Spraying Systems Co. (www.spray.com) is offering a white paper on how to reduce or eliminate compressed-air use in drying and blowoff applications. According to the paper, replacing open pipe with manifolds equipped with air nozzles or air knife packages powered by blower air can produce savings of tens of thousands of dollars per year.
The paper reviews various air nozzle options that use compressed air, provides application guidelines, and estimates the savings each option offers over open pipe. Products discussed include air nozzles that produce a high-impact air stream, drying and cooling parts; variable air amplifiers that produce a constant, high-velocity air stream for very targeted drying and blow-off; and low-flow air knives that produce a uniform, high-velocity air flow across the entire length of the knife and are used in small areas where the knives can be positioned close to the target.
Another option presented in the paper is the use of air knife packages that use regenerative blower air to eliminate the need for compressed air completely. Package components are reviewed along with specification guidelines. The paper also addresses the benefits air knife packages bring to many operations including oil-free, heated air, high velocity and large coverage area.
The paper, titled "How to Reduce Compressed Air Consumption in Drying and Blow-Off Applications," is available at www.spray.com/savewaterandair or upon request from the company.
