Air Film Transporters

BTI air-film transporters, designed using Hovair air film technology, are the ultimate in moving heavy loads. Versatile enough to be used as basic materials handling equipment, moving loads from A to B, or used in production flow lines where build stages are required, Hovair transporters are changing the manufacturing environment of heavy industry, being used in such diverse areas as:

• the safe handling of nuclear material
• the production of large aero-engines and wings
• moving electrical transformers
• refurbishing railway locomotives
• transporting steel or paper coils

Hovair transporters, perhaps the most common application for air-film technology, allow loads to be moved in any direction at any angle, and can even rotate on the spot like a turntable. They are ideal for hazardous environments as they are air powered and do not require an electrical supply. The air bearings are also an ideal alternative to wheels in clean environments such as those required in a laboratory.

Hovair transporters float heavy loads on a film of air, and the range of equipment available varies from lightweight aluminium transporters with handlebars, to more sophisticated units using multi-circuit pneumatic systems and low air consumption/high torque drive units. Typical loads range between 1 and 100 tonnes, however any size and weight of load can be accommodated. Maintenance is minimal and Hovair air bearings have a normal working life of many years.

Typically the transporter is a structural steel, low profile platform fitted with Hovair air bearings and is custom designed to suit customer requirements.

Four or more air bearings are fitted to the underside of the transporter, the number, size and arrangement being dependent on the load. Using compressed air, the abrasion resistant urethane diaphragm inflates to lift the transporter clear of the floor; air escapes from the perimeter of the air bearing, creating a thin film of air to virtually eliminate friction. Supplied with compressed air from a standard factory air main (6bar/90psi) the transporter can be moved in any direction with very little effort. Typically 50 kg of horizontal force can move a 10,000 kg load. To control the load a number of accessories are available, including air-powered integral or external drives, guide wheels, pneumatic stillage pick-up systems and a variety of control options.

In order to operate successfully, the transporter must have a paper-smooth floor to work on, free of steps and cracks. Typically, a smooth power-trowelled concrete floor or an epoxy resin screed is an ideal surface, allowing the transporter to move freely in any direction with minimum effort. For further information on surface preparation see Floor Specification.

Air film transporters offer the following features and options:

• Bespoke design to customer requirements
• Omni-directional movement including rotary
• Air-powered integral or external drives
• Guide wheels
• Pneumatic stillage pick-up systems
• Remote or hard-mounted controls

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