Heavy loads skate on air

Citation

(1998), "Heavy loads skate on air", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 50 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.1998.01850cad.006

Heavy loads skate on air

Heavy loads skate on air

Keyword: Pneumatics

Pneumatics has received an additional push into the heavy industrial arena with Hovair's air-cushioned skating system. This air-bearing technology can manoeuvre loads up to 600 tonnes from a ring-main pressure of 5-6 bar.

The air skates are manufactured as air-cushioned circular or square tables, in either aluminium or steel, supported by bearings. Sets of four or more bearings float on a virtually frictionless air cushion, providing freedom of motion through the horizontal plane.

Aluminium air skates use a lightweight but rigid extrusion to withstand high loading without distortion.

Once compressed air is supplied to the air skate, a pressure zone forms when an abrasion-resistant urethane diaphragm inflates. Controlled leakage to the atmosphere then creates an air film between the diaphragm and floor.

The company add that: "Air skates require an effort of 3-5kg per tonne to move loads".