Tag: air nozzel

What Is a Centrifugal Air Compressor? How It Works and Why It’s Used in Industry

Published on by Tyler DanielLeave a comment

One thing that’s found in nearly every industrial environment is an air compressor. Compressed air is used to power tools, operate packaging and automation systems, run conveyors, control valves, and more. Pneumatic tools remain popular because they’re smaller and lighter than their electric counterparts, offer infinitely variable speed and torque, and can often be safer than electrical devices in harsh or wet environments.

To power these systems, compressed air must first be generated, and that starts with the air compressor. There are two main categories of air compressors: positive displacement and dynamic. Positive displacement compressors trap a given quantity of air in a chamber, then mechanically reduce the volume to increase the pressure. Dynamic compressors raise air pressure by accelerating continuously flowing air with a high-speed impeller. The velocity energy of the air is then converted into pressure energy.

One of the most common dynamic types used in industrial applications is the centrifugal air compressor. In a centrifugal compressor, air enters the center of a high-speed rotating impeller, which can spin at more than 50,000 RPM. The impeller’s blades fling the air outward by centrifugal force, increasing its velocity and pressure. The kinetic energy of the moving air is then converted into additional pressure as it slows down in a diffuser. Centrifugal compressors are generally used where large volumes of air are required. They can handle flows from a few hundred CFM up to 100,000 CFM or more, with most plant installations falling in the 1,000–5,000 CFM range.

According to the Compressed Air Challenge, some of the key benefits of centrifugal air compressors include their ability to deliver oil-free, contaminant-free air, and the fact that they are often supplied as complete packaged systems up to 1,000 HP. They scale well, as the cost per CFM improves as size increases, do not require special foundation requirements, and are ideal for high-volume air delivery.

Of course, there are trade-offs to consider. Centrifugal compressors have limited capacity control options, reduced efficiency at partial load, and their high rotational speeds require precision bearings and specialized maintenance. They also tend to have a higher initial purchase cost compared to smaller positive-displacement units. Despite these considerations, centrifugal air compressors remain a reliable choice for facilities that require large, continuous volumes of clean, oil-free air.

Once your facility’s air is generated, the next step is making sure it’s used efficiently. Compressed air is one of the most expensive utilities in a plant, and any wasted air means wasted energy. That’s where EXAIR’s line of engineered Air Nozzles, Safety Air Guns, Super Air Knives, and Optimization products come into play, helping you get the most from every SCFM your compressor produces. If you’re looking to improve your system’s efficiency or solve a specific application issue, contact one of our Application Engineers. We’ll help you get the most out of your compressed air system from the compressor room to the point of use.

Tyler Daniel

Application Engineer

E-mail: TylerDaniel@EXAIR.com

X: @EXAIR_TD

Image courtesy of the Compressed Air Challenge

Week 3 Back to Basics – Replace Inefficient Blowoffs

Published on by Brian FarnoLeave a comment

In the last post of this series, we talked about finding and fixing leaks in your compressed air system. Many readers found that step especially valuable—leak detection alone can uncover major savings opportunities. Now, it’s time to move on to step three in the Six Steps to Optimizing Your Compressed Air System: implementing engineered solutions.

Engineered solutions (like EXAIR Intelligent Compressed Air Products) are the efficient, quiet, and safe choice.

This is where our Application Engineers can really help. Whether your application calls for Air Knives, Super Air Nozzles, or another one of our engineered products, we can guide you to the right solution. If you already know the consumption rates of your existing setup, we can even help you calculate the savings you’ll see by switching.

Step three is often where customers begin to notice the biggest impact. Replacing an open pipe or a non-engineered blowoff with an engineered solution can drastically reduce compressed air usage. The difference becomes obvious when your compressor cycles less frequently—or in some cases, when you’re able to shut down a secondary compressor altogether.

In the next post of this series, we’ll cover step four: an even simpler way to extend your savings by turning air off when it isn’t needed. Until then, keep working toward a more efficient compressed air system.

Brian Farno, MBA – CCASS Application Engineer

BrianFarno@EXAIR.com
@EXAIR_BF

Customize Your Safety Air Gun to Best Meet Your Needs

Published on by Al WooffittLeave a comment

EXAIR has an extensive line of Safety Air Guns that will meet a variety of applications. Our VariBlast Precision, Compact, Soft Grip, Heavy Duty and Super Blast Safety Air Guns, and TurboBlast will give you a wide range of options to choose from. These options can be expanded on even further through the addition of our Air Gun Accessories. In this blog I want to cover a few of the ways you can customize and personalize your Safety Air Gun to make sure you are getting the most out of our products.

Features & benefits of the new TurboBlast Safety Air Gun

Once you have selected your particular Air Gun, you will want to make sure that you have the right nozzle. Every Air Gun has multiple nozzle options with different force and flow specifications. If your main concern is low sound levels, then the Mini Super Air Nozzle may be the best option. If you need more force, then the 2″ High Power Flat Super Air Nozzle would be preferred. We also have Back Blow Nozzles that are great for blind holes.

