Home » Axial Fan: Components and General Characteristics

Axial Fan: Components and General Characteristics

2021-09-27 hqt

Introduction To Axial Fan

An axial fan is an industrial fan that cools down a machine or equipment that heats up with use. These fans are a kind of processor that produces needed airflow along with the axis. There are impellers within these fans to such and discharge air in the axis direction. We have DC and AC axial fans and all have different designs for different use cases. It may have a design with the mounting ring, a duct, or something else according to the requirement. Therefore, we have different designs to accommodate different installation and device types. Different physical factors that impact the accessories and materials for the fan include environment, pressure, temperature, and moisture, etc.

This article covers the different features and designs of these fans. Apart from that, we will also take a look at the working of axial fans for a better understanding.

axial fan

Axial Fan Components

A motor is the main component of every axial fan without which an axial flow fan cannot run. Apart from that, these fans comprise blades, impellers, and ball bearings. There is an enclosure or housing that covers the fan.

This hosing protects the fan from external vibration, shock, spillage, and damage, etc.  Usually, the fan housing is metallic, made using aluminum, steel, or alloys. An impeller is normally made using cast aluminum with steel, thermoplastic, or black paint.

Impellers are corrosion-resistant, but a thermoplastic impeller is not suitable for commercial use. Therefore, you should consider it for domestic applications only.

A propeller can have from two to twenty blades. The motor drive connects to the fan usually in the housing along with the airflow direction. Fan blades are aluminum-made and have a special design to resist extreme temperatures, corrosive materials, shock, and flames, etc.

Some common fan accessories include appropriate connecting points, protection grill, vibration controller, counter flange, feet, silencer, and the inlet vane.

Axial Flow Fan Design

As we already mentioned, an axial fan has several standard designs. Take a look at the following information.

  • Axial fan design can be wall-mounted or duct mounted.
  • For seamless airflow, duct fans come with a duct feature.
  • A ring mountable axial flow fan moves the flow of air from one huge place to another. Therefore these fans are suitable for bigger areas.
  • A circulator fan comprises rotating impellers that we usually have in our ceiling fans.
  • At low pressure, these fans provide large airflow due to their working order.

The axial flow fan blades pull air along with the axis and direct it towards the fan’s axis direction.

Working of Axial Fans

There is a big similarity between the working of aircraft wings and axial flow fans. Aircraft wings possess the airfoil shape for producing the lift. Because of the wing’s airfoil shape, the air below and above divides and has diverse velocities.

It happens because the above section moves the air farther than the air movement in its bottom section. Below, the air velocity is high that offers a lower static pressure and higher dynamic force.

In contrast, the air present in the lower section has a lower velocity, producing a higher static pressure. This difference in the pressure makes the lift. In the example of an axial fan, propeller blades work like wings to move the air forward which causes the lift.

Consequently, air propelling occurs and it is pushed backward. Airspeed continues to rise to the point when the fan starts to release the air. The flow of air is greater at its exit than at the starting point.

Axial Flow Fan General Characteristics

Typically, axial flow fans are an ideal solution to pull warm air from machines, trenches, and equipment that produce heat. These fans are also suitable for ventilation purposes in indoor areas. They are a perfect ventilation solution in a quiet zone. Below are the common features of these fans that you must know:

  • These fans are available in an assortment of sizes; from 25 – 250mm.
  • Usually, they have sleeve or ball bearings with a lifespan of up to 50000 hours at high temperatures.
  • The operating range of these fans is normally between -10 to +70 which depend upon the type of bearing.
  • These fans do not produce any noise and come with a reliable dielectric strength.
  • They need minimal input power to work.

These fans provide a perfect solution for cooling equipment in industries. Apart from that, they are also suitable for different segments like vending machines, snow-making equipment, HVAC system, and refrigeration systems, etc.

Axial Flow Fan Use Cases

Generally, we use an axial fan for cooling applications, such as the ones that we mention below:

  • Cooling process in machinery or systems.
  • Spot cooling generators and transformers, including industrial equipment.
  • Ventilation in factories, warehouses, laundries, equipment rooms, engines, garages, and foundries.
  • Cooling workplaces that produce heat.

Apart from the above-listed areas, these fans are suitable for other purposes, such as removing fumes and toxic gases from:

  • Welding booths
  • Painting spray booths
  • Industrial parts or paper mills washers
  • Forges, steel mills, and kilns

Therefore, we have so many instances where axial flow fans play an essential role.

axial fan

Benefits of Axial Fans

There are so many reasons why axial flow fans are suitable for a variety of applications in different industries. Some of the key benefits include efficient airflow, variable speed, and the durable construction of these fans. The design of an axial fan is very similar to industrial fans.

The open and simple design makes these fans easy to maintain with quick maintenance. If you encounter an operational problem, you can easily identify and rectify it without any hassles.

Moreover, the lightweight design and compact footprint of these fans make them a much more durable choice than their old counterparts. Usually, these fans come with an enhanced lifespan than alternative industrial fans because of their optimal design and top-notch mechanical strength.

Another great benefit of axial flow fans is that they are quieter than industrial fans. Due to this reason, these fans are a perfect choice for areas where you don’t want noise.

We hope you now have a better understanding of these fans. If you still have questions, you can get in touch with us by clicking here.