Airknives improve efficiency of stone cutting and handling14 October 2010

Marshalls Natural Stone is reporting success with a new process that removes water from natural stone after cutting – using blower powered air knives.

Maintenance manager Andy Reed, who looks after its Howley Park processing plant, explains that industrial cutting of paving slabs requires a water deluge to cool the diamond blade, clean the cut and reduce dust. However, handling and secondary processing demand that the water is removed.

The plant installed 700mm long air knives are powered by EV fans, from Air Control Industries (ACI) of Axminster, to replace manual operations involving squeegees.

Reed says they not only save time, but also ensure effective water removal – meaning less maintenance on vacuum lifting systems (such as frequent emptying of the reservoirs on the vacuum pumps).

"The air knives are extremely effective," comments Reed. "After discovering ACI's air knives online, I contacted the company and trialled one to prove their effectiveness. We now have two installed at Howley Park and are looking to install further units on other natural stone processing sites."

Brian Wall

Related Companies
Air Control Industries Ltd

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