Ten Specifications to Consider in Selecting an Industrial Fan

Industrial FanSelecting the right industrial fan for an application involves a variety of considerations involving many things, only one of which is price. In fact, the best way to assure you are choosing the most cost-effective option is to identify and select an industrial fan that will provide the best performance for your application.

Proper fan specification is based on many needs such as air movement requirements for cooling, exhausting, aerating, ventilating and drying. Maximum efficiency and reliability of both the fan and the equipment involved can be achieved when you carefully consider these industrial fan specs:

  1. Fan Type –  A centrifugal blower wheel draws air into the housing and discharges it out at 90°. An axial fan draws air in using a propeller, and discharges air in the same direction; it should not be used to convey material. 
  2. Ducting – Ducting should be considered early to optimize performance and efficiency. This will influence the final design in terms of overall cost, the compactness of the fan, and the operational costs.
  3. Total Airflow – Airflow is rated in cubic feet of air per minute (CFM). When conveying material, make sure there is adequate CFM for the duct pipe or hose size.
  4. Static Pressure – The resistance to the airflow, or static pressure, is caused by air moving through the pipe, hose, duct, filter, and other factors. Static pressure is rated in inches of water gauge (SPWG).
  5. Density – Density changes due to temperature and/or barometric pressure variations should be corrected to standard conditions.
  6. Air Temperature – The temperature of the air going through the fan or blower has an effect on the performance of the fan or blower.
  7. Altitude – The altitude at which the fan or blower will be operating also impacts the performance of the fan or blower.
  8. Material Handling – If material will be conveyed through the fan or blower, the material characteristics should be considered.
  9. Ambient Temperature – The operation of fan or blower can be affected by the ambient temperature or the temperature of the air outside the fan or blower.
  10. Safety Conditions – Special accommodations may be required if any material going through the blower is flammable or combustible.

If you are in need of assistance in selecting the right industrial fan selection for your process, we are here to help! Contact the specialists at Air Solutions today!