Airknife Drying System Achieves Rapid Payback for Corus

The new blower-powered Airknife moisture removal system installed on the five-stand mill at the Corus Trostre Works, Llanelli must be considered a genuine success because it both saves money and helps to ensure quality.

Prior to the installation of the AirKnive system, compressed air delivered through 66 nozzles was used to remove surface moisture from steel strip as it exited the mill. This was an expensive process and one of variable performance.

The 66 nozzles delivered a total of 1748 scfm at 5Bar. This equates to more than 7HP/5kW per nozzle making a total in excess of 345kW with an annual running cost for a 48 week/year of approximately £75,000.

By comparison, the Airknife system, supplied by ACI, uses just 60kW yet achieves more efficient moisture removal. The result, payback was achieved in just 21 weeks.

“Whilst the compressed air supply was subject to other demands, the blower-powered Airknives deliver the correct air output – constantly” said Paul Millet, Senior Development Engineer. “Air delivered by the Airknives also has the benefit of being heated by the blowers, as a result of air compression, making it a more effective drying agent.”