Maintenance
It is critical to the performance of the Air Knives that the internal air passages remain clean. If performance suddenly
drops, carefully disassemble the unit and inspect for debris. If debris is found, it may be necessary to change the filter
element. Clean the debris from the unit and reassemble. For detailed instructions on cleaning or reassembly contact
your authorized distributor or Vortec.
If uneven airflow is present from the Air Knife, it may be partially clogged with dirt. You may disassemble the Air Knife
and clean any debris that may be blocking airflow out of the extremely small air gap. Use a soft brush and/or pure
isopropyl alcohol on a clean cloth to remove stubborn deposits. Be careful not to damage the thin aluminum shim(s)
inside the unit. When reassembling the Air Knife, use the same thickness shims that were removed from the unit.
Red colored shims are 0.002”, green are 0.003” and silver are 0.004”. Tighten the cap screws that secure the two main
components together from the center of the unit out to the ends. Replace the end caps and gaskets.
Ionizing Air Knives
In order for the ionizing system to function, the ionizing high voltage cable must be kept at least 1/4” (6 mm) from
any grounded surface. Two cable supports are provided to help position the cable and keep it in place away from
grounded surfaces. To install the cable supports, push the plastic bushing out of the metal support. Screw the metal
support into the desired location; then snap the plastic bushing onto the cable (the bushing is split to allow this) at the
desired position. Push the cable onto the metal support and press the bushing back into the support.
Run the green ground wire from the ionizing bar back to the power supply. Attach the ground wire ring terminal to the
ground stud on the power supply. Secure the ground wire to the power supply with a locknut. Keep the green ground
wire at least 1/4” away from the high voltage cable.
Insert the spring loaded connector on the end of the high voltage cable into one of the high voltage receptacles on
the power supply. Finger tighten the knurled knob on the connector into the receptacle. Be sure that the power to the
power supply is disconnected before attempting to connect the high voltage power cable.
Verify that all electrical connections are securely attached before plugging the power supply into the appropriate
115 VAC receptacle. The receptacle must have a good ground connection for the ground pin on the plug. If it does not,
bolt the power supply to a well grounded metal machine frame. The Ionizing Air Knife will not operate unless properly
grounded.
If you suspect that your ionizing bar is not functioning properly, you may test it when the unit is operating. Using
an insulated handle screwdriver, place the metal shaft of the screwdriver on the metal surface of the ionizing bar.
While the metal shaft of the screwdriver is touching one of the metal sides of the ionizing bar, position the tip of the
screwdriver near one of the sharp emitter points on the bar. A small spark should jump a 1/16” to 1/8” (1 to 3 mm)
gap between the emitter point and the tip of the screwdriver. Continue this test on each emitter point. The emitter
points can be cleaned with a soft brush and small amounts of isopropyl alcohol. Disconnect power to the power
supply when cleaning the emitter points.
Troubleshooting
Insufficient airflow may be caused by the following:
1. Undersized compressed air line size.
2. Compressed air pressure too low.
3. Partial or complete blockage of internal air path, due to dirt. See Maintenance section for cleaning instructions;
and Compressed Air Supply section for lter recommendations.
4. Insucient compressed air volume.
If trouble persists, please contact Vortec at 1-800-441-7475.
