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Workplace Air Quality Monitoring: A Vital Tool for Enhancing Health and Productivity

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Workplace Air Quality Monitoring: A Vital Tool for Enhancing Health and Productivity

Workplace air quality worsens day by day. In the previous blog, we discussed how important air quality mapping is for your workplace air quality improvement. In this blog, we are going to discuss how to measure air quality in the workplace and workplace air quality monitoring using a live case study example.

One of the world's most well-known vehicle chassis manufacturers is experiencing poor air quality at their welding section, so they contacted us to investigate the cause. We have planned a systematic approach to solve this particular case. We plan the following steps:

  1. We conducted an air quality mapping test to learn about fume exposure at the workplace.
  2. Based on the outcomes of the first test, we implemented the solutions in a phase-wise manner for each welding station.
  3. We conducted the second test after two months of implementation of solutions to test the effectiveness of fume extraction solutions.
  4. The analysis uses a live comparison to get precise conclusions.

Please check the below summary to understand the overall case.

Workplace air quality monitoring

Summary of the case: How to measure air quality.

An internationally renowned auto chassis manufacturer has experienced problems with air quality at its Pune, Maharashtra, India, plant.

As a first step, the FILTER ON team decided to conduct air quality mapping of the work area.

Reasons for testing workplace air quality:

“To measure the actual workplace air quality and analyze the effectiveness of fume extraction solutions for plant site welding lines.”

Problems Faced By Client:

We conduct the workplace air quality mapping test because our client needs the following:

It helps to formulate targeted fume extraction strategies.

  1. They want a clear understanding of the status of the workplace air quality..
  2. They want to check the effectiveness of analyses after the implementation of solutions at their welding stations.
  3. They face fume exposure around the workplace due to the unavailability of fume extraction systems. .
  4. Workers face serious health concerns and productivity loss due to fume exposure at the workplace.

Actual Test & Results

We have carried out a workplace air quality mapping test in the six welding stations (W-3029, W-3012, W-3019, W-3047, W-3056, and W-3040). We tested the fumes' exposure to a variety of contaminants, including PM, CO, CO₂, SO₂, and O₂. The results were calculated throughout a 30-minute test period. The result was the outcome of a 30-minute test period. These results revealed that total particles were on the borderline at some locations when compared to permitted limits, while other measures, while still below permissible limits, were on the higher side, causing irritation and health risks for the operators.

Pre phase assessment

Fig. 1: Status of results before implementation of fume extraction systems

Solutions & Approach for Fume Extraction System Implementation:

After analyzing the workplace air quality data in Fig. 1 and the actual working conditions at the plant site, we designed a comprehensive strategy for minimizing fume exposure that utilized our best technology, electrostatic precipitation, to efficiently capture and filter the fumes. We implemented a solution with a fume extraction system with filtration units that included a canopy, hoods, ducting, filtration, and blower motor assembly as per suction parameters for each welding station.

This implementation provides clean air in the workplace, along with the following:

  • Lower pressure drop
  • Saves space on the shop floor
  • Duct lengths optimized

After the implementation of the system, we again conducted the air quality mapping at the same locations to compare the results. Following is the result after implementation:

Post implement phase results

Fig. 2: Status of stations after implementing solutions.

Results Achieved in Conducting Workplace Air Quality Mapping Test:

The following are the outcomes of the mapping test for workplace air quality: The following image shows a comparison of both test results.

Comparison of results from the pre and post stage test

Key takeaways from the workplace air quality mapping test:

The key takeaways from the results are as follows:

  • We assessed the pollutants such as CO, Cu, Fe, NO₂, SO₂, CO₂, welding fumes, zinc oxide, and Cr.
  • We measure each pollutant's permissible limits adhered to the Indian Factory Act.
  • There is a reduction percentage of 10% to 72% for the various pollutants after the implementation of the Fumes Extraction System. Welding fumes decreased by about 68% as compared to the previous state.
  • We found that there is the least reduction in sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, whereas copper fumes and zinc oxide show the highest reduction.
  • After implementing the solution, we can say that there was a significant reduction in fume exposure, and the workplace is now much safer and healthier than before, and thus more productive too!
  • Due to the air quality mapping exercise, it was easier to design optimum systems and also assess the performance of the system in very objective terms.
  • Also, this data was useful to the client for regulatory compliance required under EMS/OSHA/Factory Act, etc.

