An industrial fan is a sturdy, heavy-duty device that can provide constant airflow in an industrial setting. They serve several vital purposes, like cooling large industrial spaces and cooling the complex assembly of machines that generate heat while functioning. Apart from this, they are also helpful in maintaining necessary ventilation that is conducive to the health and well-being of industrial workers.
An industrial fan has several parts that help in its smooth functioning. Most fans have a motor that keeps them running; they have blades and ball bearings attached to those blades to keep them running. Apart from this, they have suction nozzles, ducts, and a metallic casing or body that holds the entire structure.
Common Types of Industrial Fans
Some common types of industrial fans are backward curved fans, radial blade fans, and centrifugal and axial fans.
Apart from those mentioned above, there are several other types of industrial fans like paddle wheel fans, forward curve fans, etc. The type of fan that is ultimately installed in an industrial unit depends on many factors, like the type of industry, the type of ventilation required, the volume of airflow required, and the industrial fan maintenance costs involved.
5 Things To Keep In Mind Before Buying An Industrial Fan
The Blade Design
The blade design should be such that it is compatible with the material to be handled and the type of airflow required. For instance, backward curved fans cannot handle large volumes of air as compared to forwarding blade fans. Again, radial blades accumulate very little dust and are suitable for environments that accumulate a lot of dust. Being cautious while selecting blades can reduce the overall cost of industrial fan maintenance and increase operational efficiencies.
Flow Capacities And Air Pressure Requirements
Pressure drops happen at filter locations, ducting systems, etc. Thus, measuring the outlet pressure required before installing a fan is prudent. Also, the higher the pressure, the greater the airflow capacity of a fan. Hence, the amount of airflow required should determine the pressure-generating system of a fan.
Durability
A highly durable material lowers the industrial fan’s maintenance cost. Hence, most industrial units prefer ball bearings that remain permanently lubricated or spark-resistant body materials like aluminum that reduce the chances of a full-fledged fire.
Safety Concerns
The industrial fan should not pose a threat to the safety of the industrial unit. Thus, most units install a fan that can handle 5% more than the maximum capacity required in a plant. Thus, even if the plant works at full capacity, the fan can handle it without causing a short circuit or any other hazard.
Cost
Industrial units consider the initial purchase, installation, and industrial fan maintenance costs while finalizing a particular fan. The price of a fan depends on the design, the setting required, etc. However, it is prudent to research well and consider a wide variety of options before finalizing a product.
Conclusion
Industrial fans are a crucial component of industrial safety and function. They maintain the temperature, protect worker health and help adhere to the pollution control norms set by pollution control agencies.
