11510 Goldcoast Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45249-1621
Phone (513) 671-3322 FAX (513) 671-3363 www.exair.com
Super Air Knife™
Quiet, hard-hitting curtain of air for blowoff, cleaning, drying and cooling.
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The Super Air Knife (above) is shown with optional shim set, filter separator and pressure regulator.
How EXAIR Super Air Knives Work
Compressed air flows through an inlet (1) into the plenum chamber of the Super Air Knife. The flow is directed to a precise, slotted orifice. As the primary airflow exits the thin slotted nozzle (2), it follows a flat surface that directs the airflow in a perfectly straight line. This creates a uniform sheet of air across the entire length of the Super Air Knife. Velocity loss is minimized and force is maximized as the room air (3) is entrained into the primary airstream at a ratio of 40:1. The result is a well defined sheet of laminar airflow with hard-hitting force and minimal wind shear.
What is The Super Air Knife?
EXAIR's Super Air Knife is the latest generation of air knife that dramatically reduces compressed air usage and noise when compared to other blowoffs. The Super Air Knife offers a more efficient way to clean, dry or cool parts, webs or conveyors. It delivers a uniform sheet of laminar airflow across the entire length with hard-hitting force.
Noisy blowoffs become a whisper when replaced with the compact Super Air Knife. Even at high pressures of 80 PSIG (5.5 BAR), the sound level is surprisingly quiet at 69 dBA for most applications! Amplification ratios (entrained air to compressed air) of 40:1 are produced. Meets OSHA maximum dead-ended pressure and noise requirements.
The laminar airflow of the Super Air Knife is perfect for removing moisture prior to packaging, painting, labeling, bar coding and assembly. Common applications include drying parts, rolled steel, circuit boards, webs, bottles, cans and more. Velocity is easily adjusted from a "blast" to a "breeze" with a pressure regulator.
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Bottles exiting a washer are blown dry by (2) Model W110012 12" (305mm) Super Air Knives prior to labeling. |
A Model W110024SS 24" (610mm) Stainless Steel Super Air Knife dries decorative bolt covers after exiting an electro-polishing tank. |
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Axle hubs are dried using (3) Super Air Knives (one vertically on each side of the hub and one across the top).
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The Super Air Knife is ideal for blowing off chips, dirt or water from parts, webs or conveyors. It delivers a uniform sheet of air that has the same force across the entire length. There are no interruptions or "dead spots" which mean all surfaces are dried or cleaned. The Super Air Knife is available in aluminum or stainless steel for corrosive and high temperature applications.
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(5) Model W110003 3" (76mm) Super Air Knives blow chips off the fixture, tools and ways on this boring operation.
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(3) Model W110012 12" (305mm) Super Air Knives blow excess honing oil off machined engine sleeves.
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High volume airflow from a Model W110006 6" (152mm) Super Air Knife keeps linear induction motors on an indoor roller coaster from overheating.
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| Great volumes of airflow can be generated in very tight spaces due to the compact size of the Super Air Knife. Flow and force are easily controlled with a pressure regulator, allowing fast or gradual cooling. Shims can be installed if additional hard-hitting velocity is required. | |
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A Model 110006 6" (152mm) Super Air Knife opens pouches on a form-fill-seal-bagger. |
| The uniform airflow exits the Super Air Knife in a perfectly straight line (does not deflect). It is ideal for opening bags and pouches, floating webs, and keeping environments separate. | |
Intelligent Compressed Air® Use
Almost every industrial facility has at least one compressor that is used for hundreds of different tools, equipment and operations. While most applications for compressed air present no real problems, some do. Improper use can translate into unnecessary energy costs, high noise levels and dangerous exposure of personnel to high pressure air.
Super Air Knife Accessories
More on EXAIR's Universal Air Knife Mounting System and Plumbing Kit.
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. 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.
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Check out our new Universal Air Knife Mounting System Video!
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Universal Air Knife Plumbing Kit
Super Air Knives that are 24" (610mm) to 42" (1067mm)
long must be supplied with compressed air at both ends
to maintain uniform airflow across the length. When
lengths exceed 42" (1067mm), the compressed air must be
supplied at both ends and the center. The new Universal
Air Knife Plumbing Kit provides properly sized Nitrile/PVC
compressed air hose and brass fittings to interconnect the bottom or end compressed air inlets for best
performance. A pressure gauge to monitor pressure at the
Super Air Knife is included. The inlet is 1/2" NPT.
More>>
Reduce Energy Costs
The best way to cut energy costs is through proper maintenance and use of the compressed air system. Leaks and dirty filters require maintenance on a regular basis. Energy savings can also be realized when replacing outdated motors and controls with high efficiency models that often pay for themselves in a short period of time. The most important factor to dramatically boost efficiency is proper use. The Super Air Knife uses only 1/3 of the compressed air of typical blowoffs used in cleaning, cooling and drying operations and can be instantly cycled on and off.
