Automatic Gates optimize dust and fume extraction.

Press Release Summary:




Featuring operator-proof design, AutoAire(TM) Cut-Off Gates automatically open needed duct branches when machine is turned on, while closing off inactive branches and machines. This fully utilizes pick-up power of collection system by applying as much vacuum as possible, only when and where needed, allowing smaller fan to handle system with many branches. Gates ranging from 3-9 in. in diameter use 1 air cylinder, while gates 10 in. and above use 2.



Original Press Release:



New Automatic Gates Save Energy on Dust/Fume Extraction



New AutoAire(TM) gate saves energy and equipment costs for dust/fume extraction - allows smaller collection system to serve only machines or groups of machines used intermittently

"Operator-proof" design ensures positive opening and closing when machines turned on/off. Isolates inactive machines and maximizes pick-up on machines in use.

March 2008-K&B Duct's new AutoAire(TM) cut-off gate is a double win in energy and equipment-cost savings for any shop with a central collection system for dust, fumes or mists serving intermittently operated machines. The AutoAire gate automatically opens needed duct branches when a machine is turned on, while closing off inactive branches and machines. This fully utilizes the pick-up power of a collection system by applying as much vacuum as possible, only when and where needed, allowing a smaller fan - with smaller energy bill - to handle a system with many branches. AutoAire gates often "conserve" capital equipment costs, too. They allow sizing of the collector system based on the true usage, rather than the total requirement. This can significantly reduce the size and cost of the system. AutoAir gates may also eliminate the need to purchase a larger collection unit as a plant adds branches to a duct system over time.

AutoAir gates are easily installed in the air-handling ductwork. Wiring is simple: a single wire connected to a machine, such as a saw, can control one or more gates as it is turned on/off. No special control is needed. In large collection systems using a VFD fan (variable frequency drive), the gates can be used to minimize fan speed - and power requirement - in proportion to the number of open gates in the duct system.

Using 75-psi air via 0.25" tubing, the cylinder on each gate fully opens or closes the gate in response to a dust/fume "source" being turned on or off. This eliminates problems that occur with manual gates when employees don't close them or damage them.

AutoAire gates come in various sizes. Gates 3" to 9" in diameter use one air cylinder. Gates 10" and above use two. The switching solenoid for the compressed air can be activated by 12V, 24V, or 120V AC/DC.

For additional information, contact Steve McDaniel at K&B Duct, toll-free/ 866-562-3828 or smcdaniel@kirkblum.com.

Technical Contact
Steve McDaniel
K&B Duct
8735 W. Market St.
Greensboro, NC 27409
Tel: 336-668-3773
toll-free 866-520-3875
smcdaniel@kirkblum.com

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