The Standard Air Knife is EXAIR's original air knife design. It uses a Coanda profile which turns the airflow 90 degrees from its outlet. This creates a low pressure area capable of entraining ambient air at a ratio of 30:1 while producing a powerful airflow; but does have a higher operating cost than the Super Air Knife. Available from stock in 3" to 48" lengths and made from aluminum or Type 303 stainless steel. Custom sizes and materials are available.
Aluminum - The aluminum Standard Air Knife is suited to a wide variety of environments where corrosion or contamination is not a factor. The aircraft grade aluminum construction with plastic shim is very durable for general purpose applications. Stainless steel screws are used to eliminate corrosion in damp locations. It can withstand temperatures up to 180°F (82°C).
Type 303 Stainless Steel - This is the most common grade of stainless steel. It offers good strength and is best suited to mildly corrosive environments. It can withstand temperatures up to 800°F (427°C).
The Super Air Knife provides the best performance with a 40:1 air amplification ratio, making it the most efficient. It is the best choice for all applications. The Super Air Knife has a laminar airstream that is uniform, forceful and quiet. Velocity is the highest of all three air knives. Air consumption is lowest of all three air knives. Compressed air inlets are provided on each end and on the bottom. Multiple Super Air Knives can be mounted “end to end” for longer lengths of uninterrupted airflow.
The Standard Air Knife provides good performance with a 30:1 air amplification ratio that is less efficient than the Super Air Knife. It is a good choice when a less expensive alternative is required. The Standard Air Knife has an airflow that is also uniform and forceful. It is louder and uses more compressed air than the Super Air Knife. Compressed air inlets are provided on each end. Overall length is 1" (25mm) longer than the airflow length.
The Full-Flow Air Knife provides good performance with a 30:1 air amplification ratio. The Full-Flow Air Knife is the least expensive and is a good choice for tight spaces. Force is less than the other two styles. Air consumption and sound level falls between that of the Super Air Knife and the Standard Air Knife. Compressed air inlet(s) are provided on the rear. Inlets are available on each end at a small additional charge, however they are not recommended for applications where uniform flow across the length is required.
If you have special requirements, please contact an Application Engineer to discuss it.
Universal Air Knife Mounting System - The Model 9060 Universal Air Knife Mounting System is used to provide secure, precise positioning for any of the EXAIR Air Knives. The Air Knife can quickly and easily be moved within close proximity of the part to improve effectiveness. It can be mounted on either the top or bottom of most Air Knives (Super Air Knife, Standard Air Knife and Full-Flow Air Knife). The Universal Air Knife Mounting System has a durable, stainless steel construction that is suitable for a variety of industrial applications.
The Universal Air Knife Mounting System can be articulated into any position and provides a maximum extension of 30" (762mm). A 1/2" diameter hole is required for mounting. Alternatively, the bolt can be threaded directly into a 1/2"-13 tapped hole. For any style Air Knife that is 24" (610mm) to 54" (1372mm), use (2) Universal Air Knife Mounting Systems. For knives 55" (1397mm) - 71" (1803mm), use (3). For 72" (1829mm) - 95" (2413mm), use (4). For knives 96" (2438mm) and over, use (5).
Air Knife Shim Sets - Compressed air exhausts through a gap in the Air Knife which is set with a shim. Force and flow may be increased by adding shims.
Shim sets for aluminum Standard Air Knives include a .001" (0.03mm) Amber color, .003" (0.08mm) Green color, and .004" (0.10mm) thick Tan color plastic shim . A Red color .002" (0.05mm) thick shim comes installed in the Standard Air Knife. Shim sets for stainless steel Standard Air Knives include (3) .002" (0.05mm) thick stainless steel shims.
Standard Air Knives are available in three different model types:
Standard Air Knife Only
Standard Air Knife Kit - includes a Standard Air Knife, shim set, filter separator and pressure regulator (with coupler).
Deluxe Standard Air Knife Kits - includes a Standard Air Knife, EFC, universal mounting system, shim set, filter separator and pressure regulator (with coupler).
Compressed air flows through the inlet (1) into a plenum chamber. It is then throttled through a thin nozzle (2) extending the length of the Standard Air Knife. This primary airstream adheres to the Coanda profile (3), which turns it 90° and directs the flow down the face of the unit. The primary stream immediately begins to entrain surrounding air (4), for an amplification ratio of 30:1 at 6" (152mm) away.
