KEIR Manufacturing, Inc.
33 McLean Road
Brevard, NC 28718
(828) 885-8444

KEIR receives Patent for its SureShot and SplitShot Air Wipes
Just when you had about given up on finding an Air Wipe that would dry your wire completely with compressed air, KEIR has developed and patented a dependable, simple and cost-effective new design. As a supplier to the wire and cable industry, nine out of ten of our customers who use wire drying systems complained about the high cost, short life, and most importantly, the ineffectiveness of the systems they used. The cost of these systems ranges from hundreds to thousands of dollars, but our industry contacts inform us the results were always the same: wet wire.

KEIR undertook a study to determine the most effective approach to drying wire.
Our research revealed that nearly all the systems currently in use are designed to increase airflow. They all relied on high volume airflow to dry the wire. We have just patented a far more effective method. KEIR’s approach is not based on volume but on how the air is used, or, more specifically, how it is brought into contact with the wire or cable.

KEIR offers two designs which incorporate the same proprietary concept. They are:
1. KEIR’s SureShot is primarily for bare wire and consists of a polymer mounting block with a high density, wear-resistant ceramic insert with o-ring seals that is hand pressed into the mount. The SureShot has been used on bare wire with line speeds up to 7,500 feet per minute. Wire sizes up to .400” O.D. fit with two standard mounting configurations. Typically offered with a 2” x 2” x 1.5” mounting block, SureShot inserts can be manifold mounted or inserted in clamp boxes for multi-wire lines with centers as close as 1”.
2. KEIR’s SplitShot air wipe is a highly effective, rugged powerhouse in a small package. The SplitShot is a clamshell design for jacketed wire/cable which opens to allow welds or extrusion bulges to pass through without damaging the unit. Ceramic inserts line the wire path and keep the wire centered within a powerful air stream. The SplitShot has been used on extrusion lines as fast as 7,000 feet per minute. A tough polymer housing incorporates an integral hinge that can take abuse yet disassembles easily for service. All standard fasteners, springs and hinge pins are stainless steel. Each unit is sold with its own air filter regulator including gauge and drain so that proper settings are easily monitored. The standard housing for wire up to .460” O.D. is only 2.375” wide x 2” tall x 3.5” long. SplitShots can be sized for round or flat profiles up to 4.5 “ O.D. or width.

What is so unique to KEIR’S design?
Our design relies on the controlled use of compressed air which is allowed to decompress to atmospheric pressure within a chamber sized to the wire(s) according to our proprietary formula. The air accelerates to nearly the speed of sound in a thin layer surrounding the wire. This release of kinetic energy stored when the air was compressed does far more work than other systems which rely on high volumes of air. The configuration of the air chamber within the ceramic inserts keeps the wire centered within the airflow. This patented design also discourages the entrainment of ambient air which typically dilutes the energy available to dry the wire.

During our many visits to plants we have witnessed firsthand the irony of high-tech wire and cable operations tying rags to their production lines in an effort to achieve dry wire! Further, KEIR’S design eliminates the need for several drying devices on one line. One such customer had installed an electric annealer employing high line speed. The plant personnel were extremely frustrated with their many attempts at dry wire using various systems. Due to this, they expressed sincere doubt that a unit as small, simple, and inexpensive as KEIR’S SureShot could meet their need. Following the installation of KEIR’S SureShot this customer had completely dry wire and was experiencing no carry over on this line. Of particular appeal was the simplicity of the SureShot, which has no settings other than air pressure, eliminating the possibility of operator error.

There is no question that compressed air is expensive to produce. KEIR’S air wipe units are designed to operate at 60 psi and with low cfm rates, depending on application. Compressed air, which contains oil, hinders the performance of any air wipe can be eliminated by using our air filter regulator system. The advantages of KEIR air wipes are primarily their effectiveness; but secondly their low cost, long life, and the simplicity of design, set up and operation.

Sales contact: Mike Walters by email at MWalters@KEIRmfg.com

KEIR Manufacturing, Inc. is a manufacturer of technical ceramic products designed for long life. We have dedicated ourselves to making products that enable your business to run more efficiently.

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