Description
Table of Contents
What is an Air Wipe?
Streamtek Air Wipes provide a uniform 360º airflow that is ideal for blow off, cleaning, drying, and cooling of extruded shapes, hoses, pipes, cables, wires and more. They are powered entirely by compressed air making them reliable and maintenance free. Our Air Wipes utilize the Coanda Effect to amplify airflow 30 times, making them very efficient and effective. Their unique split design makes it easy to clamp around any profile.
What types of Air Wipes do we carry?
Regular Air Wipes are best suited for applications in non-corrosive environments where temperatures do not exceed 150°F (66°C). They are constructed using a PVC air hose, aluminum body, stainless steel screws, and stainless steel shims.
Hi-Temp Air Wipes are ideal for corrosive environments and high temperatures (up to 800°F – 427°C). They are constructed using a stainless steel braided hose, stainless steel body, stainless steel screws, and stainless steel shims.
Regular Air Wipe |
Hi-Temp Air Wipe |
|
Material |
Aluminum |
Stainless Steel |
Temperature |
Up to 150°F |
Up to 800°F |
Air consumption (SCFM @ 80PSIG) |
13-84 |
13-84 |
Sizes available |
1⁄2″ – 6″ |
1⁄2″ – 6″ |
Hose Material |
PVC |
Braided Stainless Steel |
Corrosion Resistance |
Low |
High |
How does an Air Wipe work?
- Compressed air flows through a standard 1/4″ NPTF inlet and into an annual chamber.
- The compressed air is then throttled through a small ring nozzle at high velocity.
- The airstream clings to the ‘coanda’ profile and is angled to create a “cone” of air to wipe, dry and clean a surface.
- The surrounding air is entrained, creating a high volume flow of air into the primary airstream.
- The wet and/or direct material should travel against the flow.
Air Wipe Specifications
Air Wipes are available in seven standard IN-STOCK diameters (I.D.): 1/2″ (13mm), 1″ (25 mm), 2″ (51 mm), 3″ (76 mm), 4″ (102 mm), 5″ (127 mm) and 6″ (152 mm). We can manufacture larger diameters upon special request.
Materials:
The Hi-Temp Stainless Steel Air Wipe features a stainless steel body, stainless steel shims, stainless steel fittings, and a stainless steel braided hose connecting the twin pieces. While the Aluminum Air Wipe features an aluminum body, stainless steel shims, brass fittings, and a rubber hose connecting the twin pieces.
Mounting:
There are multiple 1⁄4”-20 mounting holes on the bottom face of the Air Wipe. Refer to the Dimensions tab for location of mounting holes. Rigid compressed air supply pipes can also support the Air Wipe.
Shims:
All Air Wipes come pre-installed with a .002″ (.05 mm) stainless steel shim. Both force and air flow can be increased by adding additional shims to open the gap to .004″ (.10 mm) or more. The amplified air exhausts through a slit which is set by the shim resting between the body and cap.
Compressed Air Inlet(s):
Streamtek Air Wipes feature two 1/4″ NPTF compressed air inlets; one on each side. A hose is supplied to distribute the compressed air to each half of the Air Wipe. For special order large diameters (9″ – 229 mm and above), each half must be supplied with its own compressed air to ensure a uniform airflow.
Air Filtration:
It is imperative that clean compressed air is used. We recommend using a Streamtek 5 Micron Auto Drain Filter to remove dirt and moisture. Visit our Accessories section for air filters.
Pressure Regulation:
Installing a pressure regulator in-line with the compressed air supply will provide infinite control of air consumption, force and flow. Our Deluxe Air WipeKits include an Air Filter and a Pressure Regulator that is properly sized relative to the chosen Air Wipe diameter.
Air Wipe Applications
- Dry tube, wire, hose, fiber
- Remove excess water & oil
- Uniformly wipe surfaces
- Cool hot extruded shapes
- Clean paint gun tips
- Dry after wash, cleaning, plating, or coating
- Blow off dust & contaminants
- Eliminate solution carryover
- Dry extruded profiles
- Dry rod and medical tubing
Streamtek products use innovative compressed air technologies to improve productivity, increase equipment efficiency and deliver enclosure and spot cooling, conveying, and blow-off. If you don’t find a solution and/or idea for your application, or if you want additional details, call our factory at 1-705-770-4455 or email an Application Engineer at support@stream-tek.com.