Republic of the Philippines

Laguna State Polytechnic University

Province of Laguna

FANS, BLOWERS AND

COMPRESSORS
Prepared by: Mark David B. Opelinia, ME
Part Time Instructor LSPU-SCC
Mechanical Engineering Department
INTRODUCTION
• Fans and blowers provide air for ventilation and
industrial process requirements. Fans generate a
pressure to move air (or gases) against a resistance
caused by ducts, dampers, or other components in a fan
system. The fan rotor receives energy from a rotating
shaft and transmits it to the air.
 Difference Between Fans, Blowers and
Compressors
• Fans, blowers and compressors are differentiated by
the method used to move the air, and by the system
pressure they must operate against. As per American
Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) the specific
ratio - the ratio of the discharge pressure over the suction
pressure - is used for defining the fans, blowers and
compressors
 EQUIPMENT SPECIFIC RATIO PRESSURE RISE (mmWg)

Fans Up to 1.11 1136

Blower 1.11 to 1.20 1136 - 2066

Compressor More than 1.20

FAN TYPES
Type of Fan Peak Efficiency Range
• Fan and blower selection
Centrifugal Fan
depends on the volume Airfoil, Backward 79 - 83
Curve/Inclined
flow rate, pressure, type Modified Radial 72 - 79
of material handled, Radial 69 - 75

space limitations, and Pressure Blower

Forward Curved
58 - 68
60 - 65
efficiency. Fan Axial Fan
efficiencies differ from Vanaxial 78 - 85
Tubeaxial 67 - 72
design to design and also Propeller 45 - 50
by types.
• Centrifugal Flow
– In centrifugal flow, airflow
changes direction twice -
once when entering and
second when leaving
(forward curved, backward
curved or inclined, radial)
• Axial Flow
– In axial flow, air enters and
leaves the fan with no
change in direction
(propeller, tubeaxial,
vaneaxial)
TYPES: CENTRIFUGAL FAN
• Radial fans are industrial workhorses because of their
high static pressures (up to 1400 mm WC) and ability to
handle heavily contaminated airstreams. Because of their
simple design, radial fans are well suited for high
temperatures and medium blade tip speeds.
(https://iscsales.com/item/radial-blade-blower-cfm-krd-08-0-25hp-56-frame/) (https://us.all.biz/orb-open-radial-blade-centrifugal-fan-g167994)
• Forward-curved fans are used in clean environments
and operate at lower temperatures. They are well suited
for low tip speed and high-airflow work - they are best
suited for moving large volumes of air against relatively
low pressures.
(https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/fan-types-why-choose-a-forward-curved-
centrifugal-fan)
• Backward-inclined fans are more efficient than forward-
curved fans. Backward-inclined fans reach their peak
power consumption and then power demand drops off
well within their useable airflow range. Backward-inclined
fans are known as "non-overloading" because changes
in static pressure do not overload the motor.
(https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Centrifugal-fan-backward- (https://www.nyb.com/backward-inclined-single-width-class-4-fans/)
inclined-fan-wheel_60855408877.html)
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centrifugal_fan)

(https://theappliancesreviews.com/radial-centrifugal-fans-features/)
TYPES: AXIAL FLOW TYPE
• Tube axial fans have a wheel inside a cylindrical
housing, with close clearance between blade and housing
to improve airflow efficiency. The wheel turn faster than
propeller fans, enabling operation under high-pressures
250 – 400 mm WC. The efficiency is up to 65%.
 (https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Types-of-Axial-Fans-1-3_fig2_332606723)

(https://www.industrialfansdirect.com/products/bta15t30050m)
• Vane axial fans are similar to tubeaxials, but with addition
of guide vanes that improve efficiency by directing and
straightening the flow. As a result, they have a higher
static pressure with less dependence on the duct static
pressure. Such fans are used generally for pressures
upto 500 mmWC. Vane axials are typically the most
energy-efficient fans available and should be used
whenever possible.
 (https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Types-of-Axial-Fans-1-3_fig2_332606723)
(https://www.ebay.com/itm/IAP-15000-CFM-50-HP-Vane-Axial-
Fan-EB2260-EB2260-/153703465600)
• Propeller fans usually run at low speeds and moderate
temperatures. They experience a large change in airflow
with small changes in static pressure. They handle large
volumes of air at low pressure or free delivery. Propeller
fans are often used indoors as exhaust fans. Outdoor
applications include air-cooled condensers and
cooling towers. Efficiency is low – approximately 50% or
less.
(http://what-when-how.com/energy-engineering/pumps-and-
fans-energy-engineering/)

