I was working with a customer recently on an application for our Super Air Nozzles when the customer asked “what makes your air nozzles SUPER?”. We actually get this question often, so I explained the following:
First, we are able to reduce compressed air use by entraining large amounts of surrounding ambient air. The compressed air is exhausted through an array of holes on the perimeter of the nozzle creating a low pressure that induces free air. As the airflow exits the nozzle it results in a high velocity, high volume of forceful output flow, consuming much less air than an open pipe or commercial nozzles.
Secondly, EXAIR’s engineered air nozzles meet or exceed OSHA Standard 1910.242(b) regulating the output pressure at 30 PSI or lower when the output flow is dead ended or obstructed. Higher pressure air against the skin can cause a mild irritation but if the air enters the bloodstream, it can cause a serious medical condition called an air embolism which can be fatal. With the unique design of the Super Air Nozzles, the air is ejected behind a series of fins that allow the air to escape, meaning they cannot be dead ended.
Third, noise is another important safety concern when dealing with compressed air. Open pipes or homemade blowoffs produce very high sound levels due to wind shear. Often times the sound produced by these devices are at the highest level of allowable levels set forth by OSHA (per the chart below) and in some cases far exceed these limits. This can cause various issues such as lack of concentration, stress, workplace accidents and potential hearing loss. With EXAIR’s engineered air nozzles, the sound level is reduced as the air entrainment and even output flow does not produce as high a level of wind shear.
Lastly, our Super Air Nozzles are available from stock in sizes ranging from a tiny M4 x 0.5 thread to the whopping 1-1/4 NPT thread. These nozzles produce force from 2 ounces to 23 pounds of force. You may also choose between many materials including brass, zinc-aluminum alloy, stainless steel or PEEK thermoplastic.
Justin Nicholl
Application Engineer
justinnicholl@exair.com
@EXAIR_JN