To know more about fume extraction standards and regulations, please check here.

Visit  blogs to learn more about the critical features of clean air system design and air pollution control systems created by Filter On India.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune and our virtual locations at Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, or Chennai locations.

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Air Quality Mapping: Your First Step to a Healthier Workplace

Workplace Air Quality
Workplace air quality

Air Quality Mapping: Your First Step to a Healthier Workplace

Workplace air quality is a serious issue nowadays. In the industrial environment, the workers face several health issues due to poor air quality. So air quality mapping is an important task for every industry nowadays. It provides various benefits to industries, but the most important benefit is “to plan a strategy to control the fumes in the workplace." Air quality mapping is the first step of every industry towards a healthier workplace.

What is air quality mapping?

The following are a few important things that will tell you what air quality mapping is all about.
  • To assess each workstation's actual air quality in order to ascertain the air quality condition of the workplace.
  • Take the readings in Mg/M3 format for each workstation in the workplace.
  • Carefully analyze and study the readings to understand the actual exposure level of each workstation in the workplace.
  • After complete analysis and study, prepare a foolproof air quality map in accordance with the workstation layout in the workplace to make the workplace healthier.

Workplace Air Quality

Why is air quality mapping important?

Air quality mapping is important for the following reasons:

To locate real hotspots for occupational fume exposure.

Air quality maps, in addition to visually displaying areas with high pollution levels, can identify areas where the actual level of fume exposure is critically high in the workplace or assist in identifying a single workstation area where fume exposure is high.

It helps in taking corrective decision-making.

A proper air quality map can help in taking corrective decision-making, and it can help allocate the required funds to implement a fume extraction system and solution. It helps with health risk assessment in the workplace.

Air quality mapping will help in understanding the extent of health risks to the workers due to poor workplace air quality.

It helps to formulate targeted fume extraction strategies.

Air quality mapping helps to formulate the targeted fume extraction strategies for those hotspots where the amount of fume exposure is very high. One can easily target the areas with the help of an air quality map.For example, generally, 20% of the workstations in the layout will be responsible for generating 80% of the pollution. AQ Map helps the planner identify those 20% of workstations for ‘targeted action.’

How is the air quality mapping test conducted?

A Filter ON representative comes to your plant and performs the test in the manner described below.

  • He uses a digital aerosol monitor to measure dust concentration at the operator level.
  • He categorizes results into Red Zones (pollution above safe values), Yellow Zones (pollution on the borderline of safe values), and Green Zones (pollution within safe values) on the plant layout.
  • Then Filter ON provides a report with recommendations for lowering exposure levels in red and yellow zones after analyzing the processes.
  • It enables planning for corrective actions like improved ventilation, enclosures, and pollution control devices.

Filter ON helps you to formulate the required air quality mapping test with its fume extraction systems because Filter ON has 40+ years of experience to develop and implement fume extraction systems for various industrial processes such as welding, oil mist, dust collection, laser marking, laser welding, and in commercial kitchen dry scrubbers. With this wide range of experience and 70+ different solutions to cater to the needs of industrial air pollution market, Filter ON wants to become your trusted partner for all the above offerings, so for your fume extraction needs, contact us at marketing@filter-on.com.

To make a corrective decision and plan the methods for implementing air quality mapping with fume extraction systems in your industry, please see our previous blog series, "Designing a Complete Clean Air System: A Guide to Effective Planning", as well as other blogs following this one.

