A collaboration blog between Venwiz and Cleantek shares valuable insights on selecting the right centrifugal air blower for your industrial process.
Selecting the right centrifugal air blower for your industrial process is crucial for the efficiency and effectiveness of your operations. With so many options available, the decision can be overwhelming. In this blog, we help simplify the process by walking you through the key factors you should consider, like airflow requirements, pressure capabilities, power consumption, and noise levels.
Table of Contents
- What is a centrifugal air blower?
- How do you select a centrifugal air blower?
- Types of air blowers
- Applications for centrifugal air blowers
- Types of Centrifugal Blowers for Different Applications
- Venwiz: Meeting all your Capex procurement requirements
- Cleantek
What is a centrifugal air blower?
Centrifugal air blowers are versatile and efficient devices that use a rotating impeller that moves air at a 90-degree angle. The blower consists of two essential components:
- Motor: A motor to drive the impeller.
- Impeller: The impeller has blades mounted on a shaft that draws air in and pushes it out.
The driver system (direct or belt-driven) determines the speed at which the impeller drives the system.
How do you select a centrifugal air blower?
Centrifugal air blowers are crucial in a variety of industrial and commercial applications, efficiently directing air through diverse processes. To choose the most suitable blower, it is essential to assess technical factors for optimal performance and cost-effectiveness. In this section, we delve into the key considerations for selecting the perfect centrifugal air blower.
Understand the system requirements
Before you select a centrifugal air blower, start by understanding your application demand.
Flow rate
The quantity of air or gas passing through the blower in a unit of time is known as the flow rate. This parameter is measured in units such as CFM, m3/min, or m3/hr, and it is an input parameter provided to the vendor. The size of the blower is determined by the process specification, which, in turn, influences the flow rate.
Mathematically, flow rate = mass flow rate/density of the gas
Static Pressure
We specify total static pressure in units like mm (WC), where WC stands for the water column, and mmHG, where Hg stands for the mercury column. Process equipment, filters, and ductwork can cause resistance.
To calculate the pressure drop:
- Make a list of all components in the system that contribute to resistance. : – ducting, filter types, damper settings, and equipment pressure drop.
- Add all pressure drops in the system. You may need to refer to the equipment specification to obtain the pressure drops.
- Factor in elevation changes, if any.
- Add a safety margin of 10-20% to the pressure drop calculation.
Temperature
The temperature at which the blower will operate is a critical parameter. One major reason is that the volume of air will change the temperature. An error in specifying the right temperature of operation will result in an incorrect flow rate. Additionally, the temperature will affect parameters like performance, material of construction etc.
Air quality
The blower you choose depends on the quality of the air it handles. Some blowers are designed for pure air, while others manage dust, fumes, or foul air. It’s crucial to select a blower with the appropriate filtering system when dealing with polluted air. If the dust content is high, impellers may need processes like hard-facing to minimize wear and tear caused by erosion.
Duty-cycle
The duty cycle describes the frequency, duration, and pattern of the blower’s use. Generally, blowers are rated for either intermittent or continuous operation. In cases where the blower has a high variation in performance conditions, it is advisable to supply it with a variable frequency drive (VFD) to vary the delivery of air or gas.
Evaluate blower performance
Power requirement
Every blower comes with an efficiency chart, which shows the efficiency curve for the specific blower at different flow rates, static pressure, and RPM.
We can determine the efficiency at the specified flow rate, static pressure, and RPM. This helps us determine the power consumption of the blower and select the motor that drives the blower.
A typical formula for calculating power is P = (Q x Pw)/(6356 x ղ),
where
- P is power (HP),
- Pw is static pressure in inches (WC),
- ղ is the efficiency, and
- Q is the flow rate in CFM.
Noise levels
In certain situations, the noise level of the blower becomes crucial. If noise is a concern, choose a blower specifically designed for silent operation. The noise level is regulated by standards such as OSHAS, Indian Standards (IS), etc., and the fan must adhere to these norms. Noise levels are measured in dB (decibels).
Material selection
Ensure the blower’s materials are compatible with the air quality and operating conditions you’ll encounter.
Other factors
- Maintenance: Select a blower with low maintenance cost and readily available spare parts.
- Cost and budget: Strike a balance between the blower’s initial cost and its ongoing operational expenses, including energy efficiency considerations.
- Safety: Prioritize safety features like overload protection, safety guards, and vibration protection.
Types of air blowers
| Type of Blower | Features | Advantages | Disadvantages | Applications |
| Forward Curved | Short blades angled towards rotation, simple design, compact size | High flow at low pressure, low cost | Low efficiency, high noise, not suitable for high pressure | Domestic furnaces, air conditioning units, pneumatic conveying |
| Backward Inclined | Flat, curved single-thickness or airfoil blades angled away from rotation, rugged construction, high-speed operation | High efficiency, low noise, wide pressure range, suitable for dust handling | Higher cost, larger size, not ideal for very high-pressure | Industrial dust collection, pneumatic conveying, material handling, and HVAC systems |
| Radial | Straight blades perpendicular to rotation, simple design, durable construction | Simple, low noise, suitable for dusty conditions, high pressure and flow | Low efficiency, limited pressure capabilities, not suitable for dirty air | General ventilation, ovens, dryers, recirculation fans, material handling |
| Airfoil | Streamlined blades with high aerodynamic efficiency | Highest efficiency, low noise, wide pressure range | Low efficiency, high noise, not suitable for high-pressure | Power generation plants, chemical processing plants, and large HVAC systems |
Applications for centrifugal air blowers
Centrifugal blowers are high-pressure fans to ensure constant airflow in processes like pneumatic conveying systems. They offer advantages like broad operating range and high speed, with variations in airflow capacity, type, dimensions, and operating pressure.
