Tag: blow off system

Engineered Super Air Nozzles Improve Efficiency and Safety vs. Commercial and Homemade Nozzles

Published on by John BallLeave a comment
They may be inefficient, but they sure are loud…

Over the years, EXAIR has come across a variety of different types of blow-off devices.  We have seen copper tubes, pipes with a crushed end, fittings with holes drilled into them, and modular flex lines.  For compressed air use, these are very dangerous and very inefficient.  In many instances, companies will go through a mixed bag of items to make a blow-off device for their application.  It is inexpensive to do.  But what they do not realized is that these items are very unsafe and will waste your compressed air, costing you much money in the long run.

When EXAIR started to manufacture compressed air products in 1983, we created a culture in making high quality products that are safe, effective, and efficient.  Since we stand by our products, we created a program called the Efficiency Lab.  We test blow-off devices against EXAIR products in noise levels, flow usage, and force measurements.  With calibrated test equipment, we compare the data in a detailed report for the customer to review.  If we are less effective, we will state that in the report, but this is very rare.  With this quantified information, we can then determine the total amount of air savings and safety improvements that EXAIR products can offer.

With our Efficiency Lab, it is quite simple to do.  For starters, you can go to our Product Efficiency Survey on our website to give the conditions for testing.  If you wish for a side by side analysis, you can place your pneumatic device in a box and send it to EXAIR.  We will run the tests at the specified conditions or in a range of settings.  We will then return your pneumatic device back to you with a report of the comparison.  This report can be used to show managers, executives, HSE, etc. on the improvements that EXAIR can provide in cost savings and safety.

In a recent Efficiency Lab, a customer sent us a water jet nozzle that he was using to blow off product passing on a conveyor (reference photo above).  The customer supplied us with the required information to test.  They had three water jet nozzles on a manifold that had ¼” NPT male connections.  The air pressure was set at 75 PSIG (5.2 bar), and the air pattern was round.  Their annual usage for this blow-off device was 7000 hours continuous, and their electric rate for their facility was $0.10/KWh.  The reason that they sent their nozzle to EXAIR was because the operation was very loud, and they believed that they were wasting compressed air.  They asked me for a recommendation and what the payback period might be with my selection.

Model 1101

I recommended the model 1101 Super Air Nozzle as our standard round pattern with a ¼” NPT male connection.  With our engineered design, the Super Air Nozzle can entrain the “free” ambient air into the air stream to generate a hard-hitting force; using less compressed air.  Also, with this suggestion, they will not have to redesign their blow-off station; just remove the water jet nozzles and replace them with the Super Air Nozzles.  We tested the water jet nozzle, and we found that it used 17.5 SCFM (496 SLPM) at 75 PSIG (5.2 bar).  The noise level was measured at 91.2 dBA for a single nozzle.  As a comparison, the model 1101 Super Air Nozzle will only use 13.3 SCFM (376 SLPM) of compressed air at 75 PSIG (5.2 bar); and, the noise level was reduced to 73 dBA for each nozzle.

The first thing that is important to me is safety.  High noise levels will cause hearing damage.  OSHA generated a standard 29CFR-1910.95a with a chart for Maximum Allowable Noise Exposure.  To calculate the noise level for three nozzles, I will reference a previous blog that I wrote: “Measuring and Adding Sounds”.  With three water jet nozzles, the total sound is 96 dBA.  From the OSHA table above, the usage without hearing protection is less than 4 hours a day.  With the Super Air Nozzles, the noise level will be 78 dBA for all three nozzles; well below the requirement for 8 hours of exposure.  It is difficult to put a monetary value on safety, but using PPE should never be the first step as a solution.

For the annual savings and the payback period, I will only look at the electrical cost.  (Since the Super Air Nozzle is using less compressed air, the maintenance and wear on your air compressor is reduced as well).

The air savings is calculated from the comparison; 17.5 SCFM – 13.3 SCFM = 4.2 SCFM per nozzle.  With three nozzles, the total compressed air savings will be 12.6 SCFM for the blow-off station.  An air compressor can produce 5.36 SCFM/KW of electricity at a cost of $0.10/KWh.  For an annual savings, we have the figures from the information above; 7000 hours/year * 12.6 SCFM * $0.10/KWh * 1KW/5.36 SCFM = $1,645.52/year.  For the payback period, the model 1101 Super Air Nozzle has a catalog price of $44.00 each, or $132.00 for three.  The customer above did not disclose the cost of the water jet nozzles, but even at a zero value, the payback period will be just under 1 month.  Wow!

