Airslide fabric, also known as fluidization fabric, is a type of fabric used in bulk material handling. Its primary purpose is to enable the smooth flow of powders and granular materials through various parts of industrial processes, including airslides, fluid bed dryers, and pneumatic conveying systems. Airslide fabrics are made of woven polyester material, but there’s more to this specialty fabric than just polyester.
Polyester Fibers
Polyester is a synthetic material made by reacting terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. This reaction produces fibers that are strong, resilient, and durable, making them ideal for various applications, including textiles. Most airslide fabrics are made from polyester fibers, which are woven into a tight, interlocked pattern to create the fabric’s structure.
Top 4 Advantages of Polyester Fibers
Polyester fibers have many advantages over other synthetic materials and natural fibers, making them ideal for airslide fabric.
- Durability: Polyester fibers are extremely durable and resistant to abrasion, tearing, and stretching, making them ideal for use in industrial applications where fabrics must withstand a great deal of wear and tear.
- Low Moisture Absorption: Polyester fibers do not absorb moisture, which means they remain dry, and this makes them resistant to microbial growth.
- Easy Maintenance: Polyester fabric is easy to clean and maintain which is essential for solutions requiring hygiene.
- Heat Resistance: They can handle temperature variations with ease, and they adjust quickly and efficiently, which is a crucial quality in industrial processes involving heat and friction.
Structure of Airslide Fabric
Airslide fabric is made using various weave patterns. A weave pattern refers to the way in which individual fibers are interlaced to create the fabric’s structure. The typical weave patterns used in airslide fabrics are plain weave, twill weave, and satin weave. The most common pattern is plain weave, which is simple and easy to manufacture. The fabric’s density and thickness depend on the number of fibers used, the weave pattern used, and the fabric’s intended use.
Technical Data of Airslide Fabric
The properties of airslide fabric depend on the specific type of fabric and its intended application. The Technical table below shows the technical data of a typical airslide fabric.
| Technical Data | Value |
| Material | Polyester |
| Weight | 4.5 oz/yd² |
| Thickness | 0.013 in |
| Air Permeability | 10 CFM |
| Tensile Strength Warp/Weft | 160/70 lbs/inch |
| Burst Strength Warp/Weft | 150/80 PSI |
| Operating Temperature | -100°F to 320°F |
Top 3 Applications of Airslide Fabric
Airslide fabric is primarily used in industries, including cement, food processing, chemical and pharmaceuticals, as well as energy, paint and pigments, etc.
- In Cement Industry: The primary use of airslide fabric in cement industries is fluidization and transportation of cement. Airslide fabric is used in cement plants for a variety of processes, such as blending raw materials, storage and dispatch of cement, conveying, and fluidification of cement.
- In The Food Industry: The food industry uses airslide fabrics in the production of sugar, flour, and other powders.
- In Chemical and Pharmaceuticals Industry: Airslide fabrics are used to transport and fluidize powder products in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, helping to keep products dry, reduce losses, and eliminate product contamination.
Conclusion
Airslide fabric is an essential component in the handling of powders and granular materials in industrial applications. It supports the smooth and efficient transport of various materials, including cement, food products, and chemicals, among others. Polyester fibers, the main material used to make airslide fabric, offer advantages such as durability, low moisture absorption, thermal resistance, and easy maintenance, making them ideal for these industrial applications.
Overall, airslide fabrics increase productivity, reduce waste, and guard the quality of products from contamination, making them a vital component in various industrial sectors.