In the next blog post, we will discuss the necessary steps that need to be carried out to perform air quality mapping in your workplace with a case study and also check the effectiveness of air quality mapping at your workplace.

Visit  blogs to learn more about the critical features of clean air system design and air pollution control systems created by Filter On India.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune and our virtual locations at Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, or Chennai locations.

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5 Key Ways: To Improve performance of your Fume Extraction Systems

Improve the fume extraction performance with 5 essential tips
Improve the fume extraction performance with 5 essential tips

5 Key Ways: To Improve performance of your Fume Extraction Systems

Fume extraction systems are crucial pieces of equipment for any industry that uses metalworking, such as those that perform welding, machining, heat treatment, laser cutting, plasma cutting, EDM, and grinding processes. In this blog post, we go over the 5 key ways to make your fume extraction system work better so that you can know how you can improve the fume extraction system’s performance.

Enhancing your fume extraction system's functionality is crucial for the following reasons:

The following are benefits of performing fume extraction systems in your factory:
  • The air in your factory will remain clean and healthy.
  • Protection of Employee Health
  • Improvement in overall productivity on the shop floor
  • An improvement in the company's goodwill

Many progressive organizations make large investments in establishing fume extraction systems because of these advantages. However, it is discovered that the manufacturing environment is still contaminated in numerous locations despite the presence of fume extraction equipment.

But—hold on?

If, despite owning a fume extraction system, you do not experience the aforementioned advantages, you should reconsider and look into the following problems to determine the true cause. Filter ON is eager to assist you and offer answers when required. The primary cause is these systems' less-than-ideal performance. The following are some of the most frequent problems encountered:

5 Key Issues That Are Deteriorating the Performance of the Fume Extraction System:

If your mist collector is based on ESP technology, then you need to follow these maintenance tips:

Inadequate fume capture:

This may be the result of
  • Inadequate airflow capacity of fume extractors
  • Improper hood/enclosure design
  • Change in manufacturing process/cycle time, etc.
  • Choked filters due to which equipment cannot produce the required airflow

Not enough filtration efficiency

Different types of air filters have different capabilities. Thus, it is needed to select the right filtration method for the right application. If the filtration process is not suitable for the process, it will not be able to treat the fumes and filter them to safe levels. And thus, in spite of having a system, still the problem of fumes is not getting addressed.

Another factor is the neglect of filter maintenance.If the filters are old and ruptured and not replaced in time, the fumes will bypass such filters and escape in the shop environment. In the case of electrostatic filters, if the maintenance is not done after filters are choked and tripped, it will not filter the fumes efficiently. So, even if you are using the right kind of filters for the right kind of application, periodic maintenance is extremely important.

Frequently occurring breakdown:

Frequent breakdowns of fume extraction systems are due to overload of filters or overload of electric motors. Overload in filters may take place due to improper cleaning of filters, not maintaining the preventive maintenance schedules, or incorrect filter selection.

Frequent overload of the motor takes place due to improper blower-motor selection, faulty overload setting, or filter choke.

Due to frequent breakdowns in fume extractors, it is not able to extract and filter the fumes consistently, which leads to fumes escaping the shop and resulting in a polluted work environment.

Costly spare parts:

Many times, imported machine tools come fitted with fume extractors and mist collectors. However, the spares of such imported fume extractors are found to be extremely costly with long lead times. Thus, the replacement is delayed by management, causing suboptimal performance or breakdowns of such imported fume extractors.

Certain components of the fume extraction system must be changed periodically. For example, if your system has cartridge filtration, you should replace it when it starts to get dirty and exhibit issues with fume capture.

Issues with support and service:

One of the challenges, especially with imported fume extractors as well as some domestic manufacturers, is that the after-sale service for the equipment is not available, due to which such equipment remains in breakdown or has to be scrapped before the useful life is over.

For the fume extraction system to operate at its peak efficiency, these problems must be resolved.