Not all blow off devices are the same.  With the customer above, they were able to reduce their noise levels and compressed air consumption.  If your company decides to select an unconventional way to blow off parts without contacting EXAIR, there can be many hidden pitfalls; especially with safety.  Besides, if you can save your company thousands of dollars per year as well, why go with a non-standard nozzle?  If you have a blow off application and would like to compare it against an EXAIR product, you can discuss the details with an Application Engineer.  What do you have to lose?

John Ball
Application Engineer
Email: johnball@exair.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_jb

Safety Air Gun Promotion: Now Through September 30th!

Published on by Tyler DanielLeave a comment

August 1st through September 30th EXAIR is running a promotion that’ll get you a free 1” Flat Super Air Nozzle with the purchase of any promotional VariBlast, Soft Grip, or Heavy Duty Safety Air Gun. Inexpensive air guns are commonly seen through a variety of industrial supply companies. Most consist of poorly made parts or materials that will wear out and break quickly. In addition, their performance is commonly akin to that of an open-ended pipe and can necessitate an extremely high compressed air consumption.

In addition to wasting unnecessary air, they’re also VERY loud. Many of these guns do not adhere to the sound level restrictions set forth by OSHA in 29 CFR 1910.95. All of EXAIR’s Safety Air Guns are available with Chip Shields to protect operators from debris and adhere to dead-end pressure requirements as outlined by OSHA 29 CFR 1910.242(b). It’s much easier to implement safe products upfront than after you’ve had a random inspection by OSHA. As anyone who’s experienced one can attest to, they don’t just fine you once. You’ll get fined for each individual location in your facility where operators are using air guns that don’t adhere to the proper standards.

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EXAIR offers (4) different styles of Safety Air Guns with a wide range of different force levels, flows, and accessories. The VariBlast Compact Safety Air Gun is a powerful gun that allows you to adjust the force delivered from the gun depending on the trigger valve pressure. Pull the trigger just a little for a light force, or all the way for maximum force without having to adjust your air pressure. It’s small and compact, but powerful while still light and ergonomic. blog_SGSAG_500x

The Soft Grip Safety Air Gun has a durable cast aluminum body suitable for rugged industrial use. The large trigger makes for easy operation and a convenient hook at the top allows the gun to be easily stored. Chip Shields for worker safety and extensions for hard to reach areas are available up to 72” long.

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The Heavy Duty Safety Air Gun also comes with a durable cast aluminum body and incorporates a rugged composite rubber grip. Also with a wide trigger, these guns can be used for hours without fatigue. The Heavy Duty Safety Air Gun is available with Chip Shields and extensions up to 72”.

As part of the promotion, you’ll receive one free Model 1126 1” Flat Super Air Nozzles. Delivering a 1” wide, high velocity airflow, these nozzles utilize EXAIR’s patented shim design to maximize entrained airflow while reducing noise levels. They also offer a great deal of adjustability, shim sets in varying thicknesses are available to allow you to either reduce force and flow, or increase it depending on the application. Don’t wait until after the promotion ends, get your Safety Air Guns on order now so you can take advantage of this great promotion!

Tyler Daniel
Application Engineer
E-mail: TylerDaniel@EXAIR.com
Twitter: @EXAIR_TD

How to Install A Super Air Knife – From the Basic to the Creative

Published on by Russ BowmanLeave a comment

Occasionally, a caller will ask if we offer installation services for our products. They’re usually very pleased to learn that there’s not all that much to it.

Any of our Super Air Knives can use our Model 9060 Universal Air Knife Mounting Systems (shown below; one on a 12″, and four on a 108″ length) for easy installation and precise aiming.

The 9060 Universal Air Knife Mounting Systems are perfect for simple, fast installation and positioning.

Shorter lengths, like the Model 110006 6″ Aluminum Super Air Knife (below, left,) can be adequately supported by air supply piping.  We don’t recommend that with longer lengths (due to overhung load concerns) but even a Model 110018 18″ Aluminum Super Air Knife (below, middle,) can be supported by the supply pipe in a vertical position.  We even stock our 3″ Aluminum Super Air Knives with Stay Set Hoses & Magnetic Bases (below, right.)

Just a few more popular ways to install a Super Air Knife.

The Super Air Knife also has a series of 1/4″-20 tapped holes, 2″ apart, along the bottom of the body.  These are often used for installation & mounting as well, and we’ve seen some creative methods, for sure:

Yes, that’s a door hinge. No, it wasn’t my idea, but I kind of wish it was.

EXAIR Super Air Knives come in lengths from 3 inches to 9 feet long.  We stock them in aluminum, 303SS, 316SS, and PVDF.  If you need a custom length or material, though, we do those too.  We can even talk about the best way to mount it.  Call me.

