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Everything to Know About Industrial Blowers

Industrial blowers and fans move high volumes of air or gas throughout a facility. Blowers rely on impellers to accelerate and direct large volumes of air to a localized area. Here, we will discuss the various types of industrial blowers, as well as their benefits and applications, to help you determine if industrial blowers are right for your application.

What Are Industrial Blowers?

An industrial blower relies on an electric motor, impellers, and airfoils to efficiently increase the airflow in a workspace. Blowers can use positive displacement, axial, or centrifugal technology to move air. This increased airflow removes particulates, dirt, dust, and other contaminants from the air. Industrial blowers are designed to be permanent additions to a workplace and offer higher pressure than fans.

Industrial blowers move gas and air for exhaust, ventilation, conveying systems, aspiration, and cooling. Blower designs include numerous blower types, operating pressures, electrical ratings, and dimensions, and they can be customized to perform various functions. Industrial blowers can also be used for dust control, fluid bed aerators, and drying.

Industrial blowers provide the following benefits:

  • Safety. Industrial blowers operate with a reliable and safe electric motor.
  • Pressure. Industrial blowers can move large volumes of air at high speeds, resulting in low to medium static air pressure.
  • Dust Collection. Industrial blowers can be equipped with a bag or filter to catch dust and other particulates.
  • Humidity Control. Proper airflow eliminates dampness that can cause odors and mold growth.
  • Healthy Environment. Industrial blowers remove particles from the air that can irritate workers’ eyes, noses, and respiratory systems.
  • Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) Standards. AMCA classified blowers are suitable for various applications, including moving dangerous fumes.
  • OSHA Requirements. Industrial blowers help create a healthy work environment as required by OSHA.
  • Control Smoke and Fumes. Blowers can remove and exhaust fumes and smoke from the work environment.
  • Ventilation. Blowers provide airflow essential to cooling and reducing harsh conditions.
  • Durability. Industrial blowers are able to operate in harsh conditions and endure stressful work environments.
  • Adaptability. They are suitable for various applications with custom configurations, designs, and dimensions.
  • Power Usage. Industrial blowers provide energy-efficient power consumption with proper installation.

Applications of Industrial Blowers

Many industries rely on industrial blowers and heavy-duty fans to complete numerous processes and applications. They can facilitate various operations, such as drying by circulating ambient, cold, or hot air within the equipment. They can also optimize the airflow of a facility to prevent damp or hot air from lowering the air quality and can ventilate hazardous compounds that can harm workers such as dust, smoke, chemicals, and explosive agents.

The following industries rely on industrial blowers and heavy-duty fans:

  • Wastewater and water
  • Pulp and paper
  • Power
  • Manufacturing
  • Food production

Types of Industrial Blowers From Markair

At Markair, we deliver industrial blowers from the leading brands. The axial fan is one of our most popular products and is the textbook example of a fan. It has a central hub with several blades that extend from it radially. The fan blades rotate to draw air in and force it out the other side parallel to the rotational axis. Axial fans are suitable for many general-purpose applications with low pressure and high flow rate and come in many designs.

We also offer the centrifugal fan. A centrifugal fan has a central hub with several blades at a right angle. Sometimes called a blower, a scroll-shaped structure houses the fan assembly. It increases the incoming pressure of the air or gas and forces it in another direction. The flow rates of centrifugal fans are lower than axial fans, but the pressures are higher. We can alter the design to change the performance of the centrifugal fan, creating different pressures and airflow.

Industrial Blowers From Markair

Industrial blowers offer many benefits and are an integral part of various industries and applications. At Markair, we deliver axial fans and centrifugal fans to meet the application requirements of our customers. As an experienced and knowledgeable supplier of ventilation productions, you can depend on Markair to determine the best industrial blower for your needs. Contact us to learn more about our industrial blowers today.

Axial vs. Centrifugal Fans: Which Is Best for Your Application?

Industrial fans circulate large volumes of air in warehouses, factories, and other industrial environments. Available in several sizes and designs, most fans can be categorized as either axial or centrifugal based on their method of operation. Understanding these two fan types and the distinct benefits they offer is essential when choosing a fan for an industrial application.

Here is an overview of axial and centrifugal fans, including their design, performance characteristics, benefits, and applications for which they are best suited.

Axial vs. Centrifugal Fans

Axial and centrifugal fans are both composed of the same key parts, but they can be distinguished by the following characteristics.

Axial

Axial fans consist of a motor, rotor, and several blades, all of which are housed within a durable casing to protect against dust and debris. Each blade extends radially from the center of the rotor hub. Powered by an electric motor, these blades rotate around a fixed axis and force air outward in a direction that is parallel to the axis.

