23 EXAIR_Cat36_25_FROMINDESIGN.indb 23 12/20/24 3:46 PM Drilled Pipe Tis common blowof is very inexpensive and easy to make. For this test, we used (2) drilled pipes, each with (25) 1/16" (1.6mm) diameter holes on 1/2" (13mm) centers. As shown in the test results below, the drilled pipe performed poorly. Te initial cost of the drilled pipe is overshadowed by its high energy use. Te holes are easily blocked and the noise level is excessive - both of which violate OSHA requirements. Velocity across the entire length was very inconsistent with spikes of air and numerous dead spots. Flat Air Nozzles As shown below, this inexpensive air nozzle was the worst performer. It is available in plastic, aluminum and stainless steel from several manufacturers. Te flat air nozzle provides some entrainment, but sufers from many of the same problems as the drilled pipe. Operating cost and noise level are both high. Some manufacturers ofer flat air nozzles where the holes can be blocked - an OSHA violation. Velocity was inconsistent with spikes of air. Blower Air Knife Te blower proved to be an expensive, noisy option. As noted below, the purchase price is high. Operating cost was considerably lower than the drilled pipe and flat air nozzle, but was comparable to the EXAIR Super Air Knife. Te large blower with its two 3" (76mm) diameter hoses requires significant mounting space compared to the others. Noise level was high at 90 dBA. Tere was no option for cycling it on and of to conserve energy like the other blowofs. Costly bearing and filter maintenance along with downtime were also negative factors. EXAIR Super Air Knife Te Super Air Knife pair did an exceptional job of removing the moisture on one pass due to the uniformity of the laminar airflow. Te sound level was extremely low at 69 dBA. For this application, energy use was slightly higher than the blower but can be less than the blower if cycling on and of is possible. Safe operation is not an issue since the Super Air Knife cannot be dead-ended. Maintenance costs are low since there are no moving parts to wear out. Super Air Knife Compare These Blowoffs Tere are a variety of ways to blow the water from the bottles shown in the photo below, but which method is best? Te following comparison of drilled pipe, flat air nozzles, a blower and the Super Air Knife proves that EXAIR has the best choice for your blowof, cooling or drying application. Our goal for each of the blowof choices was to use the least amount of air possible to get the job done (lowest energy and noise level). Compressed air pressure required for each was 60 PSIG (4.1 BAR) which provided adequate velocity to blow the water of. Te blower used had a ten horsepower electric motor and was a centrifugal type blower at 18,000 RPM. Te table at the bottom of the page summarizes the overall performance. Since your actual part may have an odd configuration, holes or sharp edges, we took sound level measurements in free air (no impinging surface). The Super Air Knife is the low cost way to blowoff, dry, clean and cool. Blowoff Comparison Type of blowoff PSIG BAR Comp. Air Horsepower Required Sound Level dBA Purchase Price Annual Electrical Cost* Approx. Annual Maintenance Cost First Year Cost SCFM SLPM Drilled Pipes 60 4.1 174 4,924 35 91 $50 $4,508 $920 $5,478 Flat Air Nozzles 60 4.1 257 7,273 51 102 $300 $6,569 $1,450 $8,319 Blower Air Knife 3 0.2 N/A N/A 10 90 $7,000 $1,288 $1,500 $9,788 Super Air Knife 60 4.1 55 1,557 11 69 $850 $1,417 $300 $2,567 *Based on national average electricity cost of 8.3 cents per kWh. Annual cost reflects 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year. EXAIR_Cat36_25_FROMINDESIGN.indb 23 12/20/24 3:46 PM 11510 Goldcoast Drive • Cincinnati, OH 45249-1621 • Phone (513) 671-3322 FAX (513) 671-3363 • E-mail: [email protected] • www.exair.com Air Knives
