Explosion Proof Axial Fan

An Explosion Proof Axial Fan is a derivation of the basic axial fan made to withstand or prevent explosions or fires. An Axial Fan is an air handling device which generates air movement along its blades in the direction of the axis which the impeller is mounted on at both the inlet and the outlet of the housing. Axial Fans are generally used for ventilation purposes which don’t require high pressures although some axial fans can generate higher pressures with the presence of static vanes and specially designed impellers. For, high pressure applications, the centrifugal fan or blower is usually used. Axial fans consist of a drive, a shaft, an impeller and housing.

How Does the Axial Fan Work?

The drive of an axial fan provides the rotating force or torque needed to spin the impeller. The drive can be powered by a belt, a motor or a variable speed drive. Belt drives are applications which use the rotation of a motor or spinning device to spin the fan such as a combustion engine. A motor drive is an electrical motor or diesel which is connected to the shaft. A variable speed drive consists of magnetic couplings or hydraulics which is used to vary the speed.

The shaft provides the transfer of the twisting force of the motor to the fan in the housing.

The impeller is the device which creates the pressure differences and generates air movement when it is rotated. The impeller consists of a hub with blades connected to it. The blades or ribs are sometimes connected to the hub in a way that the pitch can be varied to change the pressures and volume flow rates. Impellers are basically internal propellers that are used to move air and not propel the device which it is connected to.

The housing contains the impeller and provides a constant volume and aerodynamic environment for the fans work.

Using the Axial Fan for Ventilation

Some axial fans have been known to be used for ventilating mining operations where flammable gases or the need to use dynamite is present. Carving mines with dynamite is sometimes done in caves or holes where the dust has nowhere to escape. Fans can be operated while mining to pull out the dust faster and clear the space. Mining ventilation Fans can be portable or fitted, but they have to be able to handle the impact of explosions.

Petrochemical environments also need the use of a ventilation fan which can handle explosions.

The impellers and housing can be specially made to handle high heat conditions and impulsive impact. The motor is where the problem might lie.

When is an Explosion Proof Axial Fan Used?

These fans are specially made to handle the environments where the spaces are small and lack openings to fresh air, which contain highly explosive gases. They are used in the telecommunication industry, sewage and waste water treatment, incinerators, industries which use explosive chemicals and the aforementioned mining industry.

Just like Custom Fans of Australia’s Explosion Proof Axial Fans, most come in the Tube-Axial configuration, and have an electrical motor that can withstand explosions. The blades are constructed in such a way that they will never initiate a spark. This is a very important feature for areas that have flammable gases present. The electric motor should also never spark in an explosion proof fan.

Flame-resistant options are also available where the fans can resist fires. The terms “explosion-proof” and “flame-resistant” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are different. An explosion proof axial fan is constructed to operate without causing or exposing sparks around flammable gases. The impeller on an explosion proof axial fan will not ever spark even if it rubs against another metal. A flame-resistant fan can operate under fire and explosions. If the motor cannot resist the actual flame or explosion, then it can be located within a case that protects it from fire or extreme heat during operation.

An Explosion Proof Axial Fan is a great option if the ventilation purpose is to exhaust explosive gases or within hot or explosive environments.