Small industrial fans

Types of small industrial fans

Small industrial fans come in many different types to meet various business needs.

• Blowers

  Generally speaking, small industrial blowers push a great deal of air against comparatively high resistance. They are strong enough to boost air circulation as well as cool down and ventilate equipment and workplaces. Common products of this kind include axially-flow and backward-blade blowers. They serve a variety of business purposes. For instance, backward-blade ones are often used in data centers.

• Axial fans

  Small axial fans use an impeller to move air along an axis parallel to that of the fan itself. Designed for general-purpose cooling and ventilation, they are the go-to option for bearing cooling, enclosure cooling, and instrument housing. Typical applications for small axial fans include electronics cooling, computer cabinet ventilation, and air recirculation.

• Centrifugal fans

  Small centrifugal fans work by taking in air from the surroundings and pushing it out perpendicularly. They are adept at generating high air pressure and suitable for high-resistance environments. Some businesses use small centrifugal fans to let fresh air into confined spaces, such as tunnels and mines. Their ability to pressurize makes them ideal choices for fume extraction systems and filter systems as well. Moreover, because of the high pressure they generate, small centrifugal fans are also used to offer air for combustion in burners.

Specifications and maintenance of small industrial fans

Specifications

• Airflow: It is the amount of air that a fan moves, generally measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Different models have different airflow values and should be chosen according to the purpose of use.
• Power: The power of a small industrial fan is usually expressed in watts (W). The higher the fan's power, the greater the noise it will generate. Generally speaking, a fan with 50 to 85 watts of power is suitable for industrial use.
• Speed: Small industrial fans are available in multiple speeds, such as low, medium, high, and so on. Different speed settings allow users to adjust the amount of air the fan produces to suit different environments and needs.
• Operating Voltage: Small industrial fans usually operate at 12V, 24V, or 48V DC. Operating voltage determines factors such as power, speed, and suitability for various industrial environments.
• Material: The housing of a small industrial fan is usually made of plastic or metal. The choice of material affects the fan's durability and ability to withstand harsh environments.
• Blade Number: A small industrial fan typically has 3 to 7 blades. The number of blades affects the fan's airflow and noise levels. More blades generally produce more airflow but also generate more noise.

Maintenance

• Clean the dust: Use a damp cloth or a small brush to gently wipe the fan blades and housing to remove dust and dirt. Avoid using wet rags to prevent electric shocks or damage to the fan.
• Check for noise: Check the fan by listening for any unusual noises such as rattling or rubbing noises, which may indicate that the bearings or blades are worn or damaged. If noise occurs, inspect and repair or replace it as soon as possible.
• Check the connection: Periodically check the power cord and plug connections of small electric industrial fans to ensure they are not loose or damaged, and make sure the connections are secure and reliable.
• Lubrication: Add lubricating oil to the bearings of small electric industrial fans at regular intervals, which will help keep the fans running smoothly and reduce noise.
• Keep the environment clean: Try to avoid placing small electric industrial fans in dusty and humid environments to prevent dirt and moisture from getting into the fans and damaging them.

Scenarios of small industrial fans

Small factory pedestal fans are commonly used in factories and other places to improve ventilation. Here are some ways many small industrial fans are used:

• Chilly rooms and warehouses

  Small industrial fans are often used as cheap coolers. They help people feel less hot by circulating air. Even if the temperature is the same, the moving air makes people feel like it's colder. The fans work well in places like workshops, warehouses, and other rooms where people work in the heat. While people still sweat a lot, moving the sweat means they won't get heat strokes.

• Part dry

  A lot of small industrial fans used in workshops and factories aren't for people but to make things better. Moving air helps get rid of moisture. It does this by evaporating water from materials and the ground, helping spots dry faster. This is important for woodworking factories where the wood has to be really dry and painting factories where the walls, tools, and people's clothes need to be dry to avoid fungus, mold, and slippery surfaces.

• Dust removal

  While other types of dust removal tools like vacuum cleaners work really well, small pedestal fans can help. Fans move a lot of air, which can make dust fly around so more dust goes to the ground where other dust removal tools can find it. Plus, the moving air from the fans can stop dirt from getting on things.

• Cooling machinery and tools

  Some small industrial ventilation fans are used to keep machines from overheating. Machines, hand tools, and machines generate a lot of heat. If they get too hot, they might not work properly, wear out faster, or even break. Fans improve the cooling systems of machines by blowing air on them directly. This helps them cool down faster.

• Air change and ventilation

  In places where there's a lot of people and closed spaces like warehouses, workshops, and other rooms, small pedestal fans can improve ventilation and air change. This means they help get rid of carbon dioxide and other gases. They also bring fresh oxygen into the room. The moving air from the fans can help make rooms healthier by reducing the chances of people getting sick and making it less likely that dangerous gases will be there.

How to choose small industrial fans

When choosing small industrial fans, it is essential to settle for robust and versatile models. Such models give businesses value for their investments. It is also necessary to consider fan designs and application needs. Some businesses require fans for ventilation, while others need them for cooling machinery. More importantly, the chosen industrial fan should meet noise level requirements as per set regulations.

Though small in size, the required fan needs to have the capacity to move air in the desired volume and pressure. As discussed earlier, this is what CFM and static pressure measure. Consequently, businesses should calculate the necessary fan CFM and static pressure to determine the fan that will meet application needs.

Another important thing to consider is the fan operating environment. Ideally, the working environment determiner is whether to go for a small fan or another model with bigger dimensions. Moreover, the operating environment will also determine the material of the fan. For instance, a fan placed in a humid or wet environment will require a fan with moisture-resistant components.

Industrial processes may generate a lot of dust. In such an environment, business owners may need dust filters to avoid clogging. Also, most filter dust fans need frequent filter cleaning and replacement. Therefore, when choosing a small industrial fan for dusty environments, it may be necessary to go for a model that is easy to clean and has a replaceable filter.

Industrial fans Q & A

Q1: What is the difference between a small industrial fan and a regular household fan?

A1: While both are designed to circulate air, an average household fan isn't designed to run for extended periods or withstand the same level of use as industrial fans. Small industrial fans are built for high performance and durability under demanding conditions. They also move more air and have a higher power output than standard home fans.

Q2: Can small industrial fans be used for cooling purposes?

A2: Yes, one of the main applications of small industrial fans is to provide breathing space to people and cool machinery. However, users should note that they are not as effective as large fans or ventilators designed specifically for cooling purposes.

Q3: Are small industrial fans noisy?

A3: This is a common question among people looking to purchase industrial small fans for use in workplaces. The noise level of a fan depends on its design, motor, speed, and size. While some smaller fans can be a bit noisy, most modern designs have noise-reducing features for quieter operation.

Q4: Is it safe to run a small industrial fan 24/7?

A4: Generally, it's safe to run small industrial fans continuously as they're designed for heavy-duty use. However, manufacturers don't recommend running it 24/7 if there's no airflow, because insufficient ventilation can result in overheating.

Q5: What is the expected lifespan of a small industrial fan?

A5: Provided it is well-maintained and used under the recommended conditions, a good-quality small industrial fan can last up to 10 years or more. However, cheap fans may only last a couple of years. Manufacturers advise users to choose fans made with durable materials and parts.