Page 48 - HUB-4 Magazine Issue 86

Hillhead
2024 Preview
In 2008, Martin Engineering opened its industry-leading Center for Innovation, which accelerated the company’s air cannon technology advancements including:
SMARTTM Series Nozzles with multiple nozzle tips, one of which features a retractable design that extends the 360° nozzle head into the material stream only when firing, protecting it from repeated abrasions and extreme temperatures. Its clever Y-shaped assembly means the nozzle can be installed, accessed and serviced without removing the air cannon or further disruption to the vessel structure and refractory.
The Martin® Thermo Safety Shield acts as a safety barrier to allow timely and safe maintenance of air cannon systems. It protects workers from exposure to severe temperatures so that maintenance can take place safely and production stays on schedule.
Martin Engineering’s current ground-breaking air cannon designs are the result of the research and development in the Center for Innovation, located at the company’s headquarters in Neponset, Illinois. The center will open its doors to visitors in the Summer of 2024 as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations.
Brad Pronschinske, Martin Engineering’s Global Air Cannon Product Manager, said: “From the very beginning our air cannons were specifically designed to produce a quiet but powerful, high-velocity discharge of plant-compressed air to dislodge buildups and enhance material flow. They were developed to be capable of handling the high temperatures, harsh gases and abrasive, corrosive materials associated with heavy industries, and yet have low maintenance requirements and low costs. Since the launch of the Big Blaster 50 years ago
we have continued to innovate, introducing smarter and ever more powerful air cannon systems that improve efficiency, productivity and safety.
“We’re especially
proud that Martin
air cannons have
become so
important in
reducing the health
and safety risks
associated with
clearing blockages
manually – such as
working in
confined spaces,
working at height,
falling materials,
and working in hot and dusty environments. Our team is always working on new developments and we’re looking forward to bringing the next generation of air cannon technologies to our customers all over the world.”
To find out more about Martin air cannons and other products visit www.martin-eng.com
An original display ad for Martin’s Big Blaster air cannon.
A commitment
to excellence
40 years of experience & expertise
• System design
• Automation
• Inspection & Testing
• Control Panels
• Installation
• Maintenance and Breakdown
Axon Power & Control Ltd
028 8775 8923 info@axon-online.com www.axon-online.com