An air curtain is a fan-powered device used to prevent airborne contaminants from moving between areas of a facility. Air curtains blow air downward above an opening to maintain separation between two parts of a building or between internal and external environments without restricting or limiting access in any way.
What is an air curtain used for?
An air curtain uses a fan to force a curtain of air down. Forced air creates an invisible barrier that helps control temperatures by preventing hot or cold air from entering a doorway or building to an opening. Air curtains are also used to prevent contaminants such as insects, dust, pollen, and other debris from entering an interior space.
Air curtains are an ideal alternative to traditional doors. They limit the ability of contaminants and environmental factors to enter a space while allowing people to move freely between areas.
How do air curtains work?
The downdraft acts as a barrier that limits the airflow between the two spaces. The airflow must be strong enough to push potential contaminants down and away from the opening the curtain is meant to protect.
Air curtains are available in two types:
Heated air curtains protect against contaminants such as dust and pollen, but their primary purpose is to prevent heat from escaping through an open door. They are commonly used in applications where temperature control is a priority, such as mall and store entrances. A heated air curtain pushes heat back into a building during the winter months rather than letting it escape, which can result in significant cost savings. energy for installation. Unheated air curtains are used in areas where the main concern is to control the entry of contaminants. The downward airflow of the air curtain prevents dust and air particles from moving freely between areas. Unheated air curtains are often used in areas where air quality is critical, such as hospitals, body shops and kitchens.
Air curtain applications
Air curtains are an ideal solution for controlling temperature and airflow between two spaces. Their versatility and reliability make them ideal for a wide range of applications.
Restaurants
Air curtains can improve a customer's comfort when entering and exiting a restaurant by eliminating hot or cold areas caused by drafts. An air curtain can also save money on heating and cooling costs by eliminating heat and cooling losses associated with opening and closing the door.
Steering wheel windows
An air curtain at a drive-thru window keeps employees comfortable regardless of the weather outside while eliminating air exchange from opening and closing the window. air curtain at the drive-thru window limits the ability of contaminants to enter a kitchen.
Malls and brick-and-mortar stores
Maintaining an optimum temperature inside large shopping malls can be a challenge. An air curtain at the entrance to a commercial store ensures that customers and employees are comfortable inside, whatever regardless of the extreme temperatures outside.
Kitchens and walk-in freezers or refrigerators
An air curtain prevents cold air from escaping from walk-in freezers or coolers whenever the door is opened. It also prevents insects and contaminants from entering these critical food storage areas. Prevention loss of cold air from these units saves money on the energy used to run them and can also have a positive impact on maintenance by reducing the time it takes for the unit to recover after the opening the door.
Automotive body shops
Automotive body shops need to be kept dust-free in certain parts of the shop, such as areas where detailing or painting is done. Air curtains eliminate the transfer of airborne particles from the workshop at the paint booth.
Warehouses
The shipping and receiving areas of a warehouse are often open to the elements, with constant heavy traffic coming in and out. Air curtains over dock doors and other various openings in a warehouse can greatly reduce the workload of heaters and air conditioners.
Hospitals and serviced residences
Air curtains not only provide comfort for patients and employees, but also protect sensitive areas of a hospital or healthcare facility from outside contamination that could be harmful to patients. Airflow The air curtain provides an ideal way to repel airborne bacteria and viruses away from doorways leading to critical areas, such as intensive care units or surgical suites.
Conclusion
Air curtains are an effective way to separate two-zone environments. They serve as a virtual barrier for many applications, preventing heating and cooling losses and also eliminating the flow of contaminants. At ABC Docks, LLC, we offer the highest quality air curtains available and we specialize in providing the perfect product for your application. To find out more about air curtains or to request a quote, contact us today.
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