Khulna University of Engineering & Technology

Department of Leather Engineering

Course no : ME 3220
Sessional On Fluid Mechanics & Machineries

Lab Report
Experiment No: 04
Performance Test of Radial Blower
Group A4

1719019 -Theoretical Background

1719020-Methodology
1719021-Application
1719022-Introduction
1719023-Objectives
1719024-Apparatus

Date of Submission: 31st May,2021

Introduction:

A radial blower is a motor or pump that propels air, and it moves the air inside the
blower, and at a 90-degree angle, it pushes it out. It uses the kinetic energy of the
impellers to increase the volume of the air stream, which in turn moves against the
resistance caused by ducts, dampers and other components. The two chief elements
of this blower are the motor and the impeller. The impeller pulls out the air in
contradiction to a propeller which forces the air. It besides have no structure or
exterior housing to give shield with some protective housing. It provides dry,
clean, oil-free air and require low energy consumption. Unlike compressed air
systems, this series is safe to run at low pressure, and allows for increased
production speeds or levels. The blower comes with ceramic hybrid bearings,
rotatable outlet discharge, easy to remove steel bearing housing assembly, and zinc
planted steel motor pulley. Options include explosion proof motors, wash-down
motors, IEC or NEMP Premium motors.

Objectives:

1. To draw the inlet pressure, outlet pressure and total pressure vs rpm curve.
2. To draw the inlet pressure, outlet pressure vs degree of damping curves.
3. To draw the flow rate through the blower (at the degree of damping 0°).

Apparatus:

1. Blower Test Rig.

2. Electronic Revolution Counter.
3. Reducing Damper.
Theoretical Background:

Blowers are turbo machines which deliver air at a desired high velocity (and
accordingly at a high mass flow rate) but at a relatively low static pressure.
The rise in static pressure across a blower is relatively higher and is more than
1000 mm of water gauge that is required to overcome the pressure losses of the gas
during its flow through various passages. A blower may be constructed in multi
stages for still higher discharge pressure.
A large number of blowers for relatively high-pressure applications are of
centrifugal type. The main components of a centrifugal blower are shown in Fig. A
blower consists of an impeller which has blades fixed between the inner and outer
diameters. The impeller can be mounted either directly on the shaft extension of
the prime mover or separately on a shaft supported between two additional
bearings. Air or gas enters the impeller axially through the inlet nozzle which
provides slight acceleration to the air before its entry to the impeller. The action of
the impeller swings the gas from a smaller to a larger radius and delivers the gas at
a high pressure and velocity to the casing. The flow from the impeller blades is
collected by a spiral-shaped casing known as volute casing or spiral casing. The
casing can further increase the static pressure of the air and it finally delivers the
air to the exit of the blower.

Main components of a centrifugal blower

Fan laws:
1. Volume flow:

2. Pressure:

3. Absorbed power:

4. Efficiency %:

Nomenclature for symbols used in this page: -

qv = volume flow of air, m3/sec
n = rotational speed of fan
d = diameter of fan
p = pressure developed by the fan
p = density of air, kg/m3
PR = power absorbed by the fan, kW

Methodology:

The sequence of working procedure are as follows-

1. The reducing damper was placed at the top of the flow equalizing segment, and
a rubber ring was inserted between them. The suction was connected and delivery
tapping of the blower to the upper and lower limbs of L type manometer.
2. The motor was started the speed was set at 600 rpm. While the damper is
completely open. The manometer recorded reading and speed of the motor, then
motor speed was increased gradually by 10 steps and up to maximum. Recorded
the speed and manometer readings.
3. The blower was disconnected inlet lapping at blower side and repeated the
procedure 2.
4. The motor was keeping speed to its maximum position set the plate position of
the reducing damper at 30° , 45 ° , 60 ° and completely closed. Recorded the
manometer readings for each step.
5. The blower was connected inlet tapping and disconnected the blower outlet
tapping. The plate was set of the reducing damper to its fully open position. Then
repeated the procedure 2 and recorded the speeds of the shaft and respective
manometer readings.
6. Now repeated the procedure 4 and the results was entered in the following tables
and draw the curves. At least fifteen reading was taken for the experiment.

Applications:

Radial blowers are widely used in industrial applications where there is a

requirement for constant flow of larger volumes of air. such as:
1.Ventilation,
2.Combustion,
3.Transporting materials,
4.Cooling and heating systems,
5. Dust control,
6.Air conveyor systems,
7.Chemical processing,
8.Corrosive gas handling,
9.Fume control,
10. Industrial vacuum applications and in other industrial processes.

Radial blowers vary on the basis of their air flow capacity, blower type, blower
dimension, and maximum operating pressure. Based on the requirement, blowers
of various types can be customized and installed to serve the needs of diverse
industrial applications.

Experimental Data:
Discussion:
Conclusion:
References:
1. https://www.republic-mfg.com/blowers/centrifugal-blowers.asp
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki
3. https://www.adityadrier.com/what-is-a-centrifugal-blower-and-how-it-works/