When you call a company to look for help, do you really want to have to dial a person’s name like you are on your old Nokia phone using the T9 keyboard, or do you want to hear a real person’s voice? (It’s okay if you are googling T9, I did it for you, and the best results are shown in the image below.)
Google results for T9 texting. My favorite part is the Reddit link on the right. r/dumbphones.
My answer is to speak to a real person. This is something I have always appreciated whenever I contact a company, whether it be to try and get information from them or to give information to them about EXAIR products. I understand that in some companies it helps with efficiencies and keeps cold-calling salespeople at bay (at least the ones that take no as the first answer). Yeah, automated systems may help reduce distractions for those who answer the phone, but at the same time, they may hinder someone who is trying to get a quick answer and wants to place an order.
Well, here at EXAIR, you don’t need to know how to spell names on your Nokia phone that you just racked up a high-scoring game of Snake on. Instead, you get a person who is a member of our Order Entry Team. They can actually help you submit orders, give chip estimates, product pricing, and even some lead times on stock products. Then, if you have technical questions or need something outside of that, they can bounce you over to us, the Application Engineering team. There’s a good chance you will hear less of our hold music than a full song or advertisement.
We will help you from there on out, even if it means placing an order. We not only try to be your one-stop shop for industrial compressed air products, but we also strive to be easy to do business with and get you the answers you need when you need them, not suspend you in a loop with our automated phone attendant until you discover the secret code to get to a real human.
EXAIR Cabinet Coolers are compressed air-powered systems that use vortex tube technology to deliver cold air into sealed enclosures, preventing overheating without refrigerants or moving parts. They’re durable, easy to install, and designed for various environments, making them a cost-effective alternative to traditional air conditioners or heat exchangers. Key benefits include:
No moving parts: Virtually maintenance-free with a long lifespan.
Compact design: Installs in minutes through a standard electrical knockout.
Environmental resistance: Available in NEMA 12, 4, 4X, and Hazardous Location ratings.
Energy efficiency: Thermostat-controlled systems minimize compressed air use.
To ensure you select the right model, follow these steps.
First Calculate the Heat Load
The total heat load includes:
External heat load: Heat transferred from the ambient environment, based on enclosure surface area and the temperature differential (ΔT) between external and desired internal temperatures.
Internal heat load: Heat generated by components inside the enclosure.
Solar heat load (if applicable): For outdoor enclosures exposed to sunlight, factor in heat absorption based on the enclosure’s color (darker colors absorb more heat).
Existing Cooling Devices: If fans are currently used, note their diameter or airflow (CFM) to account for the heat they remove, as these openings must be sealed when installing a Cabinet Cooler.
EXAIR’s Cabinet Cooler System Calculator simplifies this process. Enter your data online for an instant model recommendation, or submit the Sizing Guide to an EXAIR Application Engineer for assistance. For quick calculations, you can call EXAIR at 1-800-903-9247, and an engineer can estimate the heat load in minutes.
This NEMA 4 Dual Cabinet Cooler System protects a critical equipment panel on a hot roll steel line.
Second, select the Appropriate NEMA Rating
EXAIR Cabinet Coolers are designed to maintain the environmental integrity of your enclosure, with models available for different conditions. Choose a NEMA rating based on your application’s environment:
NEMA 12 (IP54): For indoor use, protecting against dust and oil. Ideal for general factory settings.
NEMA 4 (IP66): For indoor or outdoor use, offering dust, oil, and splash resistance. Suitable for wash-down areas or wet environments.
NEMA 4X (IP66): Same as NEMA 4 but made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel (Type 303 or 316). Perfect for food processing, pharmaceutical, or corrosive environments.
High Temperature: For ambient temperatures of up to 200°F (93°C), such as near furnaces or in desert climates.
Ensure the Cabinet Cooler’s NEMA rating matches or exceeds your enclosure’s rating to maintain its integrity. For example, a NEMA 4X enclosure requires a NEMA 4X Cabinet Cooler.
From right to left: Small NEMA 12, Large NEMA 12, Large NEMA 4X
Third, choose the Operating System
EXAIR offers two operating modes to suit different cooling needs:
Thermostat-Controlled Systems: These are the most energy-efficient option, using a thermostat and solenoid valve to activate cooling only when the internal temperature exceeds the setpoint (preset at 95°F but adjustable). Includes a filter, cold air distribution kit, and solenoid valve (available in 120Vac, 240Vac, or 24Vdc). Ideal for enclosures with fluctuating heat loads or seasonal temperature changes.
Continuous Operating Systems: Provide constant cooling and positive pressure to keep out dust and debris. Best for applications requiring uninterrupted cooling or in extremely dirty environments. Includes a filter and cold air distribution kit.
For precise temperature control, consider adding an Electronic Temperature Control (ETC), which offers digital monitoring and easy temperature adjustments, especially useful in sensitive applications like pharmaceutical plants.
Fourth, Consider Additional Options
EXAIR provides accessories and features to tailor the Cabinet Cooler to your needs:
Non-Hazardous Purge (NHP): Delivers a 1 SCFM airflow to maintain positive pressure when cooling isn’t needed, keeping dust and debris out of the enclosure.
Side Mount Kits: Allow installation on the side of the enclosure if top mounting isn’t feasible due to space constraints for the NEMA 4 and 4X coolers.
High-Temperature Models: Designed for ambient temperatures between 125°F and 200°F (52°C–93°C).
