Air Curtains

Air Curtains Overview

An air curtain, known in factories and warehouses as an industrial air curtain, is a fan unit mounted above or beside a doorway. It projects a controlled stream of air across the opening, forming an invisible barrier between two environments. People and forklifts pass straight through, while less conditioned air escapes and less hot air, dust and insects get in.

In a hot climate, a warehouse or factory door left open for long periods is a constant drain on cooling. An air curtain can work on its own or alongside doors such as high-speed doors and roller shutters, reducing air exchange whenever the door is open.

Vally World supplies air curtains with engineering advice, installation and maintenance. Performance depends on opening size, pressure differences and air movement at the site, so specifications are defined per project based on opening size, usage and site conditions.

How It Works

Internal fans draw air into the unit and discharge it through a long nozzle, either downward or across the opening. The moving layer of air resists the natural flow of air from one side of the doorway to the other.

1. Air intake

   Fans draw air in, usually from the inside of the building.

2. Directed discharge

   Air leaves the nozzle at an adjustable angle to cover the full width and height of the opening.

3. Barrier effect

   The airstream reduces air exchange and limits dust and flying insects.

4. Door-linked operation

   A door switch can start the unit when the door opens and stop it when it closes.

Key Benefits

• Less cooling loss

  Reduces conditioned air escaping through open doors and helps keep indoor temperatures steadier.

• Fewer dust and insect issues

  The airstream limits dust and flying insects entering work or storage areas.

• No physical obstruction

  The opening stays clear for people, forklifts and trolleys.

• Better comfort near doors

  Staff working close to the entrance feel less of the outside air.

• Works with your doors

  Complements high-speed, roller shutter or sliding doors during open periods.

Typical Applications

Air curtains help at any doorway that opens often, or stays open, between areas with different temperature or cleanliness needs:

• Warehouses and distribution centres
• Loading docks
• Factories and production lines
• Food processing plants
• Shopping malls
• Retail stores
• Restaurants and central kitchens
• Hospital service areas

Available Configurations

Air curtain specifications are defined per project after reviewing the opening and site conditions. Options commonly considered include:

• Mounting: horizontal above the opening or vertical at the sides.
• Number of units: one unit or several side by side to span the width.
• Air type: ambient (unheated) air, the usual choice in hot climates.
• Control: manual, door switch or timer.
• Airflow adjustment: multiple speeds and an adjustable discharge angle.
• Casing finish: suited to industrial or commercial settings.

Selection Factors

• Opening height and width: set the unit capacity and how many units are needed.
• External wind: exposed doorways may need a stronger airstream or a complementary door.
• Building pressure: HVAC and ventilation systems affect curtain performance.
• Door-open time: continuous opening and intermittent use call for different setups.
• Inside environment: general storage, food handling or production.
• Acceptable noise: matters in retail and public-facing areas.
• Available power: supply location and capacity for the units.

Installation Considerations

Air curtains are normally fitted directly above the opening, as close to it as practical, so the airstream covers the full width. The unit must not clash with door guides, a roller shutter box or a high-speed door drive.

• Wall or structure confirmed able to carry the unit.
• Position coordinated with the existing or planned door.
• Power supply point close to the mounting location.
• Control method chosen and door switch wired where required.
• Discharge angle set and coverage tested after installation.

Air curtains are fitted as part of our automatic door installation service. For site preparation, read how to prepare a door opening before installation.

Maintenance

In dusty environments, grilles and fans clog gradually, airflow drops and the curtain loses effectiveness. Regular cleaning and inspection should be part of the facility preventive maintenance plan.

• Intake and discharge grilles cleaned.
• Fans and motors checked for noise and vibration.
• Controls and door switch tested.
• Electrical connections and mounting fixings inspected.
• Discharge angle and coverage verified.

See our automatic door maintenance service, or request a quote for your entrances.