In-depth look at factory fan types: Axial vs Centrifugal, which one is right for your job?

In-depth look at factory fan types: Axial vs Centrifugal, which one is right for your job?
Choosing industrial fans (Industrial Fans) is more than just looking at the motor size. Because each type of fan

It is designed for a completely different "mission". This article will take you to get to know the main family of 2 fans and go in depth.

Down to the propeller type So that you can choose the right one for the job, value for money, and no problems later.

1. Axial flow fan family (Axial Fans)
"Emphasis on strong winds and general ventilation"
This family of fans works like a table fan. That is, sucking in air from the back and blowing it straight out in front. (Parallel to the motor axis)

The highlight is that it provides enormous air volume (Flow) at an economical price. But cannot fight resistance (Static Pressure)

1.1 Ordinary propeller fan (Propeller Fan)
 * Appearance: Same as a normal home fan. Usually mounted on the wall or roof (Roof Ventilator)
 * Pros: Cheapest price, light weight, easy to install.
 * Suitable for: General ventilation work where there is "no air duct" or very short pipes, such as cooling in warehouses. Drain the smell in the bathroom
 * Caution: The pressure is very low. If you encounter even the slightest wind resistance, The wind will instantly disappear.

1.2 Tubeaxial Fan
 * Characteristics: It is a propeller contained in a cylindrical pipe (Cylinder). The propellers usually have a larger number and a steeper angle.
 * Highlights: Creates better pressure than the Propeller type, sending air farther.
 * Suitable for: welding fume extraction work, ventilation work that requires short to medium length pipe connections
 *Caution: The sound is quite loud.

1.3 Vaneaxial Fan
 * Characteristics: It is the top model of the Axial family. Inside the pipe there are "Guide Vanes" (Guide Vanes) to help bend the air to go straight, not swirling.
 * Highlights: Highest performance in the group. Can create reasonably high pressure. (Almost equivalent to some Centrifugal models)
 * Suitable for: Work that requires maximum energy saving In limited installation areas such as wind tunnels, mines

2. Centrifugal Blowers / Fans family
"Emphasis on high pressure Fight air pipes and filters"Working like a snail The wind enters in the center and is thrown out to the sides 90 degrees.

The highlight is "High Static Pressure" suitable for compressing air through various obstacles.

2.1 forward curved propeller (Forward Curved - FC / squirrel cage)
 * Appearance: The blades are sparse and small. like a hamster cage The tip of the leaf points towards the spindle.
 * Highlights: Generates a lot of air while the rotation speed is low, resulting in "quiet sound" and a compact machine size.
 * Suitable for: home air conditioners, FCU, small AHU, cold air blowing work without dust.
 * Caution: "Motor burns easily" (Overloading) if the machine is operated without load (such as removing the air pipe).

The motor will immediately exceed its rated current. and very difficult to clean

2.2 Backward Curved/Inclined - BC
 * Characteristics: Large, thick blades and blade tips pointing away from the direction of rotation.
 * Highlights: "Energy saving" and high stability. The power consumption graph is Non-overloading (Safe for the motor) More durable than squirrel cage type.
 * Suitable for: ventilation systems in large buildings, factories, systems with thick air filters (HEPA Filter)
 * Caution: Higher rpm is required to achieve the same airflow.

2.3 Radial / Paddle Wheel
 * Appearance: Straight, strong leaves, like a spatula, few leaves (6-10 leaves)
 * Highlights: "Non-clogging" The centrifugal force will shake the material out of the impeller itself. (Self-cleaning) and excellent abrasion resistance.
 * Suitable for: Heavy work such as loading and unloading materials, vacuuming sawdust, vacuuming plastic pellets, air with a lot of dust or oil contamination.
 *Caution: The loudest sound. and consumes the most electricity in the group

2.4 aircraft wing propeller (Airfoil - AF)
 * Appearance: The blades are unevenly thick and thin. The shape of the wind is like an airplane wing.
 * Highlights: "Highest performance" and "Quiet sound" in the Centrifugal family.
 * Suitable for: Green Buildings, factories that want to save maximum energy. and the wind is clean
 * Caution: Expensive and do not use with dusty air. Because the dust will easily erode the leaf surface until it penetrates.

3. Summary of selection (Quick Selection Guide)

• Factory cooling (no pipes) | Axial (Propeller) | Lots of air, cheap price |
• Building air conditioner / Clean Room | Centrifugal (Backward/Airfoil) | Can fight filter pressure, save energy |
• Vacuuming wood dust / cement factories / transporting pellets | Centrifugal (Radial) | Impeller is not clogged, durable |
• Small cool air dryer / clean air | Centrifugal (Forward/squirrel cage) | Quiet, compact |
• Very limited space But must connect the air pipe | Mixed Flow / Tubeaxial | Can be installed directly into the pipe |
  Tips for the article: Choosing the wrong type of fan, such as using a squirrel cage fan to vacuum up dust. It will cause dust to stick until the fan vibrates and breaks in a short time.
Or connect an Axial fan to a long pipe and the air won't come out at all. Choosing the right "type" (Sub-type) is therefore as important as choosing the size.

Axial and Centrifugal comparison table

This table summarizes the features listed by the article. To help you start comparing fan types and system characteristics.

Mobile viewing: Scroll the table horizontally to see all columns.

View products: Axial fan and Centrifugal Fan for HVAC

Note: This table is a summary of the original article. You should check the performance and conditions at the actual job site before selecting equipment.