Industrial fans are a major mechanical asset used in various industries, including transportation, manufacturing, construction, etc. With multiple blades of different sizes, these are fans built of various non-corrosive materials. The fan size depends on the environment in which it is used, which also determines how effective it is. Usually, larger fans are more expensive and more effective in performance. In contrast, the smaller fans are less expensive and are suitable for smaller spaces which require less air circulation.
Industrial fans are mainly used to provide constant air and act as a cooling mechanism to reduce the heat trapped in enclosed spaces. As a result, the working environment in such industries will consistently have clean air, ensuring that the atmosphere is safe for human health. Taken in another way, the absence of industrial fans may lead to unhealthy work environments putting each person’s health at risk regardless of the company’s size. It is also used in some industries for material handling, air conditioning, chemical processing, combustion, and agricultural purposes.
Types of Industrial Fans
There are various types of industrial fans that are used depending on the industry and the purpose. Here are three of the most common industrial fans used:
Axial Flow Fans
Axial fans were the first electronically powered fans introduced back in Europe. It is specifically used to cool down machines that heat up and produce high-speed airflow parallel to the axis. They, in other words, create a high rate of airflow, although it is low in pressure. This is the most common type of fan used in industrial settings. The impellers in the fan suck up the heat from the machine and discharge it in the same direction as the axis. It is generally mounted on a duct or the wall and rarely makes noise. A smaller version of this fan is used in vending machines and refrigerators. It removes toxic gases from mills, forges, and paint spray booths. They are commonly made with aluminium making them light and user-friendly. One reason for their common usage is due to their simple and open design. This means it is easier to identify if there are any operational issues in the fan, thereby resolving them soon.
Mixed Flow Fans
The airflow released from mixed fans comes in radial and axial directions. It has two blades, one being a rotator blade and the other making the air come in a beam. This type of fan is most commonly found in bathrooms and kitchens mounted in a duct and makes no noise. Mixed flow fans are regarded as a mix of axial and centrifugal fans as it draws features of both. For instance, it has higher pressure than axial fans and more increased flow than centrifugal fans.
Centrifugal Fans
Also called radical fans or blowers, the centrifugal fans release airflow in the shape of a cone rather than a beam. As its name suggests, the air moves radically, which means that the direction of the outgoing air differs from that of the inflow air. This means the direction of the outward flowing air changes by 90° from the direction of the incoming air. In contrast to the other two types of fans, centrifugal fans are attached to the ceiling, although the airflow is directed through a system of ducts or tubes. As a result, it can produce a higher pressure of airflow, making it more potent than an axial fan. It can smoothly function despite a lot of air pressure resistance in the ducts. It removes damp air and is used in bathrooms. It also makes a bit of noise compared to the other two and requires higher power input.
What Are Industrial Fans Exactly Used For?
While industrial fans cater to different industries, and their exact functions differ, all sectors use industrial fans for the below requirements:
To Release Hazardous Gases and Toxins From the Air.
While industrial fans are famously known to provide ventilation to industrial places, one significant advantage of using them is the removal of toxins. This is particularly seen in spaces used for manufacturing plants, as the machines use various chemicals and glasses. Therefore, the fans remove hazardous gases and toxins and replace them with cleaner air. It, moreover, removes any dust or chemicals that, although not inherently dangerous, may prove to be unhealthy for employees if stored for a long time.
Reduce Energy and Cut Down on Expenses
Companies adopt HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) to improve the working environment for their employees. However, if an industrial fan of high quality is implemented, the air within the functional space would already be cool, thereby not requiring you to invest in HVAC systems. This, in effect, reduces the overall expenses spent on purchasing and maintaining such systems whilst also reducing energy usage. Such industrial fans on the market have also proved to work twice as much on less energy. The environment can also, therefore, be conserved.
Reduce Moisture Levels
Moisture refers to the condensation cycle whereby warm air that hits a cool surface results in puddles forming. Since fans produce a continuous flow of air, it reduces the chance of warm air emitted through industrial machines settling on surfaces. The industrial fan will also simultaneously reduce the coolness of the surface in question, thereby ensuring that the condensation cycle does not occur.
How Do You Maintain Them?
A Healthy Working Environment Guarantees Success
Companies implement industrial fans for many reasons. Where it is used to cool down air admitted by machinery, implementing a proper industrial fan is not only a matter of safeguarding the health of your employees and the machine itself. Increased heat levels are not good for the machine as they could lead to multiple breakdowns. Hence, incorporating industrial fans and implementing a software solution such as Tigernix Fan Asset Solution to maintain it is a win-win situation for all.
