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Air blow gun Pro One used in industry

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Safety air blow guns for safe blowing clean with compressed air in the manufacturing industry

Manual blowing with compressed air is commonly used in industry e.g. for cleaning, drying or cooling objects.

Three advantages with Silvent’s safety air blow guns when blowing with compressed air

When selecting a safety air blow gun, it’s important to be aware of the risks of manual blowing with compressed air. Silvent’s air blow guns combine safety, low sound levels and efficient blowing.

 

Safe blowing with compressed air

Blowing with compressed air can be dangerous and injurious if work is not handled professionally. In the USA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established regulations that govern the use of air blow guns. This is because the majority of air blow guns on the market are dangerous, due to the high static pressure when they are blocked. Should an operator accidentally block the air blow gun orifice, it’s important that the pressure not exceed 30 psi, according to OSHA. If the static pressure exceeds 30 psi, the air blow gun does not meet OSHA’s safety standards. Should the operator accidentally block the orifice with any body part and the static pressure exceeds 30 psi, there is a risk that the compressed air will penetrate the skin or enter the bloodstream. Air in the bloodstream, a.k.a. air embolism, can cause serious injuries and there are also occurrences that have resulted in fatalities.

Installing an air blow gun that meets OSHA’s safety standards means improved safety and a better work environment for operators. To minimize the risk of air embolisms, Silvent’s nozzle is designed such that it cannot be totally blocked.

 

Quiet blowing with compressed air

Blowing with compressed air often causes high sound levels, and these are harmful for people working close to the sound source. Hearing damage and hearing loss often emerge gradually, which makes it difficult to be certain about the cause of the damage. There is a law in Switzerland governing which air blow guns may be used in industry. The Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund (SUVA) is behind the law. To be approved by SUVA, the sound level must be below 85 dB(A). Tests are performed by SUVA, and every product that meets its standards is certified. There are also laws in most other countries concerning exposure to maximum sound levels.

Thanks to Silvent technology, its safety air blow guns combine quietness with efficient blowing with compressed air. Products that are approved under SUVA are clearly labeled on the product pages. Certificates for the products concerned are also available for download.

 

Efficient blowing with compressed air

To enable efficient blowing with compressed air, it’s important to make proper use of the compressed air and minimize turbulence. To do this, the air blow gun or air pipe must be fitted with an air nozzle.

Silvent’s air nozzles are designed to provide uniform, smooth and straight air jets that minimize turbulence and maximize blowing force by using what is often referred to as a laminar air jet. The laminar air jet makes use of the surrounding air and reduces energy loss due to turbulence. This allows the optimal use of compressed air.

Compressed air safety – OSHA compliance

Safety air blow guns for different industries and tasks

There are many different types of safety air blow guns developed to facilitate work for operators in industry. Silvent’s safety air blow guns are therefore made in six different series suitable for various tasks.

Triggers customized to suit the user

Silvent's 500 series safety air blow guns provide the user with the choice of a long, conventional trigger or a short one. The short trigger is designed to provide good grip when manipulated with one or two fingers. The unique design provides an ergonomic grip, also suitable for smaller hands.
Silvent air blow gun 500 with a short trigger.

Top connection for improved safety and ergonomics

To provide for more ergonomic movement, the Silvent 007 series has connections on the top and bottom. Air blow guns are frequently connected from below, but for better ergonomics and safety it's often better to connect them from the top. An air blow gun connected from the top reduces the risk of the operator tripping over the hose, and top connection often allows for more ergonomic movement. All of the safety air blow guns in the 007 series can be connected from the top or bottom depending on operator choice.

Silvent air blow gun 007 with top connection.

High blowing force for demanding applications

Some applications demand higher blowing force than a conventional air blow gun can provide. It’s common for companies to design their own solution, which is often a blowing pipe fitted with a ball valve. Because this type of solution is seldom fitted with a dead man’s grip, it constitutes a safety risk for the operator and people working nearby. The dead man’s grip makes sure the compressed air flow is shut off if the operator drops the grip, which is especially important when using high blowing forces as there is a greater risk of injury. To improve safety, Silvent has created safety air blow guns with high blowing force fitted with dead man’s grips. The safety air blow guns are available in several different models ranging from twice as strong to 30 times stronger than a regular air blow gun. This type of safety air blow gun is used in e.g. the paper, concrete and steel industries.

 

 

Air blow gun grip with two blowing force modes

There are also applications that require less blowing force. In this case, it’s both difficult and costly to use more compressed air than necessary. To enable adjustable blowing force, Silvent has created a safety air blow gun, the 007 series, with a so-called stealth mode. In most cases, stealth mode has sufficient blowing force to perform the work, enabling energy savings and sound level reductions. When more blowing force is required, the second, more powerful blowing mode is available. This allows the operator to regulate blowing force depending on the task, thereby saving energy and improving the sound environment, in contrast to a conventional air blow gun that usually only has one blowing force.

 

Safety air blow guns with ‘soft’ nozzles that do not scratch

When blowing clean sensitive products that must not be scratched, it’s best to use a safety air blow gun with a ‘soft’ air nozzle that does not scratch. The air nozzles are made from soft materials such as PEEK or EPDM and reduce the risk of scratching products. Nozzles that do not scratch can be ordered for most of Silvent’s safety air blow gun series. In some safety air blow guns, the air nozzles are also fitted to flexible blowing pipes, which means any forces applied by striking the surface are minimized.