In addition to this, there are several different material choices. Zinc-aluminum for general purposes, Type 303 stainless steel for corrosion resistance, Type 316 stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance and mechanical wear, and finally PEEK thermoplastic for non-marring and chemical resistance.

Model 1210 Soft Grip Safety Air is fitted with an EXAIR Super Air Nozzle. We can also supply it with a Rigid Extension and Chip Shield (right).

After you have determined the right nozzle, do you need to add a Chip Shield? If you have the potential for flying debris, and you want to protect your operator, then our Safety Air Guns can be equipped with a durable polycarbonate shield. They are also useful for preventing coolant from splashing back, helping you to avoid a mess. You can see a Chip Shield in action in the video below:

We also have various length extensions for when you need more reach for your blowoff operation. Depending on the Air Gun, we have lengths ranging from six inches to six feet. These are great when used in conjunction with our Chip Shields. If you need something more flexible than a straight extension, our Soft Grip Safety Air Gun can also be used with our Stay Set Hoses. These hose have a ‘memory’ to allow for precise positioning without creeping or bending.

Specifically with our Soft Grip Safety Air Gun, we have a special extension and scraper combination, covered in detail in this blog. The Soft Grip Super Air Scraper is highly effective at removing stubborn debris from various surfaces.

Coiled Hose

Finally, we stock a 12‘ coiled air hose. These are available with 1/8NPT, 1/4NPT and 3/8NPT male end swivel connections. This will help you avoid messy and tangled air lines.

Al Wooffitt
Application Engineer

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EXAIR Back Blow Nozzles and Air Guns

Published on by Jordan T ShouseLeave a comment

In the fast-paced world of industrial manufacturing, keeping equipment clean is crucial. Chips, coolant residue, and debris can accumulate inside pipes, tubes, hoses, and channels, leading to downtime, reduced performance, and even safety hazards. Traditional forward-blowing air tools often push contaminants deeper into these confined spaces or out the wrong end, creating more problems than they solve. Enter EXAIR’s Back Blow Nozzles and Air Guns—a game-changing solution designed to tackle these challenges head-on. If you’re new to these tools or just curious about how they work, I highly recommend checking out this insightful video blog from one of our Application Engineers. It offers a close-up look at the nozzles in action inside a pipe, demonstrating their 360-degree airflow in real time. It’s a quick, eye-opening demo that perfectly illustrates the “back blow” magic.

What Are Back Blow Nozzles?

At their core, EXAIR Back Blow Nozzles are engineered precision tools made from durable Type 316 stainless steel (SS) to withstand harsh industrial environments. Unlike standard nozzles that blast air forward, these feature an array of holes around the nozzle’s circumference that blow backwards. This creates a powerful, uniform 360-degree airflow pattern that “wipes” the internal surfaces clean as it travels backward toward the operator. The result? Debris, chips, and coolant are pulled out and ejected safely—without forcing them further into the pipe or creating projectiles that could fly out the far end. This backward-directed flow is especially valuable for:

  • Cleaning blind holes and dead-end channels.
  • Clearing long tubes where forward blowing is impractical.
  • Removing sticky or stubborn buildup from machining processes.

All EXAIR Back Blow Nozzles comply with OSHA standards for noise (29 CFR 1910.95(a)) and dead-end pressure (29 CFR 1910.242(b)), ensuring they are safe for operators while delivering high performance.

The Lineup: Sizes for Every Application EXAIR offers three Back Blow Nozzle models, each optimized for specific pipe diameters. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Power Up with Safety Air Guns

While the nozzles shine on their own, attaching them to an EXAIR Safety Air Gun takes functionality to the next level. These guns feature ergonomic designs, automatic shutoff valves, and variable force options to reduce fatigue and enhance control. Plus, they’re OSHA-compliant, with dead-end pressures well below the 30 psi limit to prevent injuries from air bursts. Here are the key air gun options compatible with Back Blow Nozzles:

  • VariBlast Compact Safety Air Gun: A lightweight, variable-force tool with a rugged aluminum body and ergonomic grip. Ideal for the 1004SS nozzle in smaller applications—perfect for quick, precise clean outs without overkill.
  • Soft Grip Safety Air Gun: Built for extended use, this features a cushioned handle and full-grip trigger to minimize hand strain during long shifts. Available with 1004SS or 1006SS nozzles, plus extensions up to 72″ and optional Chip Shields for blow back protection.
  • Heavy Duty Safety Air Gun: Tough as nails for demanding environments, with a reinforced handle and high-impact durability. Pairs well with the 1006SS for reliable performance in gritty workshops.
  • Super Blast Safety Air Gun: The powerhouse of the bunch, delivering maximum force for the 1008SS nozzle. Extensions up to 6 feet make it a beast for large-scale pipe cleaning, like hydraulic cylinders or industrial conduits.

No matter which gun you choose, adding a Chip Shield is a smart move—it keeps flying debris away from the operator, turning a potential hazard into a hassle-free task.

Heavy Duty Back Blow Safety Air Guns come with Chip Shields, and Rigid Extensions from 6″ to 72″ in length.

If you have an application you would like to discuss, give us a call!

Jordan Shouse, CCASS

Application Engineer

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