So how can FilterON help you to solve the problems mentioned above?

For the past 40+ years, Filter ON India has been striving for "mission zero pollution" in the Indian air filtration industry. Filter ON, an industry partner for clean air solutions, has created and implemented 70+ clean air solutions for various applications in the industry, such as welding, brazing, grinding, plasma and laser cutting, and CNC machining.

So Filter ON has the expertise to solve the above issues and provides you the solutions to get your fume extraction problem solved. So some of the solutions we provide here are the top 5 solutions that you can think to implement:

5 Key Ways to Improve Performance of Your Fume Extraction Systems:

Improve the fume extraction performance with 5 essential tips

Machine Health Check:

By using its experience, Filter ON offers comprehensive machine health checks and can identify filtration-related problems in the work environment. Our sales or service staff will visit your location and will check some key parameters like air flow capacity, rated motor currents, and high voltage measurement (in the case of electrostatic systems) to provide you with comprehensive information about the state of the work area. With this information, proper corrective action can be planned to revive the non-performing systems which ultimately improve the fume extraction system’s performance.

Modifications:

Due to process changes, layout changes, etc., many times it is required to make relevant changes in the fume extractor system and its ducting/hood arrangement to make it effective. FilterON’s experienced design team can help in this task to ensure maximum utilization of your existing systems, which would save significant costs for you.

Renovating

There are some very old fume extractor systems with clients that would need major reconstruction. The FilterON team carefully analyzes and protects the costly spares & components in such systems and renovates the complete system to function as well as a brand new system at much lower cost than buying a new system. With this service, the FilterON team literally gives a new life to an old, outdated system, saving huge resources.

New Installations:

We provide the installation of modern fume extraction systems. Our ISO 9001:2015 and CE-marked full fume extraction solutions can undoubtedly address most of your fume extraction problems to ensure a clean and productive work environment at the lowest total ownership cost.

Imported machine component substitutes:

Filter ON offers alternative, localized spares for imported machines, eliminating worry about spare parts and improving efficiency, ensuring the safety and performance of your fume extraction system.

So by applying these measures we can conclude that we can improve fume extraction system’s performance to an greater extent.

Please contact us if you have any questions about fume extraction performance improvement.
Email us: marketing@filter-on.com

Visit  blogs to learn more about the critical features of clean air system design and air pollution control systems created by Filter On India.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune and our virtual locations at Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, or Chennai locations.

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Oil Mist Collector Maintenance: Filter ON’s Expert Tips for Optimal Performance

Oil mist collector maintenance
Oil Mist Collector Maintenance

Oil Mist Collector Maintenance: FilterON’s Expert Tips for Optimal Performance

In filtration industries, oil mist collectors play a vital role in collecting mist particles generated during the machining process, but do you know how to maintain an oil mist collector for optimal performance? What are the maintenance guidelines, i.e., tips to follow? We will see in today’s blogpost how one can clean and maintain an oil mist collector for optimal performance with Filter ON’s Maintenance Tips Guide.

Why do oil mist collectors need maintenance?

Proper maintenance of mist collectors is crucial for preventing safety hazards in the work environment. These devices capture harmful particles, preventing them from entering the workplace. Inadequate maintenance can lead to filter clogging and equipment failure, posing safety risks as well as the risk of costly component failures in the mist collectors. Regular maintenance of the oil mist collector ensures its optimal performance, which prevents escalating issues at the time of use and ensures workplace safety for workers.

Technology Wise: Oil Mist Collector Maintenance Tips

Every oil mist collector has different types of technology used, such as ESP (electrostatic precipitator) and mechanical/centrifugal mist collectors.

Want to know about health hazards related to welding fumes? Click here to read more.

Electrostatic Precipitator Technology:

If your mist collector is based on ESP technology, then you need to follow these maintenance tips:

Cleaning Procedure:

There are different ways to clean the ESP filters, such as by wiping the surface of the filter or using compressed air to clean the filters. The most convenient and effective way is to use Filter ON’s F1 cleaning powder solution.

