Air amplifiers are effective devices used to convey smoke, fumes, and lightweight materials and aim to move a high volume of air for cooling, drying, and blow-off applications. They are also inexpensive and maintenance-free, because of which they are highly favored. They operate by using the Coanda effect, in which a small amount of compressed air entrains a large amount of surrounding air. This effect amplifies the air by seventeen times the airflow or more and reduces the noise levels. This amplification effect differentiates an amplifier from a simple air nozzle.
Air amplifiers, also known as air movers, that move the air from the backside and even downstream are excellent amplifiers offering great flow. As the diameter increases, the force or the blow-off reduces, but they are still considered far better than air nozzles in terms of cooling. The air is entrained from the back, and it can be used for venting applications as well.
How Does an Air Amplifier Work?
Air amplifiers effectively boost up the existing plant air pressures. They consist of a spool valve that operates as a 4-way directional control valve. When plant air is supplied to this spool valve, it will automatically move back and forth. Then the air supplied to the spool valve is directed alternately as the spool cycles towards the main air drive piston located in the air drive cylinder. This results in the piston moving back and forth within the pressure multiplier.
The air intensifiers contain a high-pressure section in which usually the air to be pressurized is stored. The air will then pass into the intensifier’s pressure chamber with the help of the inlet check valves present on the suction stroke. Then the air is compressed out of the chamber on a discharged stroke using an outlet check valve. The reciprocating movements in the air drive section are connected to the high-pressure section that positively displaces air with the help of the inlet and outlet check valves.
Why Should You Choose Air Amplifiers?
Air amplifiers do not consist of moving parts, which means no maintenance is needed while operating them. Electricity is not required, and flow and vacuum velocity are easy to control. You can quickly increase the outlet’s airflow by opening the air gap. The supply of air can be regulated accordingly to minimize the airflow.
You can deduct both the vacuum and discharge ends at the end, making them perfect for drawing fresh air out from a separate location or quickly moving fumes and smokes away.
Applications of Air Amplifiers
- Air amplifiers help vent welding smoke.
- They are used to cool hot parts and dry wet parts.
- Amplifiers can be used to clean machine parts.
- They are effectively used for distributing heat in molds or ovens.
- Air amplifiers are used a lot in ventilating confined areas.
- They can be used to collect dust.
- Amplifiers can exhaust tank fumes.
Benefits of Air Amplifiers
- Compared to fans, air amplifiers are compact, lightweight, and portable.
- No electricity is required, which makes them very convenient.
- They do not have any moving parts, so no maintenance is needed..
- They can be immediately turned on and off.
- There is no RF interference.
- Air amplifiers have variable force and flow.
- Compared to venturis and ejectors, air amplifiers have more air with lower compressed air consumption.
- They have higher flow amplification and no internal obstructions.