Benefits and features of axial fans include:

  • Compact design: Axial fans feature a compact, lightweight design that allows for fast and easy installation.
  • High flow rate: Using a relatively small amount of power, axial fans generate air flow with a high flow rate and low pressure. This makes them extremely efficient at moving large volumes of low-pressure air from one location to another.
  • High operating speed: Axial fans have a higher peripheral speed than their centrifugal counterparts.
  • Customizability: The size and shape of the fan blades can be customized depending on the air volume and speed requirements of the application.

Centrifugal

Often referred to as blowers, centrifugal fans feature a fan assembly enclosed within a scroll-shaped casing. In contrast to axial fans, the blades of a centrifugal fan are positioned at right angles to the rotor axis. The fan compresses the incoming air, then forces it out in a direction perpendicular to the rotor’s central axis.  

Benefits and features of centrifugal fans include:

  • High-pressure airflow: While centrifugal fans generally achieve a lower flow rate than axial fans, they can generate much higher pressures and steadier airflow.
  • Low maintenance: Centrifugal fans can be equipped with self-cleaning features that make them easy and inexpensive to maintain.
  • High efficiency: Although centrifugal fans consume more electricity, their creation of constant airflow is generally more energy-efficient than axial fans.
  • Versatility: Centrifugal fans are capable of handling various airflow conditions and can be sized to accommodate a range of spaces.
  • Durability: Made from durable materials, centrifugal fans are built to withstand corrosive or high-heat industrial environments.

Types of Axial & Centrifugal Fans

At Markair, we offer a broad selection of axial and centrifugal fans suited for various industrial environments and applications.

Axial

Our axial fans include:

  • Vaneaxial: Vaneaxial fans are equipped with specialized air guide vanes positioned before or after the impeller to maximize flow efficiency.
  • Propeller: Commonly used in ventilation and cooling applications, propeller fans are designed to efficiently move high volumes of low-pressure air in large spaces.
  • Roof Supply & Exhaust: Weather-resistant roof supply and exhaust fans remove overheated air and moisture from the roof systems of warehouses.
  • Wall Supply & Exhaust: Designed for easy wall mounting, wall supply and exhaust fans help regulate air temperature and quality in various warehouse and factory applications.
  • Duct Inline: Duct inline fans can be installed within ductwork to maximize airflow.
  • Mixed Flow: Featuring a hybrid impeller design, mixed flow fans achieve high flow rates while minimizing noise and power consumption.
  • Smoke & Heat Removal: Smoke and heat removal fans quickly remove smoke, fumes, and high-temperature air from buildings.
  • Adjustable Pitch: While these fans are at rest, operators can adjust the blade pitch to match system requirements.
  • Anti-Stall: Highly efficient anti-stall fans are designed to provide 100% stable operation by eliminating stall.
  • Direct & Belt Drive: Direct drive fans feature a propeller that is directly connected to the motor shaft, whereas belt drive fans use at least one belt to connect the moving parts to the motor. 

Centrifugal

We carry these centrifugal fans:

  • Forward Curved: Characterized by several small, forward-curved blades, forward curved fans are a lightweight and cost-effective centrifugal option for industrial applications.
  • Backward Curved: In contrast to forward curved fans, backward curved fans utilize several large, backward-curved blades. While heavier and more expensive than forward curved designs, these fans are generally more durable and efficient.
  • Backward Inclined: Backward inclined fans are equipped with flat, backward-inclined blades to reduce interference and improve efficiency.
  • High-Efficiency: High-efficiency centrifugal fans are designed to move high volumes of air in large-scale industrial applications.
  • Airfoil: Using aerodynamic airfoil-shaped blades, airfoil fans achieve high levels of efficiency while minimizing power consumption and noise.
  • High-Pressure: High-pressure centrifugal fans provide low flow and high static pressure in continuous-use industrial applications.
  • Induced Draft (ID): Induced draft fans are often used in combustion systems to remove air from a specific area, creating a vacuum or negative air pressure.
  • Forced Draft (FD): In contrast to induced draft fans, forced draft fans create positive air pressure by pushing air into a system.
  • Plug: Featuring a compact, easy-to-install design, plug fans are used to circulate air in small air-handling units and other confined spaces.
  • Plenum: Plenum fans feature a centrifugal wheel without the full housing found in most standard centrifugal fans, allowing them to distribute airflow in multiple directions. These fans are known for their high efficiency and relatively quiet operation.
  • Utility Sets: Available in various configurations, centrifugal utility fan sets are ideal for lighter-duty industrial applications.
  • Inline: Often used in industrial and HVAC applications, inline centrifugal fans are designed to be mounted inside the ductwork to improve efficiency.
  • Mixed Flow: Mixed flow fans combine the efficiency of axial fans with the pressure-generating capabilities of centrifugal fans.
  • Fume Exhaust: Fume exhaust fans are designed to safely exhaust noxious or high-temperature fumes in a range of industrial applications.
  • Laboratory Exhaust: Commonly used in universities and research facilities, laboratory exhaust fans allow hazardous chemicals, fumes, and contaminated air to be quickly and safely removed from indoor spaces.

