INTRODUCTION OF AIR KNIFE SYSTEM

In modern times, with an ever increasing demand for all goods, high speed production lines are becoming norms of the day.
Some of other concerns of modern day production lines are cost effectiveness, better quality, better hygiene, better self life, better packaging, better appearance, faster production, lesser handling, lesser pollution, interfacing with other production inputs etc.

To address these demands there are variety of innovative tools available. Among them AIR KNIFE is one such tool which has made difference in many fields and constantly finding new applications.

AIR KNIFE SYSTEM is a non contact method of removing unwanted surface liquid, moisture, dirt, coatings, contamination, debris, heat, static charge etc during manufacturing process of predominantly conveyed (moving) articles or parts.

AIR KNIFE SYSTEM powered by low pressure air from blower devices a continuous LAMINAR SHEET / STREAM / CURTAIN of precisely controlled HIGH VELOCITY AIR. This SHEET / STREAM / CURTAIN OF HIGH VELOCITY AIR push the liquid from the surface of the article / product and residual moisture is shattered from the article / product. This mist is carried away by continuous stream of air.

This SHEET/ STREAM / CURTAIN OF HIGH VELOCITY AIR also blows away debris, clean surfaces, dissipates heat, spreads / dries coatings, takes away static charges, protects surface etc.

In certain applications where longer / deeper reach of HIGH VELOCITY AIR is required NOZZLES could also be used. Drying with LOW PRESSURE AIR KNIFE SYSTEMS has been known to CUT COSTS by 80% compared with THERMAL DRYING AND COMPRESSED AIR SYSTEMS.

An effective working AIR KNIFE SYSTEM can be assembled using standard single or multiple AIR KNIVES, located strategically.

For certain applications combination of AIR KNIVES with AIR NOZZLES will bring desired results.

System will also incorporate ideally placed Single or Multiple Blowers, Flexible Hoses, Clamps, Manifolds and such accessories.

AIR KNIVES AND NOZZLES are available in different sizes, lengths and shapes.

Most common material of construction is Surface Treated Aluminium Alloy.

AIR KNIFE IN 304 / 316 S.S. can also be supplied.

Specialty Filters are available to meet most stringent standard for Food, Pharmaceuticals, Electronic or similar applications.

Low pressure blower type of AIR KNIFE SYSTEM has number of advantages over compressed air type.
This comparison is shown separately.

One of the prime applications areas of AIR KNIFE is DRYING such as in food and vegetable packaging, beverage bottle/cans drying, parts/paper/sheet/glass drying etc. Drying of product surfaces is done with high velocity air sheet/stream/curtain pushing the liquid from the surface and residual moisture shattered by stream of air.

In most cases DRYING is done with crudely fabricated pipe with holes, out of which compressed air is allowed to come out to dry. This is one of most ineffective and costly and noisy method.

Other more frequently used method is THERMAL DRYING. Again this is high energy consuming method and has number of disadvantages. Like high temperature drying heats the parts and raises surrounding temperature. Hence additional cost is incurred to cool parts and surroundings. Further this will slow down the system.

Also, THERMAL DRYING cannot be applied to heat sensitive products such as food, vegetables, plastics, paper etc.