So when we look at the claims made by blower & airknife manufactures (low pressure). Their claims are much more realistic! In most cases you can replace compressed air powered airknives with blower powered versions. And this can be done at a significant cost saving. In many cases up to 80% reduction in the cost for the power to drive the airknives. In these cases you could see a payback on the capital cost of the blower powered systems in as little as 3-4 months! And you continue to reap the cost saving for many years to come. What they fail to mention and recognize is that in some case, not many, compressed air may be the best alternative!
Let’s start with a little truth in advertising. Here are the claims made by manufactures the two major types of airknives: (compressed air powered & low pressure air / blower powered).
Airknives date back to the late 1800 where they were used to separate chaff from grain. Obviously they have come a long way since then and the applications are endless! There are two types we focus on for industrial applications. High pressure and low pressure airknives. The high pressure airknives are typically powered by compressed air which is the most expensive way to power an airknife. Plant compressed air in many industries cost more than all other utilities combined, this is why it is important to focus on the “BEST AIR PRACTICES” to lower a company’s operating cost.
