Axial fans are a type of compressor that increases airflow pressure as it passes through. The fan blades work by forcing air to move parallel to the shaft, which the blades rotate around. Ultimately, the axial flow fan characteristics cause air to flow axially.
Industrial axial fans offer a lot of diversity; they work incredibly well in general factories and warehouses, as well as homes and offices. Overall, any environment that requires ventilation will benefit. In fact, these fans are ideal for forced ventilation associated with condensers, chillers, and evaporators.
Of the different axial flow fan characteristics, the rotating impellers are the most prominent. Blades ranging in number from 2 to 20 based on both the fan’s design and the requirements for performance are attached to the impeller. The impeller connects to a drive motor, which comes assembled inside a housing that allows parallel airflow through the fan.
Axial-type fans are highly energy efficient. They can generate a more significant amount of air movement while consuming less power than other fans. Because of that, they are affordable to operate. In fact, when comparing these fans to others used in the same environments, the axial fans will consume as much as 40 percent less energy.
The way you use industrial axial fans determines the best blade configuration, which may include forward curved, straight, or backward curved. While curved backward blades are the most efficient, forward curved blades are better at self-cleaning. Overall, these fans work best in conditions with low air resistance and high flow usage.
Selecting the Right Fan
When choosing an axial type fan, you need to consider several technical criteria.
- Operating Points – At no time should the operating points be close to “stall” condition, which means it creates an allowance by leaving a two-degree pitch safety angle to eliminate the risk of motor overload.
- Horsepower – Make sure to select a fan with enough horsepower to handle the required air movement, as well as power loss and environmental stress.
- Horsepower per Blade – Also, be sure the horsepower per blade never exceeds the mechanical limit. If necessary, you can go with a fan that has more blades.
- Vibration – There are also vibration frequencies to consider.
- Noise Level – Verify the axial-type fan has a resulting noise level that coordinates with your noise limit specifications.
