For processes that require the flow of gas, industrial blowers are the ideal mechanical devices people utilize. Also known as “fans” in other industries, they can charge internal combustion engines, ventilate mines, and perform many other heavy-duty tasks.
Industrial blowers are typically classified by blower type, dimensions, electrical ratings, flow capacity, maximum operating pressure, and port design.
To help you choose the ideal blower for your specific needs, here’s a basic guide outlining the 5 different types of industrial blowers and their applications.
5 Main Types of Industrial Blower and their Unique Applications
1. Centrifugal Blowers
Centrifugal blowers are equipped with high-speed impellers or blades in order to impart velocity to air or other gases. As such, they’re commonly utilized in ventilation systems as well as gas transportation.
Available in single and multi-stage units, centrifugal blowers have the ability to increase speed and volume based on the blade orientation (forward-curved, backward-curved, and radial). This can also be made possible by installing dampers, resizing sheaves, and using variable speed drives.
One particular type of centrifugal blower is a multi-stage centrifugal blower. Commonly utilized for circulating air, creating suction, and regulating air, it can handle both high-pressure and high-flow rates of gases. Industrial applications include gas meter testing, fish tank aeration, and even giving air to artificial lungs.
2. Positive Displacement Blowers
Positive displacement (PD) blowers utilize mechanical means to squeeze fluid thus, effectively increasing pressure and velocity.
Engineered with an expanding section on one side (where the gas enters) and a decreasing section on the other end (where the gas exits), this pneumatic equipment can trap and release the air. To put it simply, PD blowers are commonly utilized for transporting air and other neutral gases.
One common type of PD blower is the rotary lobe blower, or simply known as roots blower. Consisting of two rotors spinning in opposite directions, roots blower can produce a high volume of air which is extremely crucial for vacuum systems. However, this pneumatic equipment is not the best choice for applications that require high pressure as it can only supply low-pressure air.
Tip: While in full working capacity, roots blowers can let some air escape. As such, they are not the most energy-efficient blower option. They can also produce loud noises but these can be minimized through silencers.
3. Helical Screw Blowers
Like roots blowers, helical screw blowers have two lobes in the main rotor. The main difference is that these rotors turn in a helical pattern (hence the name) that is carefully timed to avoid contact with each other. This results in higher pressure capacity than rotary lobe blowers.
Helical screw blowers are much more energy-efficient, owing to its sealed design that allows smooth flow and limited air leakage. They can also perform more quietly.
Overall, helical screw blowers can provide quality and dependability throughout multiple applications.
4. High Speed Blowers
Engineered with impellers at each side of the shaft, high-speed blowers can effectively handle high-performance tasks and applications. They are utilized for pressure boosting, mobile vacuum waste removal, and many other industrial operations requiring high pressure and volume of air.
This specific type of industrial blower can reach pressure up to 25 psi and has a maximum flow rate of 15,000 m3/hour, truly making it one heavy-duty pneumatic equipment.
5. Regenerative Blowers
Regenerative blowers can create pressure through effective displacement of air molecules. They are designed with an impeller that spins to capture the air between every blade. When this impeller continues to spin for a period of time, it can push the air forward, allowing it to go back to the bottom of the blade.
As such, regenerative blowers are ideal for applications requiring a high volume of air at low-pressure rates. They are also easy-to-maintain due to the fact that they are oil-free and self-lubricated. This makes them vital in sensitive environments such as food manufacturing industries and hospital facilities.
Industrial blowers can provide consistent air compressions which ensures the efficient completion of different tasks. They come in 5 different types with their own unique applications for various industries.
ALSO READ: Everything You Need to Know About Roots Blowers
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