
Our most efficient Air Knife, providing a high velocity airflow across the entire length of the knife. Available from 3″ up to 108″ in single piece construction.
If you have a specific application that requires assistance, please contact an Application Engineer at 1-800-903-9247.