Applications of Axial vs. Centrifugal Fans

Axial and centrifugal fans each have specific performance characteristics that influence their suitability for certain applications. 

Axial Fan Applications

Axial fans are ideal for moving large volumes of low-pressure air in various industrial cooling and ventilation applications. Examples include:

  • Power generators: In power generation plants, axial fans are often installed in cooling towers to regulate temperature.
  • HVAC: Axial fans are commonly used in HVAC systems and other cooling applications that require a low-pressure, high-volume stream of air.
  • Electronics: Axial fans can be installed in computers, refrigerators, vending machines, and other equipment to cool electronic components and prevent overheating.
  • Heat exchangers: With their compact and efficient design, axial fans are ideal for air-cooled industrial heat exchangers.

Centrifugal Fan Applications

Centrifugal fans are best suited for industrial applications requiring a steady, high-pressure air stream. Examples include:

  • Hot air exhaust: In power plants and warehouses, centrifugal fans are often used to exhaust hot or humid air resulting from industrial production.
  • Air conveyance: Centrifugal fans are a key component of air conveyor systems used in various manufacturing operations.
  • Dust collection: In dust collection systems, centrifugal fans are essential for pushing or pulling dust-laden air through the filtration process.
  • Corrosive processes: Constructed from heavy-duty materials and components, centrifugal fans are generally the best fan option for handling corrosive or hot gases in harsh processing environments.

Axial and Centrifugal Fans from Markair

Choosing the right fan design is crucial for meeting airflow requirements while accommodating your cost and energy efficiency goals. At Markair, our comprehensive consultation, design, fabrication, and installation services allow us to optimize your axial or centrifugal fan solution according to your specific needs. Our products are built in compliance with the latest industry standards and certifications, including:

  • ATEX
  • AMCA
  • API
  • ASME
  • NFPA
  • Nuclear
  • ISO G2.5 and G6.3 Balance Grades
  • OSHA
  • MSHA

To learn more about our axial and centrifugal fan options, please contact us today.

How to Pick the Right Industrial Fan Manufacturer

Industrial fans play a vital role in the movement of air and gas in industrial facilities. Unlike industrial blowers, which move air in a more localized manner, fans control airflow over large regions. There are three main types of industrial fans:

  • Mixed Flow Fan. Combines the airflow methods of several fan types, resulting in high-pressure movement.
  • Axial Fan. Ideal for applications requiring low pressure and high flow rates. This type of fan creates airflow that moves parallel to its axis. 
  • Centrifugal Fan. Centrifugal fans intake air at their center and release it around their edges. They provide slightly lower flow than axial fans, but also have higher pressure. 

Axial fans are ideal for applications such as condenser cooling and large-scale air movement, and centrifugal fans are commonly used in applications such as electronic cooling, process heating and cooling, and boiler combustion air. Regardless of the type of fan you choose, it is imperative to work with expert industrial fan manufacturers to ensure optimal results. Here are the most important factors to consider when choosing the right industrial fan manufacturer.

Industrial Fan

They Offer Replacement Parts and Field Service to Help Reduce Potential Downtime

Generic parts and OEM parts often differ greatly in their performance, even if they appear outwardly identical. Opting for replacement parts that are made specifically for the industrial fan in question ensures the parts will be compatible. These parts are also more durable and are typically manufactured at tighter tolerances than generic parts. Additionally, the industrial fan manufacturer will be able to provide a clear idea of how frequently the OEM parts will need to be replaced. This is very helpful in preventing unexpected downtime, as it makes it possible to plan upgrades well in advance.

The best manufacturers will also offer a variety of field services to provide ongoing assistance even after the industrial fan is installed. Staff can perform inspections, realign the fan’s shaft, and calibrate the fan’s balance and vibration. They are also able to provide torque verification and inlet operational clearances.

They Are Knowledgeable and Helpful in the Industrial Fan Selection Process

Each type of industrial fan has different properties that make it better suited for certain types of applications. Choosing the best fan for a given situation is incredibly important, and an experienced industrial fan manufacturer can facilitate the decision-making process. They listen to the customer, determine the appropriate airflow requirements for the desired application, and provide expert advice and guidance to help the customer choose the best option. 