(https://ivi-air.com/products/ventilation/ventilation-equipment/prop-fans/)
 Centrifugal Fans
TYPE CHARACTERISTICS TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Radial High, pressure, medium flow, Various industrial applications, suitable

efficiecny close to tube-axial fans, for dust laden, moist air/gases
power increases continuously

Forward-Curved Medium pressure, high flow, dip in Low pressure HVAC, packaged units,
Blades pressure curve, efficiency higher than suitable for clean and dust laden air /
radial fans, power rises continuously gases

Backward Curved High pressure, high flow, high HVAC, various industrial applications,
Blades efficiency, power reduces as flow forced draft fans, etc.
increases beyond point of highest
efficiency
Airfoil Type Same as backward curved type, Same as backward curved, but for clean
highest efficiency air applications
 Axial Flow Fans
TYPE CHARACTERISTICS TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Propeller Low pressure, high flow, low Air-circulation, ventilation, exhaust

efficiency, peak efficiency close to
point of free air delivery (zero static
pressure)
Tube-axial Medium pressure, high flow, higher HVAC, drying ovens, exhaust systems
efficiency than propeller type, dip in
pressure-flow curve before peak
pressure point.
Vane-axial High pressure, medium flow, dip in High pressure applications including
pressure-flow curve, use of guide HVAC systems, exhausts
vanes improves efficiency
BLOWERS
• Blowers can achieve much higher pressures than fans,
as high as 1.20 kg/cm2. They are also used to produce
negative pressures for industrial vacuum systems. Major
types are: centrifugal blower and positive-displacement
blower.
TYPES OF BLOWER
• Centrifugal blowers look more like centrifugal pumps than fans.
The impeller is typically gear-driven and rotates as fast as 15,000
rpm. In multi-stage blowers, air is accelerated as it passes
through each impeller. In single-stage blower, air does not take
many turns, and hence it is more efficient.
• Centrifugal blowers typically operate against pressures of 0.35 to
0.70 kg/cm2, but can achieve higher pressures. One characteristic
is that airflow tends to drop drastically as system pressure
increases, which can be a disadvantage in material conveying
systems that depend on a steady air volume. Because of this,
they are most often used in applications that are not prone to
clogging.
 (https://www.lonestarblower.com/products/multistage.html)

(https://www.zoro.com/atlantic-blowers-centrifugal-blower-2-hp-812-
cfm-abc-400/i/G4860390/)
• Positive-displacement blowers have rotors, which
"trap" air and push it through housing. Positive-
displacement blowers provide a constant volume of air
even if the system pressure varies. They are especially
suitable for applications prone to clogging, since they can
produce enough pressure - typically up to 1.25 kg/cm2 - to
blow clogged materials free. They turn much slower than
centrifugal blowers (e.g. 3,600 rpm), and are often belt
driven to facilitate speed changes.
 (https://www.blockerandwallace.com/what-is-a-positive-displacement-blower-Blog.html)

(https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/rotary-positive-displacement-twin-lobe-
blowers-10535780991.html)
COMPRESSORS
• A compressor is a device that compresses a gas to a
pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. This rises
the temperature of the gas, its specific mass ρ (absolute
density), its volume flow Qv decreases, while its mass flow
ṁ stay constant.
• If the pressure of the gas in a barrel is lowered to a
pressure lower that the atmospheric, one speaks about a
vacuum pump. Dependent on the delivered pressure
one speaks about fans if the pressure is 1.25 or lower and
high-pressure fans (blowers) at compression ratios of
1.25–2. Above that one speaks of compressors. This
division is purely arbitrary.
TYPES OF COMPRESSORS

Source: Atlas Copco.

POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT COMPRESSOR
• Positive displace compressor increase the pressure of air
by reducing its volume. This means a positive
displacement compressor takes successive volume of air
which is confined in a closed place and elevating this air
to higher pressure. The compressor accomplishes this by
a piston within a cylinder as the compressing and
displacing element.
TYPES: RECIPROCATING COMPRESSORS
• Reciprocating compressors are commonly used today
only in sizes up to 25 hp. These compressors are often
used for light-duty applications or in startup industrial
enterprises because they are reliable and low cost.
• It is also preferred for delivering pressure up to 8 bar with
relatively low flow rate. Single or Two stage compression
with inter cooling between stages is commonly used for
air flow rate up to 20,000 cubic meters.
• Diaphragm Type of Compressor
– Diaphragm compressor is also known as membrane
compressor. This compressor compresses the air by using a
rotating membrane, to draw air into the compression area and
give it the pressure to be stored in the storage tube section.
– The diaphragm compressor consists of a hydraulic piston
system. Which is well sealed and bearings were removed in the
design as the ionic liquid does not mix with the gas.
 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vltFK4dg1yw)

(https://www.researchgate.net/figure/e-Structure-and-working-cycle-of-diaphragm-
compressor_fig2_335143749)
• Piston Compressor
– Piston compressors are available in a variety of configurations,
including single-acting, double-acting, oil-lubricated or oil-
free. One of the most common configurations is the double-
acting design, which features an L-configuration with one
vertical, low-pressure cylinder and one horizontal, high-
pressure cylinder. Oil-lubricated designs use splash lubrication
or pressure lubrication and oil-free designs feature piston rings
or toothed walls.
–Piston compressors are by
far the most common type of
compressor, and a basic single
cylinder form. As the piston
descends during the inlet stroke,
the inlet valve opens and air is
drawn into the cylinder. As the
piston passes the bottom of the
stroke, the inlet valve closes and
the exhaust valve opens,
allowing air to be expelled as the (https://cascousa.com/industry/exploring-air-compressors-reciprocating-piston-

piston rises.
compressors/)
(https://www.indiamart.com/proddetail/double-piston-air-compressor-
19885185291.html)
• The piston is designed in the most suited Labyrinth shape
and reciprocates keeping the minimum gas between cylinder
and piston. Labyrinth Piston Type Compressor is designed
to be airtight construction with Labyrinth effect and the gas
with normal specifications can be procured at completely
dried condition. Therefore, this type compressor is most
suited for handling such gases as complete dried gases (N2
etc.), combustible gases liable to be ignited by heat created
by friction (O2 etc.) and other gases (recycled gases at the
poly-olefin plant) liable to be mixed with mist, dust and etc.
(https://www.burckhardtcompression.com/solution/compressor-
technologies/laby-compressor/)

(https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/30962316174593703/)
TYPES: ROTARY COMPRESSORS
• Rotary compressors are a subset of positive displacement
machines. Rotary compressors have a number of
features in common even though there are differences in
construction. Unlike reciprocating compressors, rotary
compressors do not use valves to move the gas through
the machine. When compared to a reciprocating
compressors rotary compressors:
1. Are lighter in weight
2. Experience less vibration
3. Do not require heavy foundations
• Rotary compressors physical design varies widely. Both
single- and multiple-rotor construction are used. The
design of the rotor is the main item that distinguishes
the different types of rotary compressors.
ONE ROTOR: VANE COMPRESSORS
• Vane Compressors are
also known as Rotary
Vane Air Compressors
use a centrifugal motion to
generate compressed air
rather than the
(https://www.about-air-compressors.com/vane-compressors/)

reciprocating motion of the

compressor piston pump.

(https://www.directindustry.com/prod/mapner/product-68179-520341.html)
ONE ROTOR: WATER RING COMPRESSOR
• A rotor with vanes is eccentrically positioned in a
cylindrical housing. When the housing is partly filled with
liquid and the wheel rotates quickly, a liquid ring caused
by centrifugal force will be formed. Between the inner
surface of the liquid ring and the outer surface of the hub
of the wheel, chambers appear that change size
cyclically: on the suction side they become greater and on
the discharge side they become smaller, so that an
internal compression takes place.
 (https://www.evpvacuum.com/liquid-ring-compressor-2.html)

