How to choose an industrial fan?

A fan is a versatile turbomachine that effectively moves air or a compressible gas by transferring mechanical energy to it. Since it is not always easy to choose the right equipment in front of a multitude of manufacturers, we have produced this buying guide with tips and recommendations to help you make the right purchasing decision.

Hicham Dhouibi and Francesco D’Amore contributed to this buying guide.

In climatic engineering, fans play a crucial role in ventilation and air conditioning systems, ensuring the continuous renewal of air within buildings and eliminating harmful fumes such as smoke, odors, and vapors. Additionally, small fans find frequent applications in cooling electronic devices.

Fans can be broadly classified into two main types: propeller fans and centrifugal fans. When selecting an appropriate fan, it is essential to consider two key characteristics: the fan’s air circulation capacity and its noise level. By carefully evaluating these factors, one can make an informed decision to ensure optimal performance and minimal noise disturbance in the intended application.

Many factors are involved in selecting the right industrial fan for your process. Your decision depends on much more than price alone. Does your application require high or low airflow? What will the pressure level be? Are there an environmental challenges that will need to be addressed? Keep in mind that an industrial fan that is selected to meet your specific application needs will be the most cost-effective option for your bottom line.

When it comes to fan specification, the proper choice is influenced by the type of air movement needed, whether for cooling, exhausting, aerating, ventilating or drying. As all of the factors are assessed, maximum efficiency and reliability of both the fan and the equipment involved can be achieved.

Based on our experience as an experienced industrial fan specialist, we have identified 10 basic fan selection steps to guide you in choosing the best fan for your application needs:

1. Type of Fan
   All fans do not operate in the same way. Axial fans draw air in using a propeller, and discharge air in the same direction. Centrifugal fans have a wheel that draws air into the housing and discharges it out at 90°. Your first step should be to determine the type of air movement and fan type you need.
2. Ducting
   Earlier in the design process, ducting should be considered for 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 resulting from 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 will affect 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 temperature of the air outside the fan or blower, or ambient temperature, can affect the operation of 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 guidance in the industrial fan selection process, we would be happy to assist. Contact the specialists at Air Solutions to discuss your fan selection questions.