An Axial fan is basically a kind of compressor that can enhance the air pressure flowing through it. The range of axial flow fans is very wide and it may vary from a low or medium pressure fans to high pressure fans. These fans are used for cooling purposes, by the gardening centres, agriculture and for comfort air engineering work. In axial flow fans the blades force the air in the parallel route to the shaft. It is in direction in which the blades actually rotate.

The design of these fans is based upon the kind of propellers that are responsible for creating that air pressure difference in the fan. The blades of these fans are mostly made of aluminium alloy or wood and these fans are often used in hovercrafts, cooling towers, aircrafts, hydrofoils, ships, wind tunnels and helicopters. The fans designs are unique and highly efficient for specific duty conditions. It allows easy maintenance and handling and the construction of these fans is tough and durable.

Technology used for manufacturing axial flow fans:

As compared to a ducted fan, an axial fan contains much lower number of blades which are just two to six in number. More number of blades may restrict the high flow rate needed for the functioning of these fans. The blades of these fans are very long and have various blade sections along its radius. These axial flow fans are extremely energy efficient devices that generate more air with very less power, offering less operating costs to all its users. As compared to various other GRP fans these axial flow impact fans offer 10-40% of power saving. In newly constructed equipment these fans offer a cost saving in both equipment and operational cost.

These fans are also easy to handle as they are very light in weight and offer an ease of maintenance as well. The reduction of inertia available in the designing of fan also provides an extended life to motor, bearings and the gear box of the fan. The blades of the fan are dependable and resilient along with high fatigue strength. These amazing quality blades of axial flow fans have performed very well in the extreme condition tests like high wind loads and cyclones. The operational noise of the fan is also reduced with the help of unique airfoil designs.

These axial fans are highly durable due to its FRP lay-up pattern and have been working perfectly from many years without the need of any kind of replacement. The fans offer a vibration-free operation and the fibreglass material of the fan protects it from any kind of corrosion. The blades of these fans are created using the specific moulds and advanced vacuum infusion technology.

 

ImpactgroupUSA,

The only thing missing might be something to be said about fan blade TE, LE and pressure side surface erosion in abrasive environments like dust, and wet or a combination or all 3. My aerospace experience with Tubo-fan inlets composite components may have some value for you. Urethane paint was used initially in the past as a protective coating but had adhesion issues with the base matrix of the PMC and provided only temporary protection even if it stayed put. Well bonded Metallic LE combined w/ rubberized and compliant coatings like Vi-ton and others, stay put, are very abrasive resistant, and are impact resistance to small and larger particles due absorbing the particle's momentum and directing it away form adjacent surfaces. All of this of course adds cost and complexity. If these fans are meeting their current lifecycle requirements the little or nothing need to be done to change the design. If however a very demanding environment or application is causing premature replacement or early failures with significant consequences, a belt and suspenders fix approach may be warranted and more economical than simple continuous replacement.

Chris Wolfgram

 

Axial flow fans - Impact axial flow fans have an aerodynamic profile with high blade twist angles and large chord widths that give the world’s best efficiencies. Energy efficiency improvements of 20-40% over earlier fans are not uncommon. Blade twist angles up to 44 degrees ensure airflow is uniform hence preventing turbulence. Impact fans are hollow and lightweight which reduces the moment of inertia. Being seamless and UV protected, Impact fans are extremely durable- even having withstood hurricane winds without need for replacement.