Regular air blow gun vs. Silvent air blow gun

Safety air blow guns with accessories for improved safety

Blowing with compressed air can involve safety risks if we are not aware of the dangers and do not work in a professional manner. We have a number of air blow gun accessories that improve operator safety and reduce the risk of injury.

Safety air blow guns with extended blowing pipes increase the safety distance

Safety air blow guns can be fitted with extended blowing pipes that make it easier to reach blown areas from a greater distance. Safety air blow guns with extension pipes can be useful when e.g. operators must remain within a safe area or reach further into machinery without exposing themselves to danger. There are also a number of other benefits related to the work environment. A longer blowing pipe often provides the operator with a better two-hand grip and a more ergonomic working posture. This is especially important for improved control at higher blowing forces. An air blow gun with an extended blowing pipe means the operator is further from the blowing source, which reduces the perceived sound level. Most air blow guns series can be ordered with extension pipes in various lengths.
Operator holding the air blow gun 767-L-1000 with industrial background.

Safety air blow guns that reduce the risk of eye injuries

When cleaning, dirt, liquids and chips may ricochet back toward the operator and cause both bodily and eye injuries. Eye injuries are one of the most common hazards when blowing with compressed air. There are safety air blow guns that can be fitted either with an air shield or protective screen to improve safety and protect the operator from dust and small particles. Air shields and protective screens can be ordered for most of Silvent's safety air blow gun series.

Hand holding the air blow gun 007-S with an safety shield.

Swivels that make movement easier at high blowing forces

When working with high blowing forces, it can be advantageous to use a swivel that makes maneuvering the compressed air hose and the safety air blow gun easier. This also makes for more ergonomic movements. The swivel was created to make working with Silvent’s 4000 series safety air blow guns easier.

Installing safety air blow guns

Safety air blow gun installation is important for ensuring a good end result.

 

The correct supply line dimension

The most common mistake is to undersize the air supply, which makes it impossible to use the safety air blow gun’s full blowing force. If the safety air blow gun is to work in the best possible way, it’s important to use the right diameter supply line. It’s also important to make sure the compressed air system is not undersized, as this will cause a pressure drop. Pressure drops can also lead to a safety air blow gun’s failure to function as anticipated.

 

Prevent leaks with thread tape

Use thread tape or other seal at the connection to prevent leaks. This is important for ensuring efficiency and good blowing force. Leaks can also be costly over time, as the compressed air cannot be used efficiently. It’s important for there to be a preload on the thread to ensure a tight seal, so tools must always be used when fastening the connection.

 

Install quick couplings correctly

Quick couplings are often connected directly to the safety air blow gun. This increases weight and thus service of wear on the joints. To avoid this, and to improve ergonomics, we recommend fitting the quick coupler to the other end of the compressed air hose instead. This still allows for quick, simple changes, but reduces the risk of repetitive strain injuries.

Importance of air supply

Choose the right safety air blow gun

Silvent has six different safety air blow gun models suitable for use in industry. Three of the models have regular blowing force and can handle the most common blowing jobs. The other three models are safety air blow guns with high blowing force specially designed for demanding applications where extra strong blowing force is required.

Pro One series safety air blow guns

The Pro One series has a normal blowing force and a NPT 1/4″ connection.

  • Ergonomic, quiet and efficient blowing
  • Equipped with Silvent’s multi-Laval technology
  • Can be ordered with an extension pipe, air shield or protective screen.

Silvent air blow gun.

Safety air blow guns in the 007 series

The 007 series has a normal blowing force and a NPT 1/4″ connection.

  • Equipped with stealth mode
  • Top and bottom connection
  • Can be ordered with an extension pipe, air shield or protective screen.

Silvent air blow gun 007-S.

Safety air blow guns in the 500 series

The 500 series has a normal blowing force and a NPT 1/4″ connection.

  • Ergonomic grip for small hands
  • Long or short trigger
  • Can be ordered with an extension pipe or air shield

Silvent air blow gun 59002W.

Safety air blow guns in the 2000 series

The 2000 series has a NPT 3/8″ connection and up to 5 times stronger blowing force compared to a conventional air blow gun.

  • Conventionally designed air blow gun with high blowing force
  • Available with a soft grip handle that insulates against heat and cold
  • Can be ordered with an extension pipe or air shield

Silvent high force air blow gun 2055-S-G.

Safety air blow guns in the 750 series

The 750 series has a NPT 1/2″ connection and up to 12 times stronger blowing force compared to a conventional air blow gun.

  • Highly durable
  • Short or long thumb control
  • Can be ordered with an extension pipe

Silvent high force air blow gun 767-L

Safety air blow guns in the 4000 series

The 4000 series has a NPT 3/4″ connection and up to 30 times stronger blowing force compared to a conventional air blow gun.

  • Equipped with dead man’s grip
  • Should be used with an adjustable swivel
  • Can be ordered with an extension pipe

Silvent high force air blow gun 4015-LF.

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