Air Skates

BTI air film skates, designed using Hovair Systems’ air film technology, are robust, low-profile, high capacity load-moving modules used in sets of four or more to enable large or heavy objects to be moved with ease. Suitable for use in virtually any industry, they have no moving parts and are consequently very low maintenance. Compressed air and a smooth operating surface are all that are required to enable air skates to virtually eliminate friction, allowing them to:

• Move loads in any direction without rotating or steering
• Move 2 to 60 tonnes with just 4 skates at a floor pressure of 1kg/cm2
• Move up to 240 tonnes with just 4 skates at higher floor pressures
• Move 1000s of tonnes using higher multiples of skates

Unlike wheels, air skates provide omni-directional capabilities, meaning that a load can be moved in any direction without the need for complex turning manoeuvres. The cutting edge Hovair air bearing, fitted to all Hovair air skates, uses a specially formulated abrasion and chemical resistant flexible polyurethane. This latest development in air bearing technology has extended working life and lowered maintenance costs.

Hovair air skates are versatile too; they can be permanently fixed to loads for regular movements, or removed once the load has been moved and used to move something else.

Available in a variety of sizes and capacities, a set of four air skates can carry anything from 2 to 60 tonnes working at a floor pressure of 1kg/cm2, and up to 240 tonnes working at higher floor pressures. Multiples of air skates can move thousands of tonnes.

The Hovair air skate consists of two main components, the load-bearing structure and the air bearing itself. The load-bearing structure is constructed from steel or aluminium to provide the user with a choice of height, weight and structural rigidity. It also houses the air bearing, a replaceable element constructed from an aluminium alloy and polyurethane. A frame or central load foot provides support for the load when the air skate is not in use.

The air skates are usually interconnected with a hose manifold and supplied with compressed air from a factory supply or separate compressor. With the air turned on, the flow to each air skate is regulated to accommodate the load and floor conditions, allowing the load to be lifted clear of the floor.

A thin film of air can then escape from the periphery of the urethane diaphragm, creating a very small gap between it and the floor. This virtually eliminates friction, enabling the load to be moved with relatively little effort; a force of less than 5 kg can accelerate a 1000 kg load on air skates.

If a shortage of compressed air or poor quality of floors present problems, BTI can provide assistance and economic solutions.

Air Skates Specification

Air film skates from BTI offer the following features and benefits:

• Working load capacities of up to 100 tonnes and higher
• Choice of skate modules – steel or aluminium
• Move loads into restricted access areas where forklifts or cranes cannot reach
• Easy to set up with quick release couplings
• Powered by a regular workshop air supply of 5 to 7 bar
• No need for electrical, propane or diesel power
• Easy to use and cost effective
• No moving parts means low maintenance
• Remote control or manually operated
• Environmentally friendly – no grease, lubricants or exhaust emissions
• Low floor pressures
• Ideal for laboratory or clean room environments
• Modular capability giving ultimate versatility
• Accurate and repeatable positioning with omni-directional capability
• Low profile skate modules for ease of location underneath loads

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