One of the most satisfying challenges to Spooner as designers of air flotation dryers / ovens / air coolers is to provide customers with systems optimised to their specific industrial process, such as drying coatings on delicate film substrates or cooling automotive grade galvanised steel. Spooner designs bespoke equipment to meet the individual requirements of each process.

So, when Spooner were approached to see if our nozzle system could be adapted to convey aluminium, at a significantly increased nozzle-to-nozzle gap, we rose to the challenge.

Working with the client we managed to increase the gap between our SuperMax nozzles on our test line to a massive 150mm, whilst still maintaining full control of the strip during drying, curing and cooling operations. Known within the industry as a particularly difficult design challenge, Spooner was successful in been able to handle issues with joints, crossbow or wavy edges with dramatic reduction in the risk of producing scrap material.

Not only does this solution give ample clearance for aluminium, but also opens up some exciting new possibilities for this technology in transporting resin impregnated non-woven substrates, heavier metal strips (aluminium / steel) and products with longer drying / curing times. The wider clearance also allows easier integration of additional processes such as lamination.

This is just one of the many ways Spooner is leading the way in Air Flotation technology

Spooner’s range of specialised flotation nozzles allows for the process of a truly impressive variety of products including 9 µm thick films, teabag paper complete with holes, continuous tubes of collagen food casings, 15m wide paper substrates and galvanized steel strip up to 7mm thick (vertical).

If you want to find out more about our Metal Strip Processing Equipment or Heat Recovery Systems, get in touch here or call +44 (0)1943 609 505.

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