What type of fan is right for your work environment?

Centrifugal fans, or blowers, and axial fans are two types of fans commonly deployed in industrial settings for ventilation and cooling purposes, as well as to remove toxic gases from the environment to keep workers safe. So what type is right for your work environment? Let’s take a look at the two for a side-by-side comparison:

Mechanics: For an example of an axial fan, look no further than your standard window fan or your ceiling fan. They’re typically compact and used in areas that can’t support larger units. They work by rotating blades to blow air in a linear direction. Blowers, conversely, draw in air and literally blow it out, typically at a 90-degree angle. They’re most commonly used in air conditioning systems and various heating and cooling roles.

Applications: In terms of spot cooling and ventilation purposes, both blowers and axial fans are ideal for small, confined areas where space is limited and/or a full-blown HVAC system isn’t quite in the budget. However, while an axial fan is better served in spot cooling roles, blowers are ideal in settings that require high airflow. They’re both also used for exhaust purposes – that is removing toxic chemicals, odors and other harmful pollutants from a workspace, or drawing the air out of a designated area. This is especially important in industrial settings like paint shops, where fumes can add up and be a detrimental factor on one’s health. Blowers also come in make-up air models.

Maintenance: Due to the internal components and location of the motor, blowers are typically more difficult to maintain.

There’s a look, in a nutshell, about the mechanical differences as well as the intangibles and applications that both axial fans and blowers are used for.