(https://www.chemicalprocessing.com/articles/2016/processing-equipment-take-
advantage-of-liquid-ring-compressors/)
ONE ROTOR: SCROLL COMPRESSORS
• Another displacement compressor that is used mainly for
small capacities is the scroll compressor. It consists of a
fixed spiral. Another spiral, the rotor, makes an eccentric
movement in the stationary spiral. Scroll compressors
are often used for refrigeration applications and heat
pumps. The scroll compressor is oil-free because there is
no metal-on-metal contact between the compression
spirals. Furthermore, it is driven directly instead of a
gearbox drive, and so the compressed gas is absolutely
oil-free.
(https://gfycat.com/discover/scroll-compressor-gifs)
(https://aircompressorworks.com/compressor-basics-scroll/)
TWO ROTOR: SCREW COMPRESSOR
• The screw compressor
consists of two screw-
shaped rotors with
different profiles that can
grip one another.They (https://www.airbestpractices.com/technology/air-compressors/what
%E2%80%99s-possible-when-operating-rotary-screw-air-compressors-hot-

rotate in opposite
ambient-c)

directions.

(https://makeagif.com/gif/3d-animation-of-screw-compressor-working-
principle-ySvnyQ)
TWO ROTOR: TOOTH ROTOR COMPRESSOR
• The tooth rotor compressors consist of two claws that
rotate in opposite directions. There are designs with one
or two claws; their form can be the same or different.
Nowadays there is a trend toward two claws because of
higher and more uniform flow, and also a symmetric radial
load on the rotors. The main purpose is that the rotors can
cover axial ports or open them and that the claws in their
movement compress the sucked gas during their rotating
movement. So, there is internal compression.
 (https://www.powerexinc.com/system-components/pump-technologies/)

(https://catalog.compressedairsystems.com/item/oilless-air-compressors/rotary-tooth-
oil-free-air-compressors/pcc5007k42aj)
TWO ROTOR: ROOT BLOWER COMPRESSOR
• A Roots blower is a valve-less displacement compressor
without internal compression. Two identical, usually
symmetrical, counter rotating rotors work in a housing,
synchronized by means of a set of gear wheels. Blowers
are usually air-cooled and oil-free. Their low efficiency
limits these blowers to very low pressure applications and
compression in a single stage, even if two- and three-
stage versions are available. Roots blowers are frequently
used as vacuum pumps and for pneumatic conveyance.
 (https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/731553533204749094/)

(https://www.indiamart.com/bashgo-maintenan-chennai/other-
services.html)
DYNAMIC COMPRESSOR
• Dynamic compressor compresses the air by transfer of
energy from a rotating impeller. These type of
compressors produce high- pressure discharge by
converting angular momentum imparted by the rotating
impeller. Generally these compressors rotate at higher
speed than positive displacement compressors.
EJECTOR -THERMOCOMPRESSOR
• An ejector is essentially a
fluid-fluid pump that has
no pistons, valves, rotors,
or other moving parts and
works by transfer of
momentum from the
primary fluid (high
pressure) to the secondary
fluid aspirated (low (https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/63432904/ejector-working-
principle)

pressure).
(https://www.tlv.com/global/SG/steam-theory/steam-compressors.html)
RADIAL COMPRESSOR
• Radial compressors (or centrifugal compressors)
resemble radial fans and radial pumps for basic operation
aspects. Radial compressors, are a compact, safe and
reliable technology that can be used in many areas of
applications where such kind of compression is needed.
Main types of radial compressors are single-stage, and
multi-stage versions. Although they can be us in many
other areas, radial blowers are typically used within the
printing industry.
(https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Main-components-of-a-centrifugal-compressor-in-
isometric-view_fig2_313065156)

