Industrial operations often require a mechanical asset that provides ventilation to the space in question. This could be a manufacturing factory, a warehouse, an underground tunnel, an apartment complex or even an office building. Having a source that provides ventilation ensures that employees have enough oxygen levels and also helps ensure employees are not exposed to hazardous environmental conditions with increased heat trapped within the building. In considering what can be implemented to provide enough air circulation in the building, a common question that engineers ask is whether an industrial or blower should be implemented. While one may initially think they refer to the same thing, their functions are different to a certain extent. In other words, while the impeller and design of both products are the same, the fans emit the discharge pressure and suction pressure ratio. This article will comprehensively explain the features of these mechanical assets and what they are most suitable for.
How Different Are Industrial Fans From Blowers?
Industrial fans are electronic devices which move air, whereas blowers are electromechanical systems that direct air in a certain direction through a fan and controlled channels. Hence, while industrial fans refer to the fan itself, blowers refer to a combination of materials which includes a fan. As previously stated, industrial fans and blowers vary only in terms of certain functions, especially in the method used to move air. Here are a few differences between the two types of mechanical assets.
Different in the Way Air Is Circulated
One of the biggest differences between industrial fans and blowers is that the latter moves air in a specific direction. In contrast, industrial fans circulate air to an entire space. It is sometimes common to find both infused into the same type of application, including air conditioners, furnaces and microwaves. The fan creates flow with fluid, whereas blowers produce multiple changes in volumes of fluids with a small variation in pressure. In other words, blowers use high air pressure (pressure ratio of 1.11 to 1.2) to produce large amounts of fluid, while industrial fans use low amounts of pressure (pressure ratio of 1.1l) to create large amounts of fluid. Note, however, the exact pressure and speed of air will depend on the type of blower or industrial fan, as they come in different blade sizes. It is, however, commonly known that blowers have smaller blades and are smaller in size, whilst industrial fans have larger blades and tend to be larger. Fans use blades for rotation, and blowers use impellers to produce air.
Different in Their Basic Function
On the one hand, companies commonly use an industrial fan to control the increased temperatures in a given space. Hence, it provides a cooling effect where too much heat is generated. It is additionally used to ventilate spaces, allowing employees in a certain site to work in healthy conditions. As the rapidly urbanising world builds concrete buildings and skyscrapers, the amount of heat trapped in a building is enormous. Industrial fans are therefore adopted to provide ample breathing air to ensure healthy levels of oxygen remain in the building. On the other hand, the primary function of a blower is to dry goods and surfaces by directing air towards them. This is why in comparison to industrial fans, blowers focus on circulating air in one direction. An example of a blower includes leaf blowers used to clean your garden and surfaces or hair driers to dry wet hair. It is also a great tool used in steel or metal factories to increase the size of a fire.
Different Levels of Energy
Industrial fans are known to be more energy-friendly. In other words, it is energy efficient, helping industrial managers adopt industrial fans without contributing to climate change. This allows managers to create a safe environment for humans and save the environment. However, investing in an industrial fan does not guarantee it will not waste energy throughout the test of time. Routine maintenance is a significant aspect of ensuring energy is monitored.
In contrast to industrial fans, which provide an equal amount of air in all directions in an enclosed space, blowers require more energy due to the high pressure to direct air in one direction. However, similar to industrial fans, steps can be taken to ensure it stays at a minimum. This includes integrating industry 4.0 technology to make sustainable industrial fans or blowers and using predictive technology.
Different in Their Market Price
There are many types of industrial fans and blowers. While the main industrial fans include centrifugal fans and axial fans, subdivided into a range of other industrial fans, blowers are mainly categorised as centrifugal flow blowers and Positive-displacement blowers. Since industrial fans are mainly used in construction and manufacturing, they are comparatively more costly. Hence, blowers have a more affordable market price in the industry. The exact prices, however, will differ according to the application. For example, while industrial fans and blowers are used in air conditions, an item which is quite affordable to many people, compared to a leaf blower or a hair drier, an industrial fan used to cool or ventilate a factory will cost much higher.
Differences Matter
As “industrial fans” and “blowers” are widely used interchangeably, it is easy to forget that they refer to two different mechanical assets. Being aware of the key differences matter, as it ensures the correct type of fan or blower is implemented in your operations. The key points to note are whether the mechanical asset has the right pressure and is energy sufficient and cheaper for your intended purposes. Whatever you choose, an integral part of mechanical assets is their management. Ensure that you take the initiative to implement an asset maintenance solution that can reduce your overall finances and energy and increase your productivity.