Procedure of F1 Cleaning Powder Solution:

For mixing the FilterON FN-1 cleaning powder, you require a large-sized water tank, and the shape must be round or square. i.e.

The proportion of chemical and water is to mix the chemical in 70-80 liters of water with 1 kg of F1 cleaning powder.

  1. Stir uniformly for 5 to 10 minutes to form a homogeneous solution.
  2. Dip or soak the ESP Cell (Stack) for 25 to 30 minutes in this homogeneous solution. (As per Clogged ESP Cell Condition & Stickiness of the Dust Particles in It).
  3. Remove the ESP Cell (Stack) from this solution and use a spray or gun to wash it with normal high-pressure water for 15-20 minutes. (The pressure limit is not more than 4 bars.)
  4. After properly washing the ESP cell, you must dry the ESP cell (stack) in direct sunlight or using compressed air (the pressure limit is not more than 3 bars).
  5. Dry it completely, make sure, and then install Stack in the ESP Cabinet.

Material Required:

  • Filter ON -1 Cleaning Powder
  • Large- volume water tanks open on top with drain provision at bottom.
  • Dedicated cleaning location and drainage facility.
  • High-pressure water
  • Compressed air
  • Material Handling Provision: Forklift/stacker, trolley, etc.

Mechanical/Centrifugal Oil Mist Collectors - Maintenance Procedure:

Every 1000 hours of operation and more often if the working conditions require it, clean the exterior and the suction mouth of the mist collector.

Programmed Maintenance:

In order to ensure the maximum efficiency of the air filter, it is necessary to undertake preventive programmed maintenance at regular intervals.

Filter, Seals, and Rotors Maintenance:

Cleaning the filters:

Careful and regular cleaning of all the internal parts (shell, drainage pipe, drainage ring, etc.) ensures high performance and long life of the air filter.

It is also important to routinely inspect the inside of the centrifuge and the turbine blades to remove any potential deposits of metal fragments, sludge, or other debris that might lead to a loss of balance in either the centrifuge or the turbine. to get rid of any potential deposits of sludge, metal particles, or other debris that might throw the centrifuge or turbine out of balance.

For the internal cleaning of the air filter and the rotators (either turbine or centrifuge), use a clean brush saturated in a mild industrial detergent solution. Alternatively, standard liquid soaps can be used. Should the dirt be very resistant, it is advisable to remove the rotor, use an alternative cleaning solution, and allow the centrifugal device to dry in the open air or dry with a jet of compressed air.

Structural Checks Required Yearly:

Each year:

Verify that the anti-vibration joints' nuts are securely tightened.

Every year:

Check the condition of the safety tie rods.
Check the good condition of the mist collector shell.

Every 4 years:

Replace the anti-vibration joints.

Benefits of Routine Maintenance of Oil Mist Collector Systems:

  • Worker safety and well-being.
  • Organizations bound by compliance.
  • Durability of Equipment
  • Operational Efficiency

In conclusion, centrifugal and ESP filter cleaning guidelines must be adhered to, and routine maintenance of oil mist extractors is crucial. This will allow workers to breathe clean air and extend the equipment's lifespan in compliance with regulatory standards and regulations.

Please contact us if you have any questions about fume extraction maintenance.
Email us: customersupport@filter-on.com.

Visit  blogs to learn more about the critical features of clean air system design and air pollution control systems created by Filter On India.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune and our virtual locations at Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, or Chennai locations.

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Fume Extraction Standards & Regulations: The Essential Guide to Safer Workspaces and Smarter Investments

Fume Extraction standards and regulations
Fume extraction standards and regulations

Fume Extraction Standards & Regulations: The Essential Guide to Safer Workspaces and Smarter Investments

Global market changes Day by day, manufacturers and companies need to comply with standards and regulations at every manufacturing process, such as welding, brazing, oil mist, dust collection, laser marking, laser cutting, etc. These processes need to comply with the safety standards and government regulations for each process as per the latest government norms specified.