(https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Multistage-centrifugal-compressor_fig1_285083822)
(https://gifs.com/gif/3d-animation-of-integrally-geared-centrifugal-compressor-mPNN5d)
AXIAL COMPRESSOR
• Axial compressors can handle large volume flow and are
more efficient than centrifugal compressors. Axial
compressors should be considered only for air, sweet
natural gas, or noncorrosive gases. Axial compressors
are basically high-flow, low-pressure machines, in
contrast to the lower flow, high-pressure centrifugal
compressors (the axial compressors used in gas turbines
are often designed for higher pressures and compression
ratios).
(https://www.quora.com/What-is-axial-flow-compressor) (https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/axial-flow-compressors)
(https://makeagif.com/gif/3d-animation-of-axial-flow-compressor-working-principle-3FKeXs)
SELECTION AND CONSIDERTION
Scroll Compressor 1.5 – 15 kW Continuous and intermittent use
Max 10bar Compressed air (oil free)
Refrigerators
Tooth Compressor 18.5 – 55 kW Continuous use
Max 8.5bar Compressed air (oil free)
Screw Compressor 5 – 2000kW Continuous use
Max 10bar Compressed air (oil free and oil injected)
Also small pressure design
Small Piston Compressor 2 – 15kW Intermittent use
Max 30bar Compressed air (oil free and oil injected)
Industrial Piston Compressor 30 – 300kW Continuous use
7 – 500bar Not for air
Process applications
Gas compression
Turbo’s From 250kW Best in continuous charged
Good efficiency from 500kW (3 stages) Process application
1.5 – 200bar
Root Blower Max 1 bar Continuous use
5 – 300kW Oil free
Fans Centrifugal big flows Coolers
Axial: Very high flows Household Devices
Small feed head
ASSESSMENT OF FANS AND BLOWERS
– Fan efficiency is the ratio between the power transferred to the air stream and the
power delivered by the motor to the fan. The power of the airflow is the product of
the pressure and the flow, corrected for unit consistency.

– Another term for efficiency that is often used with fans is static efficiency, which
uses static pressure instead of total pressure in estimating the efficiency. When
evaluating fan performance, it is important to know which efficiency term is being
used.
– The fan efficiency depends on the type of fan and impeller. As the flow rate
increases, the efficiency increases to certain height (“peak efficiency”) and then
decreases with further increasing flow rate.

Fan performance is typically estimated by using a graph that shows the different pressures
developed by the fan and the corresponding required power. The manufacturers normally
provide these fan performance curves. Understanding this relationship is essential to
designing, sourcing, and operating a fan system and is the key to optimum fan selection.
• Methodology of Fan Performance Assessment
– measured, including air velocity, pressure head, temperature of air stream on the
fan side and electrical motor kW input. In order to obtain correct operating figures
it should be ensured that:

Fan and its associated components are operating properly at its rated speed
Operations are at stable condition i.e. steady temperature, densities, system
resistance etc.

– The calculation of fan efficiency is explained in 5 steps.

•   • Step 1: calculate the gas density
– The first step is to calculate the air or gas density using the following equation:

Where, = Temperature of air or gas at site condition

• Step 2: measure the air velocity and calculate average air velocity
– The air velocity can be measured with a pitot tube and a manometer, or a flow
sensor (differential pressure instrument), or an accurate anemometer.

The figure shows how the velocity pressure is

measured using a pitot tube and a manometer.
The total pressure is measured using the inner
tube of pitot tube and static pressure is
measured using the outer tube of pitot tube.
When the inner and outer tube ends are
connected to a manometer, we get the velocity
pressure (i.e. the difference between total
pressure and static pressure). For measuring
low velocities, it is preferable to use an inclined
tube manometer instead of U-tube
manometer.
 – Calculate the average air velocity by taking number of velocity pressure readings
•  
across the cross-section of the duct using the following equation

– Where:
» = Pitot tube constant, 0.85 (or) as given by the manufacturer
» Δp = Average differential pressure measured by pitot tube by taking
measurement at number of points over the entire cross section of the duct.
» = Density of air or gas at test condition
•   • Step 3: calculate the volumetric flow
– The third step is to calculate the volumetric flow as follows:
Take the duct diameter (or the circumference from which the diameter can be
estimated).
Calculate the volume of air/gas in the duct by following relation

• Step 4: measure the power of the drive motor

– The power of the drive motor (kW) can be measured by a load analyzer. This kW
multiplied by motor efficiency gives the shaft power to the fan.
•   • Step 5: calculate the fan efficiency
– Now the fan’s mechanical and static efficiencies can be calculated as follows:
a). Mechanical efficiency:

b) Static efficiency, which is the same except that the outlet velocity pressure is
not added to the fan static pressure: