Addex’s New Dual-Flow Air Ring Utilizes Next-Generation Intensive Cooling Experience (ICE)
Addex Inc., a leading global supplier of auto-profile and other related cooling systems for blown film lines, has announced the launch of a new air ring that incorporates the company’s new Intensive Cooling Experience (ICE)TM technology in a dual-flow configuration. The new dual-flow air ring delivers 10%-15% greater output and better bubble stability versus the competition. The new ICE cooling system will be shown in its full four-element stackable configuration at the upcoming K 2016 exhibition.
“We’ve taken air ring technology to a new level,” said Bob Cree, presidentof Addex Inc. “By integrating our ICE cooling technology directly into the air ring design, we’ve been able to significantly enhance performance and simplify operation.”
Addex has extended the ICETM technology by using only a single cooling element. This compares to the full-blown stackable ICE technology which utilizes as standard, four stacked ICE cooling elements with a surrounding enclosure, all topped by a conventional air ring. The newly adapted patent-pending technology marries a single ICE cooling element with Addex’s original dual-flow air ring system which has evolved to become the industry standard. The ICE-enhanced air ring is transformed from a low-velocity to a high-velocity air stream system in the lower lip area, according to Cree.
The dual-flow air ring features two primary locking points instead of one to significantly improve bubble stability. It also includes all of the secondary air collar locking points found with the original air ring design. The unit is simple and operator friendly, allowing a broad range of processes, blow-up ratios, thicknesses, and materials with minimal adjustments.
The new ICE-enhanced technology applies to all of Addex’s air ring products including automatic profile external gauge control (EGC), manual gauge control (MGC), and laminar flow (LFR) air rings. Addex has also developed a triple-lip design which provides three primary locking points.
Today, Addex supplies some of the most sophisticated technologies capable of producing films at the highest possible output and stability, with the lowest possible gauge variation. Addex’s focus on research and development has resulted in over 20 U.S. patents (or patents pending), including the ICETM cooling system, Automatic and Manual Profile Controls that yield high-quality films, an All-Digital IBC Control that significantly reduces scrap, and a host of other blown film specific inventions in the areas of die design, oscillating haul-off technology, and winding.
