The Full-Flow Air Knife borrows engineering elements from our original Standard Air Knife with the added benefit of an airflow across its entire length, but will have higher operating costs than the Super Air Knife. They also provide the smallest footprint of our Air Knife line to fit in cramped machine spaces. These are a low cost choice and are available from stock in 3" to 36" lengths. The Full-Flow Air Knife is available in aluminum or Type 303 stainless steel. Custom sizes and materials are also available.
Aluminum - The aluminum Full-Flow 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 Plumbing Kit - Full-Flow Air Knives that are 24" or longer must be supplied with compressed air at multiple inlets on the knife. The Air Knife Plumbing Kits prevent you from searching for the right fittings or using undersized air supply lines. They provide properly sized compressed air hose and fittings to interconnect the rear or end compressed air inlets for best performance. Plumbing kits for Full-Flow Air Knives include a pressure gauge to monitor pressure at the Full-Flow Air Knife, which is an indication of proper air supply. They also include nitrile/PVC hose and brass fittings.
Coupling Bracket Kits - Some applications require a Full-Flow Air Knife that is longer than our 36" (914mm) length. Coupling Bracket Kits that join two Full-Flow Air Knives together are available. The kit includes two rigid plates along with the assembly screws. All models include stainless steel screws.
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 Full-Flow 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 Full-Flow Air Knife. Shim sets for stainless steel Full-Flow Air Knives includes (1) .002" (0.05mm) thick stainless steel shim.
Full-Flow Air Knives are available in three different model types:
Full-Flow Air Knife Only
Full-Flow Air Knife Kit - includes a Full-Flow Air Knife, shim set, filter separator and pressure regulator (with coupler).
Deluxe Full-Flow Air Knife Kits - includes a Full-Flow 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 Full-Flow 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.
