Fan Basics

Air Density Factors for Altitude and Temperature

Altitude
(ft.)
0
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
9000
10000
15000
20000

70
1.000
.964
.930
.896
.864
.832
.801
.772
.743
.714
.688
.564
.460

100
.946
.912
.880
.848
.818
.787
.758
.730
.703
.676
.651
.534
.435

200
.803
.774
.747
.720
.694
.668
.643
.620
.596
.573
.552
.453
.369

Temperature
300
400
.697
.616
.672
.594
.648
.573
.624
.552
.604
.532
.580
.513
.558
.493
.538
.476
.518
.458
.498
.440
.480
.424
.393
.347
.321
.283

500
.552
.532
.513
.495
.477
.459
.442
.426
.410
.394
.380
.311
.254

600
.500
.482
.465
.448
.432
.416
.400
.386
.372
.352
.344
.282
.230

700
.457
.441
.425
.410
.395
.380
.366
.353
.340
.326
.315
.258
.210

Use of Air Density Factors - An Example

A fan is selected to deliver 7500 CFM at 1-1/2 inch SP at an
altitude of 6000 feet above sea level and an operating temperature of 200 F. From the table above, Air Density Factors for
Altitude and Temperature, the air density correction factor is
determined to be .643 by using the fans operating altitude and
temperature. Divide the design SP by the air density correction
factor.
1.5 SP/.643 = 2.33 SP
Referring to the fans performance rating table, it is determined
that the fan must operate at 976 RPM to develop the desired 7500
CFM at 6000 foot above sea level and at an operating temperature of 200 F.
The BHP (Brake Horsepower) is determined from the fans performance table to be 3.53. This is corrected to conditions at altitude by multiplying the BHP by the air density correction factor.
3.53 BHP x .643 = 2.27 BHP
The final operating conditions are determined to be 7500 CFM,
1-1/2 SP, 976 RPM, and 2.27 BHP.