The Basics About An Axial Fan

By Ina Hunt


With ever increasing technology, several methods of moving fluids and air in industrial systems are now available. Use of fans is among those methods. Axial fan refers to a specific model of compressor that raises the pressure in air that passes through it. It incorporates a shaft onto which blades attach. The blades are responsible for forcing air parallel travel to the shaft.

The name of these appliances is named after their ability to blow air parallel to their axis. Their functioning is the same that of centrifugal fans with differences coming in the mechanisms. Propellers draw air from the surroundings and dissipate it along same axial path. Propellers are responsible for all movements in air that take place in the appliance. This is attained through creation of differences n pressure.

The major components that requires paying attention to are the number of blades and the design of each blade. The blades can be made from many different materials such as aluminium, wood, and various alloys. The blades are normally fewer ranging from 2 to 6 as compared to ducted fans which may have very many. The number of blades is limited so as to prevent them from restricting the high flow rate at which they operate.

Blades come in different lengths and shapes. Some incorporate different blade sections along their radius. Rotor geometry and velocity triangles are not required here because the number of blades is low. These products are meant for use in regions that experience high temperatures, normally within the range of 70 degrees. They are also capable of working in humid environments if they are installed with the right type of bearings. Cheaper makes have sleeve bearings which do not last long.

The appliances are applied in many industries including ceramic, steel, cement, mining, chemical, and woodworking. Some common industrial applications include dust collection or removal, heat recovery, building ventilation, fume removal, and combustion air. Also the propellers are used in hovercrafts, hydrofoils, ships, helicopters, cooling towers, and wind tunnels. If used for propulsion purposes, the main parameter of interest is efficiency. However if it is acting as a fan, important parameters are flow rate, efficiency, power consumption, and pressure rise.

These products are also in common use in computer systems as key cooling components. Those that are used in computer systems are installed with ball or fluid bearings to achieve consistent operation and maximum durability. Models used in computing devices are very costly but also very efficient at power consumption and operation. Normally the shaft is placed in line with the component to be cooled to blow air on it or draw air past it.

The relationship between pressure variation and volume flow rate is normally of great concern during the manufacture process. As the flow rate goes up from zero mark, efficiency rises to up to a given point before it begins to deteriorate. Power output and pressure are also vary diversely with the rise in performance.

These appliances come in varied shapes, sizes, and colors. Manufacturers can also customize them for specific applications. Power dissipation, size, and construction material, and quality, are some of the factors that affect cost.




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