Axial and Centrifugal Fans

Axial and Centrifugal Fans

Commercial facilities need effective air control. They must strive to provide the safest and cleanest working conditions for their teams that also comply with industry standards. The two primary types of industrial fans facilities typically use are axial and centrifugal fans.

The kind of facility chooses will depend on the building’s size and exhaust system. The need for airflow will determine what type of fan will work better. Centrifugal and axial fans have different uses and benefits. Learn more about how the two compare and the best applications of both.

Axial vs Blower Fans

Axial and centrifugal fans’ qualities give them unique characteristics. To appreciate these, learn about their history and typical uses. Here, we’ll provide details about both types of fans and how they work.

About Axial Fans

Axial fans have a lengthy history, dating back to Persian windmills in 500 A.D. and presumably earlier. People implemented electrically powered versions of these fans in the 1880s. They got their name from the rotation of their blades around an axis that propels air in a parallel direction.

Axial fans feature a central impeller surrounded by rotating blades. This design moves air through the fan parallel to the motor. Depending on the blades’ orientation, the fan either pushes or pulls air.

While portable box fans are the most familiar example of axial fans, there are many common uses of this kind of device, including the following:

• Ventilation systems
• Exhaust systems
• Furnace airflow systems
• Cooling areas
• Cooling technology

Most everyday fans are a type of axial model. They are so popular their global market exceeds more than $3.2 million.

About Centrifugal Fans

Centrifugal fans, sometimes called centrifugal extractor fans or blower fans, are a little more modern than axial versions. Their earliest use was to ventilate mine sites for safety. After years of use in mines, this model fell out of favor for a long period but later had a revival in the 1800s thanks to Russian engineer and general Alexander Sablukov.

Centrifugal fans, sometimes referred to as blowers, create a high-pressure stream of air using blades mounted to a circular hub. The hub’s motion pulls the air in and around, increasing pressure as the air moves radially. The air ends up coming and bending 90 degrees before getting propelled out the other side.

This type of fan is common for moving air through ductwork and is ideal for air conditioning and drying systems. For facilities with caustic or corrosive environments, centrifugal fans can help provide pollution filtration systems.

Differences Between Axial and Centrifugal Fans

With all factors equal, different fans provide various outputs. There are some vital points to consider when comparing axial and centrifugal fans, including the following.

Pressure and Air Volume

Axial fans have higher dynamic pressure than centrifugal models. Dynamic pressure refers to the pressure created by the movement of air. Because of this, axial fans can also move larger volumes of air.

Axial versions generate low-pressure airflow. In contrast, centrifugal fans create high-pressure airflow and work better in ductwork applications.

Speed and Noise

You can achieve a higher operating speed on axial models. The same is true of peripheral speeds. Axial versions generally work faster. Though they have slower speeds, centrifugal fans produce a steadier airflow than axial fans and they are also less likely to reach overload.

Axial fans often produce more noise as they increase in speed and are generally louder than centrifugal versions.

However, there are two main types of centrifugal fans. One has forward-curved blade systems that handle less air and produce less noise. The other has backward-curved blade systems designed to move more air but are louder.

Energy Efficiency

Another significant difference between axial fans and centrifugal fans is energy efficiency. Axial models require less power for operation, but centrifugal fans are more energy efficient.

Because centrifugal fans produce constant airflow, they reach high static efficiency and are ideal for sustaining large-scale air systems.

Costs and Durability

On average, axial fans are more compact and weigh less than centrifugal fans. They are also typically less expensive than other models, which may explain why axial fans are so popular.

Designed to operate in harsh environments, centrifugal models are more durable and typically work longer than standard axial versions.

Axial Fans: Advantages and Disadvantages

Axial fans are ideal for ventilation and exhaust applications in commercial settings. But before investing in this type of fan, you should know its pros and cons. The following are some of axial fans’ most common advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Axial Fans

• Axial fans are often compact and easy to install compared to other kinds of commercial fans.
• They create low-pressure, high-volume airflows that are perfect for cooling spaces.
• They are typically more energy-efficient than other designs.
• This type of fan is usually inexpensive.

Disadvantages of Axial Fans

• Axial fans can’t build up pressure.
• The faster it operates, the louder this fan sounds.
• This type of fan is not ideal for ductwork.

Centrifugal Fans: Advantages and Disadvantages

From dust collection to fume control, centrifugal fans have a lot to offer commercial facilities. The following are a few advantages and disadvantages of using centrifugal fans for your commercial application.

Advantages of Centrifugal Fans

• Centrifugal fans are perfect for high-pressure applications.
• Their enclosed blades make them more durable and less susceptible to damage.
• This type of fan works well in harsh conditions.

Disadvantages of Centrifugal Fans

• Centrifugal fans typically use more power and consume more energy than other types.
• They have a higher market price.
• This type of fan has low air volume.

Contact the Experts at Indventech Today

Commercial facilities should know the differences in axial vs centrifugal extractor fans to make the best buying decision for their buildings.

Indventech has provided high-quality exhausters, fans and ventilation systems for commercial and industrial spaces since 2009.

We design our systems to achieve precise air control and long-lasting use. Whether you require help solving an industrial ventilation issue or need to replace a piece of equipment, Indventech can help. We aim to exceed your expectations and find the best-quality solutions at an unparalleled value.

Are you interested in hearing more about our services? Contact Indventech to learn how we can help you find the right equipment for your needs or browse our catalog to locate the parts you are looking for today!