Material Options: Standard models use aluminum, while NEMA 4X models offer Type 303 or 316 stainless steel for corrosion resistance.
Voltage Options: Solenoid valves for thermostat-controlled systems are available in 120Vac, 240Vac, or 24Vdc to match your electrical setup.
Final Tips for Success
Act Early: Install a Cabinet Cooler before heat-related failures occur, especially in summer or high-temperature environments.
Plan for Installation: Ensure all enclosure openings (e.g., fan vents) are sealed to maintain positive pressure and prevent contamination.
Monitor Performance: Use the ETC for real-time temperature monitoring in critical applications.
Inside, outdoors, high temperature, dirt/dust/humidity, corrosive and classified environments are no problem for EXAIR Cabinet Cooler Systems
Choosing the right EXAIR Cabinet Cooler involves calculating your heat load, selecting the appropriate NEMA rating, deciding between thermostat-controlled or continuous operation, and ensuring a reliable compressed air supply. By using EXAIR’s Sizing Guide or Calculator and consulting with myself or any one of our Application Engineers, you can confidently select a system that protects your electronics, minimizes downtime, and saves on maintenance costs.
Ready to cool your enclosures? Visit EXAIR.com to explore Cabinet Cooler options, use the Cabinet Cooler System Calculator, or contact an Application Engineer at 1-800-903-9247. Keep your electronics cool and your operations running smoothly with a EXAIR Cabinet cooler system.
Compressed air serves as the essential utility for operation, and its performance limitations are determined by the supply available. To effectively utilize EXAIR products and pneumatic equipment, it is crucial to establish a method for transferring compressed air from the source to the point of use. This can be accomplished through three primary means: pipes, hoses, and tubes.
As compressed air travels through the distribution system, it experiences friction against the inner surfaces of pipes, tubes, and hoses. Factors such as the diameter of the pipe, its length, the number of bends, and the smoothness of the inner wall contribute to this friction. Consequently, a reduction in air pressure occurs due to this resistance. Additionally, pressure drops can also happen at the point of use, particularly if the line is inadequately sized, which can significantly affect the performance of the equipment being powered.
When designing and maintaining a compressed air system, it is essential to take pressure measurements at various locations to detect and resolve potential issues before they escalate. The Compressed Air Challenge recommends specific points for regular pressure assessments to accurately gauge the operating pressure of your system.
Inlet to compressor (to monitor inlet air filter) vs. atmospheric pressure
Differential across air/lubricant separator
Inter-stage on multistage compressors
After-cooler
At treatment equipment (dryers, filters, etc.)
Various points across the distribution system
Check pressure differentials against manufacturers’ specifications. If high pressure drops are noticed, this indicates a need for service.
After taking the necessary measurements, you should sum the recorded pressure drops and subtract this total from your compressor’s operating range. The resulting value represents the actual operating pressure at the point of use.
If your distribution system is correctly sized and the pressure drops across your equipment are within acceptable limits, any pressure drop observed at the point of use suggests a lack of sufficient air volume. This issue may stem from restrictive fittings or inadequately sized air lines, hoses, or tubes. It is essential to ensure that the point of use product is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications for compressed air.
If you have questions about pressure drops, or anything regarding EXAIR and our products, please do not hesitate to reach out.
A manufacturer that produced a blend of powders for consumers contacted EXAIR for electrical panel cooling. They had two large mixers that would mix different powders. One mixer could fit a total weight between 2,200 lbs. to 4,400 lbs. (1000 kg to 2000 kg) of powder. The second one was between 220 lbs. to 2,200 lbs. (100 kg to 1000 Kg). By mixing powders, this was a very dusty environment. One potential problem was the over-temp fault with their VFDs, (Variable Frequency Drives). VFDs control the speed of the motors that run the paddles. In this industry, production is very extensive, and they wanted to prevent the fault with over-heating from occurring.
In our discussions, they were interested in our EXAIR Cabinet Coolers. I asked the general questions to correctly size the Cabinet Cooler. For this electrical panel, they used panel fans to cool the internals. Some problems with panel fans are that they will draw the warm ambient air to try and cool what’s inside. It can make it difficult during high summer temps. Also, fans require filters to remove the dust from the environment from entering the cabinet. The plant had a dirty environment and the powder was able to clog the filters. This condition reduced the effectiveness of fan cooling and still allowed dust to get into the electrical panel. The result was that the VFDs were unable to operate properly under such conditions.
EXAIR Cabinet Coolers have an option called the Non-Hazardous Purge (NHP) System. This product is designed to continuously bleed about 1 SCFM (28 SLPM) of compressed air into the cabinet when not operating. This will cause a slight positive pressure to keep any dust particles from migrating into the electrical cabinet. With the installation of the Cabinet Coolers, the vents and panel fans are removed and covered for proper cooling. This helps to reduce the amount of powder that can migrate into the panel and reduces the maintenance cost of changing or cleaning the panel filters.
From the heat load calculation, I recommended the NHP4340, which produces 2,800 BTU/hr of cooling. With this complete system, which included the thermostat control and the NHP solenoid valve, the company was able to save compressed air during the cooler months, keep the dust out of the electrical panel, and had a reliable way to keep the VFD from tripping on high heat. If you would like more information about our Cabinet Coolers, you can always contact an Application Engineer at EXAIR. We will be happy to help you.
