Air knives give fans the cold shoulder
July 2007
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
A manufacture of automotive electronics had a problem cooling computers as they exited a wave soldering machine. In order to be handled and tested, the computers needed to be cooled to 27°C. Initially, the manufacturer tried banks of 152 mm diameter axial fans along the 2,5 m length of the cooling conveyor. The banks comprised 16 fans blowing down from the top and 16 fans blowing up from the bottom with the fans mounted 178 mm away from the surface. After travelling the full length of the conveyor (a five minute duration) with the fans running at full force the computers were still 42°C. Because of the delay in cooling, quality control personnel sat with an unacceptable backlog of computers waiting to be tested.
The company removed the top and the bottom fan banks and replaced them with three model 110012 305 mm Super Air Knives that were evenly spaced across the cooling section. Each air knife was angled so the computer and heatsink received a constant flow of air. With the conveyor running at the same speed and air supply to the air knives set at below 3 bar, the computers were cooled to
27°C in 90 seconds.
The laminar airflow of the super air knives was the key to success in this application. Fan cooling could only provide random spikes of air at moderate velocities. The uniform sheet of air from the air knives quietly dissipated the heat for the first 610 mm above the conveyor. Low air consumption and the compact size of the air knife was an added bonus.
For more information contact Rodney Bradley, ETEST, +27 (0)31 702 8302, [email protected], www.etest.co.za
Further reading:
Electrically operated, energy-efficient double diaphragm pumps
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
BMG has introduced the EVO series 210 electric double diaphragm pump range from ARO, offering lower energy consumption and quieter operation than air-operated alternatives, with access from one side for both diaphragms, and optional electronic leak detection for critical applications.
Read more...
Integrated Air Solutions opens KwaZulu-Natal branch
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Integrated Air Solutions has opened a KwaZulu-Natal branch in Pinetown, establishing a local turnkey compressed air partner for the province with equipment, installation, servicing, rapid emergency response and rental offerings under one roof.
Read more...
Precision and durability in metal manufacturing and injection moulding
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
From 800 bar hydraulic circuits in metal presses to low-pressure cooling systems in injection moulding machines, Parker Hannifin’s fluid connector systems are engineered for the contrasting demands of high-pressure sealing, thermal resistance and rapid serviceability.
Read more...
BMG expands fluid technology portfolio with Boston by Danfoss industrial hose
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
BMG has added the Boston by Danfoss Industrial Hose range to its fluid technology portfolio, giving customers a single source for both hydraulic and industrial hose requirements across Africa.
Read more...
Pneumatic solutions for versatility, operational safety and efficiency
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
As an authorised partner of Festo, BMG combines access to globally recognised pneumatic technologies with local application expertise and technical support.
Read more...
Turning compressed air into a strategic energy advantage
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Compressed air accounts for up to 80% of a system’s lifecycle costs, yet often remains overlooked in energy strategies. CompAir’s Energy Check provides a data-driven analysis of the complete compressed air network to identify energy savings of 20 to 30% or more.
Read more...
Air compressor secures premium meat company’s legacy
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
A tailored ELGi compressed air solution from Integrated Air Solutions is helping Tulisa Meat Market protect six decades of quality and consistency in its premium meat production.
Read more...
How laser cladding delivers 33% more life and maximum ROI in hydraulic cylinders
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
By utilising advanced laser cladding, Honingcraft can help clients achieve a 33% longer life from their components, ensuring they secure the maximum return on their investment.
Read more...
Identifying signs of hydraulic cylinder wear and tear
CT Hydraulics (Nqoba)
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Recognising the early warning signs of hydraulic cylinder degradation is crucial for preventing costly downtime, ensuring operator safety and maximising the lifespan of your hydraulic systems.
Read more...
Integrated Air Solutions opens Pinetown branch
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Integrated Air Solutions has opened a branch in Pinetown, bringing world-class diesel and electric air compressor services closer to customers in KwaZulu-Natal.
Read more...
printer friendly version