Fan selection is perceived to be relatively straightforward. First, you
take a look at what the competition uses and scale it to suit your
product. Next you find an amenable supplier who will let you try a couple
of fans, then you're in business - maybe! According to fan specialist,
Axair, it needn't be that way, particularly when you realise just how
many varieties of fan are possible and the amount of help you can get
from an experienced stockist
Consider, for a moment, the criteria for selecting a type of fan. Is the
air essentially clean or does it contain corrosive or even explosive
fumes? Does it contain light dust, heavy dust or is it transporting a
significant volume of materials? Is it chilled, mid-range temperature,
elevate or high temperature? Should the air move in a straight line or be
turned through an angle? Is the fan housed within a piece of equipment or
is it external to it? Is it outdoors, exposed to the weather, going to a
temperate, polar or equatorial climate?
These are primary questions leading to others concerning the resistance
to airflow or pressure drop that can be estimated or calculated according
to whether the product has complex air paths, or has known
characteristics like ventilation ductwork and proprietary filtration
systems. There will be other issues, such as electrical supply, energy
consumption, noise characteristics and price.
Finally, you might have to consider meeting special industry standards,
knowing the 'customs and practices', and perhaps achieving your goals
with equipment that provides speed control by varying voltage or
frequency.
Axair Fans says it can provide answers to virtually all of these
questions, and offers a brochure illustrating the breadth of its range.