Hot air supply
Centrifugal blowers supply hot air for drying, heating, and combustion and are crucial for the manufacturing and food processing industries. Known for withstanding high temperatures, these blowers deliver steady air flow, improving operational processes and product quality.
Dust Collection
Centrifugal air blowers are crucial in removing gases produced during industrial processes or combustion. These gases, often containing a lot of particles, go through dust collection systems like scrubbers, cyclones, bag filters, and electrostatic precipitators. Although the dust collection system significantly reduces the particles, the air still has more particles than the regular air around us.
Cooling and HVAC applications
Centrifugal air blowers are essential in cooling and HVAC applications. They extract excess heat from industrial settings to prevent equipment from overheating and ensure operational stability. Blowers are used in various industries, like power generation, electronics, and chemical processing. In HVAC systems, centrifugal blowers circulate conditioned air throughout buildings, creating a comfortable indoor environment.
Fume Exhaust and Smoke Ventilation
Crucial in smoke ventilation and fume systems, these blowers help to eliminate harmful gases from industrial processes and create a safe working environment. They are designed for ducted systems, can withstand high static pressure, and have an effective airflow. The blowers can swiftly remove smoke during fires and help in evacuation and firefighting operations.
Pneumatic material handling
The key to an efficient pneumatic material handling system is keeping the system’s pressure constant to avoid blockages and fallout. Pneumatic systems are capable of transporting a large range of materials, such as coal lumps, chips, sand, and pellets.
They use a series of ducting, filtration units, fans, blowers, and feeders to transfer material. While selecting centrifugal blowers for a pneumatic system you need to know the density of the material, which also determines the kind of blades, motor, and any other accessories.
Types of Centrifugal Blowers for Different Applications
| Application | Blower Type | Key Features |
| Hot Air Supply (Food Processing) | High-Temperature Centrifugal Blower | Resistant to high temperatures (up to 1000°C) Durable construction for wear and tear Corrosion-resistant materials for food-grade applications High efficiency for energy savings |
| Dust Collection | Dust-Loading Centrifugal Blower | Abrasion-resistant impellers and housing High air flow capacity for dust removal Efficient dust separation Overpressure design for leak-free operation |
| Cooling and HVAC (Industrial) | Industrial Centrifugal Blower | High static pressure for overcoming ductwork resistance Durable construction for heavy-duty applications Variable speed options for adjustable airflow Noise-dampening features for quieter operation |
| Cooling and HVAC (Buildings) | HVAC Centrifugal Blower | Compact size for easy installation in confined spaces Low noise levels for building comfort High efficiency for energy savings Balanced airflow for even cooling or heating |
| Fume Exhaust and Smoke Ventilation | High-Pressure Centrifugal Blower | High static pressure for ducted systems Corrosion-resistant materials for handling harsh fumes Explosion-proof construction for safety ‘ High air flow capacity for rapid fume removal |
| Pneumatic Material Handling (Lump Materials) | Heavy-Duty Centrifugal Blower | High pressure and airflow capacity for dense materials Robust construction for heavy-duty operation Wear-resistant impellers for abrasive materials Variable speed options for adjusting material flow |
| Pneumatic Material Handling (Fine Powders) | Multi-Stage Centrifugal Blower | Multiple impellers for high pressure and airflow Efficient handling of fine powders and granules Minimal clogging or material build-up High efficiency for energy savings |
Venwiz: Meeting all your Capex procurement requirements
Venwiz is India’s leading digital platform for industrial service vendors. The platform has over 20,000 verified vendors, ensuring you have access to quality vendors. Cleantek is one of the top manufacturers of centrifugal air blowers on our platform.
Cleantek
Cleantek is the leading manufacturer of industrial vacuum cleaners, dust collectors, air filtration systems, and fume extraction equipment in the country. Their products stand out for their exceptional efficiency, low noise levels, compact design and low maintenance. They understand that their customers have unique needs, and they’re always willing to go the extra mile to provide customized solutions. To access the brochure, click here.
Cleantek offers consultation, installation, and maintenance services. Their team of experienced engineers and technicians collaborates closely with clients to ensure comprehensive solutions and ongoing support. They have served diversified clients, including industrial machinery, food processing, pharma, metals, and mining.
Centrifugal air blowers
Workshop
Cleantek has a well-equipped workshop to ensure precise manufacturing and testing of the product line. The ISO 9001-2015 certification shows their commitment to quality management practices, further enhancing their reputation for providing superior air cleaning and filtration solutions. Their workshop includes :
Work in progress at the factory
Noteworthy projects
| Sr. No | Client Name | Industry/Sector | Project description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes Limited | Automotive parts manufacturing | Centralized bag house dust collector |
| 2 | PRICOL | Automotive parts manufacturing | Soldering Fume Extraction system |
| 3 | Rane Group of Companies | Automotive parts manufacturing | CNC oil mist filtration system |
Guest Author
Mr. Krishna Moorthy is the chief executive officer at Cleantek. He has over 17 years of experience under his belt. Under his leadership, Cleantek has grown and has several satisfied clients worldwide. Mr. Moorthy’s leadership at Cleantek reflects a commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.
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