Factors to Consider in Centrifugal Fan

Selection

Neel Rao
Writes on Reitz Centrifugal Fans &
Reitz India centrifugal blower fans
technologies.
Centrifugal fans perform the basic functionality of moving air from one
place to another. There are several centrifugal fan types and sizes available
each with certain application benefits. Since there is a great diversity in fan
applications such as drying, cooling, conveying, aerating and ventilation etc
the specifications needed for selecting the fan system also vary. A fan with
right design and material, chosen by considering process requirement will
enable good efficiency and reliability. Proper selection of the fan type is
dependent on certain factors like fan type & size, airflow rate, static
pressure, density of the air to be moved, system resistance, temperature
range, space constraints, material to be handled, variations in operating
conditions etc.
Fan Type & Size
Centrifugal fans have varied design such as backward inclined, radial blade,
forward curved, airfoil design etc depending on fan blade configuration.
These fans deliver different airflow rates at different pressures. A right fan
type has to be selected because each has its own application range and
has varied ability to perform in the industrial process. Also choosing the
right size of fan in system design is important to have good energy
efficiency and system performance. When an under sized fan is used, it is
difficult to meet the variable demand conditions of an industrial process.
Similarly when industries use over-sized fans to avoid the under
performing systems, it can increase capital & operating costs while
decreasing fan reliability.
Airflow Rate
The airflow rate will determine how well the fan system can handle
the material against the system resistance. Wrong ducting, system
effect or improper installation of dampers can have a negative impact
on airflow. These issues have to be evaluated when selecting the fan
system, specifically when fans are used for material handling in
industrial process. If proper velocity is not maintained in the air by
the fan, then it will not carry the material through the system to the
destination point.
Pressure Drop
All control components used at the inlet or outlet of a fan system will have
an affect on the airflow passing through the system. Hence when
determining the pressure requirements for a fan system, it is important to
consider the restrictions to the airflow that is caused by the air moving
through ducts, hose, filters, pipes, dampers and louvers and other air
control components. While selecting the fan, the pressure drop has to be
considered through all of the duct work and across other system
components that restrict airflow.
Density
The standard air density at which fan has to operate is .075 pounds per cubic
foot at 29.92" barometric pressure and 70 F temperature. However, fan
density may vary from standard for many reasons such as temperature or
altitude changes, moisture content or mixture of gases other than air etc. At
temperatures higher than standard (70F) the density will decrease whereas
at temperatures lower than standard the air density is greater. Similarly, the
higher the altitude the less denser the air will be. If the fan is operating in a
system where a gas or vapor with higher or lower density need to be handled,
corrections must be made to the standard conditions. It is important to
consider the affect of these factors that are influencing the fan air density
while selecting a fan system.
Material to be Handled
Several factors are to be considered when material to be handled is going
through the fan system. Choosing a fan with proper blade type is
important otherwise the material will be accumulated on the blades. For
clean air applications backward curved and airfoil blades are efficient,
whereas if the material is dirty and granular, radial wheels are appropriate.
While handling moist or wet materials, fans with special coatings or
material liners need to be used for wheels and/or housing to avoid
material corrosion and abrasion. In case of high temperature applications,
motor heat shields, shaft coolers, shaft seals, insulated housings are to be
used in fan construction to avoid the affect of temperature on fan system.
Space Constraints
While designing the fan assemblies, sufficient space should be left for duct
work, maintenance access, foundation and structural support etc. A good
location has to chosen based on the desired airflow pattern by considering
the structural constraints. If a fan system has to mounted on a roof or wall
it is essential to determine the fan weight, size and speed. To adjust the fan
in a restricted space, many times fan construction use multiple elbows,
compact or small ducts etc. This will create a pressure drop across the
system affecting the fan performance because of non-uniform airflow. It is
essential to select the most efficient fan with minimal noise that can fit
within the space available in an application.
About REITZINDIA
Reitz India has set a benchmark to deliver high quality fans for heavy duty
industries which can work at precise operating conditions like high
temperatures and pressures. Reitz offer idealistic Centrifugal Fan and
Centrifugal blower design that can be used in all large scale process
industries like cement, iron & steel, power plants, fertilizers/ chemicals
and more.

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