Reduce Noise Levels
High noise level is a common problem for many plants. Compressed air noise often exceeds OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) noise level exposure requirements, resulting in hearing loss to those working in close proximity. The sound level of the Super Air Knife is quiet at 69 dBA, even at high pressures of 80 PSIG (5.5 BAR). Using the Super Air Knife, it is possible to obtain hard-hitting force without the high noise.
| Hours per day (constant noise) | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0.5 |
| Sound level dBA | 90 | 91 | 95 | 97 | 100 | 105 | 110 |
| OSHA standard 29 CFR - 1910.95(a) | |||||||
Eliminate Harmful Dead Ended Pressures
Air can be dangerous when the outlet pressure of a hole, hose or copper tube is higher then 30 PSIG (2 BAR). In the event the opening is blocked by a hand or other body part, air may enter the bloodstream through the skin, resulting in serious or fatal injury. The Super Air Knife has been engineered for safety and cannot be dead ended. It is safe to operate at higher pressures.
Replacement For Expensive, Noisy Blowers
Energy conscious plants might think a blower to be a better choice due to its slightly lower electrical consumption compared to a compressor. In reality, a blower is an expensive capital expenditure that requires frequent downtime and costly maintenance of bearings, belts and filters. Here are some important facts:
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Blowers take up a lot of space and often produce sound levels that exceed OSHA’s 90 dBA noise level exposure requirements.
Compare Blowoffs
See how EXAIR's Super Air Knife compares to a blower, flat air nozzles and drilled pipe.
Compare These Blowoffs
(2) Model W110012 12" (305mm) Super Air Knives blow water off bottles prior to labeling.
There are a variety of ways to blow the water from the bottles shown in the photo, but which method is best? The following comparison of drilled pipe, flat air nozzles, a blower and the Super Air Knife proves that EXAIR has the best choice for your blowoff, cooling or drying application.
Our goal for each of the blowoff choices was to use the least amount of air possible to get the job done (lowest energy and noise level). Compressed air pressure required for each was 60 PSIG (4.1 BAR) which provided adequate velocity to blow the water off. The blower used had a ten horsepower electric motor and was a centrifugal type blower at 18,000 RPM. The table below summarizes the overall performance. Since your actual part may have an odd configuration, holes or sharp edges, we took sound level measurements in free air (no impinging surface).
Drilled Pipe
This common blowoff is very inexpensive and easy to make. For this test, we used (2) drilled pipes, each with (25) 1/16" (1.6mm) diameter holes on 1/2" (13mm) centers. As shown in the test results below, the drilled pipe performed poorly. The initial cost of the drilled pipe is overshadowed by its high energy use. The holes are easily blocked and the noise level is excessive - both of which violate OSHA requirements. Velocity across the entire length was very inconsistent with spikes of air and numerous dead spots.
Flat Air Nozzles
As shown below, this inexpensive air nozzle was the worst performer. It is available in plastic, aluminum and stainless steel from several manufacturers. The flat air nozzle provides some entrainment, but suffers from many of the same problems as the drilled pipe. Operating cost and noise level are both high. Some manufacturers offer flat air nozzles where the holes can be blocked - an OSHA violation. Velocity was inconsistent with spikes of air.
Blower Air Knife
The blower proved to be an expensive, noisy option. As noted below, the purchase price is high. Operating cost was considerably lower than the drilled pipe and flat air nozzle, but was comparable to EXAIR’s Super Air Knife. The large blower with its two 3" (76mm) diameter hoses requires significant mounting space compared to the others. Noise level was high at 90 dBA. There was no option for cycling it on and off to conserve energy like the other blowoffs. Costly bearing and filter maintenance along with downtime were also negative factors.
EXAIR Super Air Knife
The Super Air Knife did an exceptional job of removing the moisture on one pass due to the uniformity of the laminar airflow. The sound level was extremely low. For this application, energy use was slightly higher than the blower but can be less than the blower if cycling on and off is possible. Safe operation is not an issue since the Super Air Knife cannot be dead-ended. Maintenance costs are low since there are no moving parts to wear out.