There are several factors that a manufacturer may take into consideration when they are assisting in choosing a fan. For example, they will likely ask about the ambient temperature of the facility, the total airflow that the fan will need to be able to handle, and the altitude the fan will operate at. Other factors for consideration include:

  • Static pressure
  • Safety conditions
  • Air density

Industrial Fans

They Are Committed to Manufacturing High-Quality Industrial Fans

Even a highly knowledgeable industrial fan manufacturer will not be able to provide optimal service if they are not committed to quality. The best manufacturers continually utilize the most advanced technology and perform frequent performance testing. Their teams will be managed by experienced engineers, and they will be dedicated to building strong and long-lasting relationships with their customers. 

Due to the harsh environments many industrial fans experience, manufacturers must also be sure to create fans that meet the certifications and standards for every intended application. These include:

  • ATEX
  • AMCA
  • API
  • OSHA
  • MSHA

Markair Has Your Industrial Fan Needs Covered

At Markair, our industry specialists are dedicated to helping you find the industrial fan solution that perfectly fits your needs. We work alongside highly experienced fan manufacturers to ensure the highest quality products, and we can modify any fan to meet the exact specifications of your application. To learn more about our industrial fan solutions, contact us today.

What Is Industrial Ventilation?

Installing an industrial ventilation system is a top priority for companies in a wide variety of fields. A good industrial ventilation system can remove air contaminants, filter out dust fumes, and bring in fresh air, which can help employees avoid sickness and heatstroke in addition to reducing the risk of fire or explosion. Due to their complexity, designing an industrial ventilation system that can filter out industry-specific contaminants while remaining reliable and corrosion-resistant can present a challenge for manufacturers and technicians in any field.

At Markair, not only do we provide the best industrial ventilation and dust collection technology, but we also offer expert applications support for power generation, water and wastewater, pulp and paper, general manufacturing, and food manufacturing facilities. Keep reading to learn more about industrial ventilation systems and their major components, why they are important, and how Markair can help solve unique ventilation problems associated with complex systems.

What Is An Industrial Ventilation System?

Industrial ventilation systems are designed to move a specific amount of air outside a facility (which is called the “exhaust”) while bringing in an equal amount of air from outside the facility (which is called the “supply” or “intake”) at a specific velocity. This process results in the removal of airborne contaminants, such as dust, ash, and chemicals, that can be hazardous to humans if inhaled.

Ventilation system

Although all ventilation systems are designed following the same basic principles, each system is carefully custom-designed to handle the specific type of work occurring at a given workplace, as well as the rate at which specific contaminants are released. For example, facilities with low-toxicity contaminants and a minor degree of air pollution may rely on dilution ventilation, in which contaminated air is mixed with clean air to reduce the proportion of contaminants. In contrast, facilities with more toxic contaminants may use local exhaust ventilation, in which fume hoods are used to capture contaminants at their source and carry them away from workers.

Importance of Industrial Ventilation Systems

Some of the main benefits of industrial ventilation systems include:

  • They eliminate hazardous chemicals or materials. Inhaling dust, ash, particulate matter, or chemical fumes can cause serious health complications for workers, especially over long periods of time. Reducing the concentrations of toxic chemicals or materials in the air that employees breathe can minimize their risk of illness or harm.
  • They eliminate the need to use less toxic chemicals. Because some industries rely on the use of toxic chemicals and materials, an effective ventilation system can allow manufacturers to continue using them without needing to account for the fact that they can be harmful to their employees’ health and safety.
  • Installing ventilation is easier than changing an industrial process. Ventilation removes the need to redesign an industrial process that may work well but produce more contaminants than desired. Additionally, because ventilation helps remove dust and particles that can accumulate on machinery, it can help prolong the lifespan of expensive industrial equipment, thus allowing effective industrial processes to continue for longer amounts of time.
  • Installing ventilation can remove the need to change work practices. In addition to allowing efficient industrial practices to continue unabated, installing ventilation can help manufacturers save time and money by keeping employees healthy, thus reducing the amount of sick time used. Ventilation systems also keep machinery in good condition, which reduces the amount of downtime spent fixing damaged

One additional benefit of ventilation systems is that they can help control the temperature of a warehouse or factory. This temperature control can help improve workers’ health, safety, and well-being by providing them with a workplace that is cool and comfortable rather than dangerously hot or stuffy.

