Centrifugal blowers and exhausters are used in all sorts of industries. From heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to specialist food-drying processes, you’ll find centrifugal blowers in high demand. In this article, we’re going to explore what centrifugal blowers are, how they work, and some of the industrial processes that rely on centrifugation. So, if you’d like to find out more about the practical uses of centrifugal bowers in industry, read on.

What is Centrifugation?

Centrifugal force is a process whereby a device spinning at high speed can separate materials based on weight. Because the device (a centrifuge) spins at such high speeds, it pushes heavier materials to the bottom. You may be familiar with centrifugation for the separation of water from solids. If you’ve ever seen a carnival ride called The Gravitron, it’s a similar process. Riders stand inside a large drum. When the drum spins at excessive speeds, the riders are pushed against the wall. This is essentially a centrifuge.

Centrifugation is used in many different applications, including medical research, manufacturing, food processing, chemistry, water treatment and many more. When it comes to exhausters and blowers, centrifugal force is used to push air through various systems.

What is a Centrifugal Blower?

A centrifugal blower is also known as an exhauster. These machines come in various types depending on the size and application. In simple terms, blowers are designed to move large volumes of air during industrial processes. The spinning part of the blower is known as the impeller, with specific blade styles determining how it moves. Some of the popular styles are:

• Backward curved
• Forward curved
• Airfoil
• Radial
• Paddlewheel
• Plus more

Specifically, centrifugal blowers are designed to handle air and gas at high volumes and pressure. Ventilation and exhaust systems, drying systems and many more industrial processes rely on centrifugal blowers.

Blowers can also be single-stage up to five stages, depending on your application. A multi-stage centrifugal blower simply moves the air through more centrifugation stages. This results in higher air pressure at the end of the process without increasing the inlet flow rate. Any process requiring compressed air would benefit from a multi-stage blower.

How do Centrifugal Blowers Work?

There is quite a simple scientific process behind the operation of centrifugal blowers. In basic terms, the blower turns the kinetic energy of air into potential energy using rotating fan blades. Using impellers, the fan draws air through the inlet. The fan blades change the air’s direction, turning it into potential energy.

As the air moves through multiple stages, its pressure increases before it reaches the outlet. The fans are generally powered by a motor, which allows operators to regulate the speed of air movement. All industrial applications require air to be delivered at varying pressures and speeds, and centrifugal blowers make it simple to control.

Industrial Applications for Centrifugal Blowers

Any process that requires the controlled movement of air could essentially include a centrifugal blower. One of the great things about these blowers is they come in various types. So, depending on the specific application, there is likely to be a centrifugal blower out there that’s perfect for the job. Also, when talking about large industrial blowers, you can adjust the impellers, making them suitable for even the harshest environments.

Here are some of the common uses for centrifugal blowers across a number of industries.

HVAC Systems

Industrial buildings, and indeed, most commercial buildings, have an HVAC system. These systems are responsible for maintaining healthy air quality and comfortable temperatures inside large buildings. To do that effectively, air needs to move through the various stages of the system.

Industrial blowers and exhausters usually form part of a building’s HVAC system because they allow for a continuous and controlled airflow rate. This means other functions such as air filtration, heating, or cooling can occur with relative ease.

Removing Air Contaminants

There are many industrial processes that generate a potentially unhealthy environment due to contaminants in the air. Anything involving chemicals and gases has the potential to pollute the air. Think of confined spaces such as an auto-spraying garage or a scientific laboratory.

Air constantly needs to be pushed out of these spaces, usually through an air filtration system. Centrifugal blowers can be used to clear contaminated air and particles from any space. Again, they can handle large volumes of air, making them the perfect weapon for maintaining safe air quality.

Drying Applications

There are multiple industrial processes that involve drying. Whether this be drying food in the food processing industry or reducing moisture in the air in a pharmaceutical setting, centrifugal blowers are used frequently. Their ability to remove moisture from rooms makes them extremely useful in maintaining hygiene standards and other regulations.

Looking for High-quality Blowers and Exhausters?

Here at Interfil, we manufacture blowers and exhausters right here in Australia. Made from heavy cast alloy and precision impellers, our blowers are available in single to five-stage configurations and are suitable for applications up to 30Kpa. Our expert team can recommend the right size and type of blower for your specific applications, and we even offer a 12-month warranty. You’ll also love the quiet operation of our blowers, which only generate up to 80db. As your leading industrial filtration expert, Interfil is ready to help. Contact our friendly team today to discuss your exhauster and blower needs.

Read Also:
Maintaining and Servicing Industrial Filtration Equipment
Benefits of Regular Fuel Testing with the DieselCraft Fuel Bacteria Dip Slide