Many applications of compressed air are in-efficient and wasteful

A new version of this article was first published on silvent.com

It is common that companies choose to install open pipes or open air guns for blowing and compressed air applications.  They are usually very simple and functional, but often an in-efficient solution.  Sometimes, even nozzles designed for liquids are used in an attempt to optimise compressed air usage in many differing scenarios.

But, in most cases, liquid nozzles have the opposite effect on compressed air efficiency because they use a different technique for efficient liquid spray, which does not correspond to the utilisation of compressed air. When blowing with compressed air it is important to use air nozzles with a special blowing technique developed for compressed air blowing.  

With blowing applications, it is important to think of the following four parameters to reach the best possible blowing effect:  

• Blowing force  
• Blowing pattern  
• Blowing distance  
• Blowing angle  

If these are considered, it is possible to save 35% of compressed air.    

Open pipes can be costly

Using an open pipe for blowing with compressed air may seem like a cheap and functional solution, but it can become costly fast. With our experience, from a lot of blowing applications at our customers, we conclude that 96 percent of “open pipe” solutions are over dimensioned. Over dimensioned open pipe blowing results in high energy usage, and more cost than necessary for the company. 

When choosing an air nozzle, or safety blow gun, consider how they can help noise reduction in manufacturing processes, eliminate dangers of compressed air usage, increase operator productivity and ultimately reduce energy usage on the whole.

Find out more about blowing with compressed air nozzles