| Type of Blowoff | Pressure Supply |
Comp. Air |
HP Req. |
Sound Level dBA |
Purchase Price |
Annual Electrical Cost* |
Approx. Annual Maintenance Cost |
First Year Cost |
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| PSIG | BAR | SCFM | SLPM | |||||||
| Drilled Pipe | 60 | 4.1 | 174 | 4,924 | 35 | 91 | $50 | $4,508 | $920 | $5,478 |
| Flat Air Nozzles | 60 | 4.1 | 257 | 7,273 | 51 | 102 | $168 | $6,569 | $1,450 | $8,187 |
| Blower Air Knife | 3 | 0.2 | N/A | N/A | 10 | 90 | $5,500 | $1,288 | $1,500 | $8,288 |
| Super Air Knife | 60 | 4.1 | 55 | 1,557 | 11 | 69 | $452 | $1,417 | $300 | $2,169 |
| Pressure Supply | Air Consumption Per Inch (25mm) |
Velocity @ 6" (152mm) from target |
Sound Level @ 3' (914mm) |
Force per Inch (25mm) @ 6" (152mm) from target |
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| PSIG | BAR | SCFM | SLPM | FPM | M/S | dBA | Ounces | Grams |
| 20 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 31 | 5,000 | 25.4 | 57 | 0.6 | 17 |
| 40 | 2.8 | 1.7 | 48 | 7,000 | 35.6 | 61 | 1.1 | 31 |
| 60 | 4.1 | 2.3 | 65 | 9,600 | 48.8 | 65 | 1.8 | 51 |
| 80 | 5.5 | 2.9 | 82 | 11,800 | 59.9 | 69 | 2.5 | 71 |
| 100 | 6.9 | 3.5 | 99 | 13,500 | 68.5 | 72 | 3.2 | 91 |
with .002" (.05mm) thick shim installed. 12" (305mm) Super Air Knife tested.
Super Air Knife Dimensions
Compare EXAIR's Aluminum Super Air Knife dimensions and the Stainless Steel Super Air Knife dimensions.
1-800-903-9247 or e-mail techelp@exair.com
| Model | Description | Price |
| W110003 | 3" (76mm) Aluminum Super Air Knife | $155.00 |
| W110006 | 6" (152mm) Aluminum Super Air Knife | $180.00 |
| W110009 | 9" (229mm) Aluminum Super Air Knife | $220.00 |
| W110012 | 12" (305mm) Aluminum Super Air Knife | $240.00 |
| W110018 | 18" (457mm) Aluminum Super Air Knife | $300.00 |
| W110024 | 24" (610mm) Aluminum Super Air Knife | $360.00 |
| W110030 | 30" (762mm) Aluminum Super Air Knife | $435.00 |
| W110036 | 36" (914mm) Aluminum Super Air Knife | $535.00 |
| W110042 | 42" (1067mm) Aluminum Super Air Knife | $640.00 |
| W110048 | 48" (1219mm) Aluminum Super Air Knife | $745.00 |
| W110054 | 54" (1372mm) Aluminum Super Air Knife | $855.00 |
| Model | Description | Price |
| W110303 | 3" (76mm) Aluminum Super Air Knife Shim Set | $9.80 |
| W110306 | 6" (152mm) Alum. Super Air Knife Shim Set | $11.70 |
| W110309 | 9" (229mm) Alum. Super Air Knife Shim Set | $12.70 |
| W110312 | 12" (305mm) Alum. Super Air Knife Shim Set | $14.30 |
| W110318 | 18" (457mm) Alum. Super Air Knife Shim Set | $17.40 |
| W110324 | 24" (610mm) Alum. Super Air Knife Shim Set | $19.80 |
| W110330 | 30" (762mm) Alum. Super Air Knife Shim Set | $22.40 |
| W110336 | 36" (914mm) Alum. Super Air Knife Shim Set | $25.70 |
| W110342 | 42" (1067mm) Alum. Super Air Knife Shim Set | $30.50 |
| W110348 | 48" (1219mm) Alum. Super Air Knife Shim Set | $34.80 |
| W110354 | 54" (1372mm) Alum. Super Air Knife Shim Set | $39.90 |
| Model | Description | Price |
| W110003SS | 3" (76mm) Stainless Steel Super Air Knife | $250.00 |
| W110006SS | 6" (152mm) Stainless Steel Super Air Knife | $315.00 |
| W110009SS | 9" (229mm) Stainless Steel Super Air Knife | $425.00 |
| W110012SS | 12" (305mm) Stainless Steel Super Air Knife | $455.00 |
| W110018SS | 18" (457mm) Stainless Steel Super Air Knife | $560.00 |
| W110024SS | 24" (610mm) Stainless Steel Super Air Knife | $695.00 |
| W110030SS | 30" (762mm) Stainless Steel Super Air Knife | $840.00 |
| W110036SS | 36" (914mm) Stainless Steel Super Air Knife | $995.00 |
| W110042SS | 42" (1067mm) Stainless Steel Super Air Knife | $1200.00 |