Russ Bowman
Application Engineer
EXAIR Corporation
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Air Nozzles and Guns to Clean Inside Tube, Pipe, and Hoses

Published on by John BallLeave a comment
Back Blow Air Nozzle Family

EXAIR manufactures three different sizes of Back Blow Air Nozzles to clean inside tubing, pipes, hoses, and channels.  The 360o rear airflow pattern can “wipe” the entire internal surface clean from coolant, chips, and debris.  They are constructed of 316SS, making these nozzles robust and durable.

Our smallest Back Blow Nozzle is the Model 1004SS.  It has a M4 X 0.5 male thread and can clean diameters ranging from ¼” (6.3mm) to 1” (25.4mm).  Model 1006SS has a ¼” NPT air connection for cleaning inner diameters ranging from 7/8” (22mm) up to 4” (102mm).  Our largest Back Blow Air Nozzle is the model 1008SS.  It has a 1” NPT connection, and it can be used inside diameters ranging from 2” (51mm) to 16” (406mm).

Now, what can make these unique types of air nozzles even more useful?  Attaching them to an EXAIR Safety Air Gun.  In this blog, I will go through each of our Back Blow Safety Air Guns that EXAIR can offer from stock.

Model: 1604SS-6-CS

VariBlast Compact Back Blow Safety Air Gun:

The unique feature that sets the VariBlast apart from other small air guns is the force variability.  The valve is designed to control the opening to allow for a variable force with the same nozzle.  The VariBlast is made from a durable cast aluminum construction for tough industrial use.  It has a rugged ergonomic grip with a user-friendly trigger.  The compressed air inlets are located in two different positions to select the best fit for your application.

With the model 1004SS Back Blow nozzle, the VariBlast Compact Back Blow Safety Air Gun is a small but powerful tool that can clean inside smaller pipes, tubes, and hoses.  They come standard with extension tubes and a Chip Shield.  The extension tubes range from 6” (152mm) to 36” (914mm) to extend deep inside cavities and openings.  The Chip Shield is made from a durable polycarbonate material that will protect your operators during use.

Model 1204SS-6-CS and 1206SS-6-CS

Soft Grip Back Blow Safety Air Guns:

The next air gun in this series is the Soft Grip Safety Air Gun.  With an ergonomic soft handle and full-grip trigger, the Soft Grip Safety Air Gun can be used for hours without fatigue.  EXAIR offers two types of Back Blow Nozzles with the Soft Grip; model 1004SS and model 1006SS.

As a “bigger cousin” to the VariBlast above, the Soft Grip Back Blow Safety Air Gun with the model 1004SS has extensions ranging from 6” (152mm) to 36” (914mm) as well as a Chip Shield.  The Soft Grip with the model 1006SS Back Blow Nozzle has extensions that range from 6” (152mm) to 72” (1,829mm) in length with a Chip Shield.  Both of these types of Soft Grip Back Blow Safety Air Guns are great products in allowing you to clean inside a greater variety of diameters and lengths.

Heavy Duty Back Blow Safety Air Gun:

For rough industrial environments, EXAIR offers the Heavy Duty Safety Air Guns.  They come with a composite rubber grip and a wide curved trigger.  It has a 3/8” NPT inlet for increased compressed air flow for those “tough” cleanings.

The Heavy Duty Back Blow Safety Air Gun comes standard with the model 1006SS Back Blow Nozzle, an extension pipe, and a Chip Shield.  The extensions lengths can range from 6” (152mm) to 72” (1,829mm).  If you need a tough air gun for rugged areas to clean inside pipes and tubes, the Heavy Duty Back Blow Safety Air Gun could be the best candidate for your application.

Super Blast Back Blow Safety Air Gun:

As our largest model, the Super Blast Back Blow Safety Air Gun has the strongest blowing force.  They can clean large areas inside pipes, channels, and tubes ranging from 2” (51mm) to 16” (406mm) in diameter.  It has a soft foam grip for easy handling and a spring-loaded manual valve that will turn off if dropped.  The model 1008SS Back Blow Nozzle is mounted to an extension that is either 1 foot (0.3m), 3 feet (0.9m), or 6 feet (1.8m) in length.  With a 1” NPT inlet, the Super Blast Back Blow Safety Air Gun will generate a strong blast of air for cleaning and removing troublesome material.

If you need to clean inside tubes, hoses, channels, pipes, etc., EXAIR has the perfect product, the Back Blow Air Nozzles.  They can remove the dirty coolant, chips, and debris in a non-contact way.  EXAIR offers these nozzles with our VariBlast, Soft Grip, Heavy Duty, and Super Blast Safety Air Guns for manual cleaning operations.  EXAIR stocks these Safety Air Guns for fast delivery.  And if you are located in the U.S.A or Canada, we offer a 30-day unconditional guarantee.  You can try them out and see how effective, safe, and powerful they are in improving your internal cleaning processes.  If you need more details, 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