Parts of Ventilation Systems

To fully comprehend how an industrial ventilation system works, it is important to understand some of the main parts of common industrial ventilation systems. As stated above, most ventilation systems include an air supply system (which brings fresh air inside) and an exhaust system (which removes contaminated air). The main parts of the air supply system include the following components:

  • Air inlet. The air inlet represents an entry point for the clean air that is brought into the building. The size, location, and control of the air inlet must be strategically determined to provide a given building with optimal airflow (i.e., the ideal quantity of fresh air and optimal velocity).
  • Air filtering equipment. Air filtration equipment is used to remove contaminants from the air before it is brought indoors. These filters should be selected based on the size of particulate matter that needs to be filtered out. Filters should be regularly cleaned or replaced to ensure that air is being adequately filtered and to avoid contaminant build-up.
  • Heating and cooling equipment. Heating and cooling equipment ensures that the humidity and temperature of the air remain appropriate for both the facility itself as well as the work being done inside it. Maintaining the temperature of the facility is crucial for the comfort of workers as well as the optimal performance of machinery. Maintaining the facility’s humidity also prevents the formation of condensation, which can damage equipment.
  • Fan. Fans are used to keep air circulating as well as to direct its movement in a specific direction and at a specific velocity. The shapes of each fan blade can be customized to provide less noise, allow for faster airspeeds, or move greater volumes of air. As with air filtering equipment, fan blades must be kept clean and in good condition to ensure that they continue to provide optimal service.
  • Ducts. Ducts are the series of passageways through which clean air is brought into a facility. An ideal duct system should be able to carry air without depositing any of its particulate material within the ductwork while also requiring as little fan horsepower as possible and experiencing minimal loss in pressure during its movement.
  • Air distribution registers. An air distribution register not only allows clean, filtered air to be directed into a specific area of a facility, but it also includes a damper to control the volume of air being carried into that area. Registers also include blades that can be modified to direct air in a specific direction or to a specific location to maximize the efficacy of the ventilation system.

industrial ventilation system

Industrial Ventilation Solutions from Markair

Industrial ventilation systems are important for a wide variety of industries. These systems bring fresh air into warehouses and facilities and collect, clean, and remove air that has been contaminated with chemicals, toxins, or particulate matter. Because these systems improve the breathability of the air for employees and prevent the accumulation of dust on machinery, they are integral for the health and safety of a facility’s workforce as well as its equipment.

Due to the many components that must be included in a ventilation system, designing an industrial ventilation system can be complex and challenging. At Markair, we have more than 30 years of experience in crafting elegant ventilation solutions for a variety of industry-specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services and to discuss how we can help with your unique ventilation problems.

Markair Helps Recover Energy For Beer Plant!

High Pressure Blower For Saturated Air Exhaust In Energy Recovery.

Markair was asked to help make improvements to an existing energy recovery unit that takes hot process air off the brewkettle and uses that heat to create hot water. The original system created a great deal of moisture on the roof top leaving the roof slippery and unsafe. It also led to corrsosion of adjacent structures. The new design included at Twin City Model RBO Industrial Blower and Munters Mist Elimintator. The new design is working perfectly. It is the driest the roof has been in years. The new design also reduced the noise levels on the roof.

Brewkettle 2

Brewkettle 2

Brewkettle 2

Markair Improves Air Quality For Manufacturer Of Electrical Components

Markair designed and furnished two air pollution control systems for Zinc Thermal Spray and Silica Grinding processes for a Florida based electrical components manufacturer. The projected consisted of carefully designed air to cloth ratios for superior performance as well incorporating the latest NFPA requirements for explosive dusts. Please contact Markair with your application and we would be happy to help!

Zinc Thermal Spray

Silica Grinding

Markair Improves Venturi Trim System For Cellulose Manufacturer

Markair was asked to help improve an existing venturi style trim system. Due the increase trim width and machine speed, duct improvements and fan performance changes were required. System is up and running as designed. Please contact Markair with your application and we would be happy to help!

Trim System

Trim System

Markair Teams Up With American Air Filter For Wet Collection Solutions!

Markair is please to announce that we have teamed up with AAF to represent Florida and South Georgia. We are now the exclusive representative for the Wet Collection product line. This product line includes the famous Rotoclone line of wet dust collection as well as the compact LVN, the perfect solution for metal working facilities. Please contact Markair with your application and we would be happy to help!

AAF Rotoclone Type W

AAF Model LVN

AAF Rotoclone Type N

AAF Rotoclone Type N

Marine Industry Ventilation

Markair has the expertise and solutions available for all types of marine industry ventilation projects. From 100% outside air applications on casino boats to engine room ventilation on large ships we have you covered. We understand the challenges and complexities of ship systems and limited space. We carry a full line of ABS certified products. Call us for help with your next project.