| W110048SS | 48" (1219mm) Stainless Steel Super Air Knife | $1425.00 |
| W110054SS | 54" (1372mm) Stainless Steel Super Air Knife | $1670.00 |
| Model | Description | Price |
| W110303SS | 3" (76mm) St. Steel Super Air Knife Shim Set | $36.30 |
| W110306SS | 6" (152mm) St. Steel Super Air Knife Shim Set | $39.60 |
| W110309SS | 9" (229mm) St. Steel Super Air Knife Shim Set | $45.50 |
| W110312SS | 12" (305mm) St. Steel Super Air Knife Shim Set | $51.20 |
| W110318SS | 18" (457mm) St. Steel Super Air Knife Shim Set | $62.70 |
| W110324SS | 24" (610mm) St. Steel Super Air Knife Shim Set | $74.40 |
| W110330SS | 30" (762mm) St. Steel Super Air Knife Shim Set | $85.80 |
| W110336SS | 36" (914mm) St. Steel Super Air Knife Shim Set | $104.00 |
| W110342SS | 42" (1067mm) St. St. Super Air Knife Shim Set | $112.30 |
| W110348SS | 48" (1219mm) St. St. Super Air Knife Shim Set | $118.80 |
| W110354SS | 54" (1372mm) St. St. Super Air Knife Shim Set | $129.00 |
| Model | Description | Price |
| W110003SS-316 | 3" (76mm) 316 Stainless Steel Super Air Knife | $375.00 |
| W110006SS-316 | 6" (152mm) 316 St. Steel Super Air Knife | $472.50 |
| W110009SS-316 | 9" (229mm) 316 St. Steel Super Air Knife | $637.50 |
| W110012SS-316 | 12" (305mm) 316 St. Steel Super Air Knife | $682.50 |
| W110018SS-316 | 18" (457mm) 316 St. Steel Super Air Knife | $840.00 |
| W110024SS-316 | 24" (610mm) 316 St. Steel Super Air Knife | $1042.50 |
| W110030SS-316 | 30" (762mm) 316 St. Steel Super Air Knife | $1260.00 |
| W110036SS-316 | 36" (914mm) 316 St. Steel Super Air Knife | $1492.50 |
| W110042SS-316 | 42" (1067mm) 316 St. Steel Super Air Knife | $1800.00 |
| W110048SS-316 | 48" (1219mm) 316 St. Steel Super Air Knife | $2137.50 |
| W110054SS-316 | 54" (1372mm) 316 St. Steel Super Air Knife | $2505.00 |
| Model | Description | Price |
| W110303SS-316 | 3" (76mm) 316 SS Super Air Knife Shim Set | $54.60 |
| W110306SS-316 | 6" (152mm) 316 SS Super Air Knife Shim Set | $59.40 |
| W110309SS-316 | 9" (229mm) 316 SS Super Air Knife Shim Set | $68.30 |
| W110312SS-316 | 12" (305mm) 316 SS Super Air Knife Shim Set | $76.80 |
| W110318SS-316 | 18" (457mm) 316 SS Super Air Knife Shim Set | $94.10 |
| W110324SS-316 | 24" (610mm) 316 SS Super Air Knife Shim Set | $111.60 |
| W110330SS-316 | 30" (762mm) 316 SS Super Air Knife Shim Set | $128.70 |
| W110336SS-316 | 36" (914mm) 316 SS Super Air Knife Shim Set | $156.00 |
| W110342SS-316 | 42" (1067mm) 316 SS Super Air Knife Shim Set | $168.40 |
| W110348SS-316 | 48" (1219mm) 316 SS Super Air Knife Shim Set | $178.30 |
| W110354SS-316 | 54" (1372mm) 316 SS Super Air Knife Shim Set | $193.50 |
1-800-903-9247 or e-mail techelp@exair.com
Order any EXAIR Super Air Knife by December 31, 2008 and we will include a FREE Model 1210 Soft Grip Safety Air Gun. A $65.00 value Free. Offer good for US and Canadian customers only.
All of EXAIR's Super Air Knives meet or exceed OSHA requirements.
EXAIR products are designed to improve the overall efficiency of your operations.
5 Year "Built To Last" Warranty against defects in workmanship and materials on all compressed air products. Defective products must be returned freight prepaid for repair or replacement at our option. This warranty applies under conditions of normal use, but does not apply to defects that result from intentional damage, negligence, unreasonable use or exposure.
Order now by calling
1-800-903-9247
We ship from stock!
Terms: Net 30 days upon credit approval
F.O.B.: Cincinnati, OH
All cataloged products are shipped from stock, via U.P.S. within 24 hours after receipt of order. Priority shipment is available upon request.
