Air Film technology

Hovair Systems’ air film technology allows BTI to make light work of moving large, heavy and awkward loads in any direction.

Air film technology is the application of compressed air to virtually eliminate friction and is achieved using air bearings. Objects of almost any size or weight can be moved in any direction with ease and precision, and as there are minimal moving parts reliability and ease of maintenance are built in.

This technology can be applied to many varied and diverse areas of industry, commerce, the arts and sport, including:

• various requirements within the nuclear and power generation industries
• the assembly of large aircraft components, heavy earthmoving equipment, diesel engines, generators and large paper reels
• moving theatre or conference venue seating wagons, stage equipment and assorted scenery
• materials handling equipment
• low profile vehicle access turntables

More information can be found on the various forms of air film technology from the sub-menu on the right of this page.

Air bearings

At the heart of all air film technology is the air bearing. The Hovair air bearing consists of a molded diaphragm attached to a rigid backing plate.

When compressed air is applied through feed holes in the backing plate, the air bearing inflates and lifts the load by a centimeter or two. The air is then allowed to bleed to atmosphere around the perimeter of the diaphragm, creating a very thin film of air between the diaphragm and the floor.

This film of air produces a very low coefficient of friction allowing very large loads to be moved with relatively little effort. This is illustrated in the “How air bearings work” diagram.

The grades of the polyurethane and aluminium alloy have been specifically selected to give the air bearings optimum performance. The diaphragms combine flexibility with remarkable strength and abrasion resistance, meaning that the Hovair air bearing is capable of lasting for many years without replacement.

Air bearings are most commonly incorporated into three types of equipment: air skates, transporters and turntables.

The above information is available on an A4 printable PDF brochure along with actual case studies on our Downloads page.