Fume extraction standards and regulations

Safety Standards and Exposure Limits For Workers—Welding Applications:

As per the OSHA factsheet and India's PEL (Permissible Exposure Limits), the welding process is as follows:

OSHA standards for galvanized steel:

OSHA warns of welding hazards in galvanized steel and stainless steel. Galvanized steel, coated with zinc, can cause metal fume fever.

Want to know about health hazards related to welding fumes? Click here to read more.

OSHA standards for stainless steel:

Stainless steel coated with chromium is highly toxic and can cause cancer. Companies have a duty to guarantee that no worker is exposed to levels of chromium greater than 5 µg/m³.

Safety Standards and Exposure Limit for Workers: Oil Mist Applications:

The OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration sets permissible exposure limits for air contaminants in metalworking fluids, including oil and solvent mist. These limits are set at 5 milligrams per cubic meter for an 8-hour, time-weighted average (TWA).

The Indian government's Factory Act also follows these standards to control oil and coolant mist exposures in India. Vent lines at lubrication points are also required to collect stray mist.

Want to know about health hazards related to oil mist? Click here to read more.

Safety Standards and Exposure Limit for Workers: Dust Exposure :

As Per OSHA and Indian Factory Act:

Typically, the PEL for total dust is 15 mg/m3, while respirable particles have a lower PEL of 5 mg/m3.

Safety Standards and Exposure Limit for Workers: Laser Marking Applications:

  • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established safety limits for laser marking, categorized into different classes based on their power and potential hazards.
  • Class 1 is safe under all conditions, while Class 2 is safe for short viewing times but can cause eye damage if mishandled.
  • Class 3B is unsafe for direct viewing and can cause skin and eye injuries.
  • Class 4 is high-power lasers that can cause skin and eye injuries and fire hazards.
  • Laser beams should not be directed at employees, and systems should not be operated in rainy, snowy, or dusty weather conditions.
  • Other safety limits include limiting diffused reflected light to 2.5 watts per square centimeter, preventing employees from exposure to microwave power densities above 10 milliwatts per square centimeter, and having removable panels and doors with interlocks that automatically reduce or stop laser emissions when the enclosure is opened.

Safety Standards and Exposure Limit for Workers: Laser Cutting Applications:

  • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established safety limits for laser equipment, categorized by power and hazard level.
  • Class III B lasers are moderate power, while Class IV high power lasers pose hazards to view, ignite materials, and produce air pollutants.
  • It is not appropriate to point the laser beam toward workers, and it is not advisable to run systems in wet, snowy, or dusty environments.Laser equipment labeling should indicate its maximum output, and Class IIIB or Class IV lasers should be enclosed in a Class I enclosure or have a Laser Safety Officer present.
  • Ideally, the laser unit should be set up above employees' heads.

Visit  blogs to learn more about the critical features of clean air system design and air pollution control systems created by Filter On India.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune and our virtual locations at Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, or Chennai locations.

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Analyzing Total Ownership Costs: Selecting the Right Clean Air Project Option

Total ownership cost
Total ownership cost

Analyzing Total Ownership Costs: Selecting the Right Clean Air Project Option

In the previous couple of blogs, we discussed planning and designing clean air systems, including choosing the right filtration technology and fan selection. Total ownership cost is a crucial parameter to consider, including filter technology, air flow capacity, running costs, filter replacement costs, blower capacity, and ducting length.

What is the total ownership cost?

Total ownership coat, a management accounting concept, helps determine the direct and indirect costs of a product or service over the long term to arrive at the correct decision while making decisions.

What is the total ownership cost of a clean-air system?

Total ownership cost for a clean air system consists of some parameters such as air flow capacity, filter efficiency, compliance with EMS, size of equipment, considered duct length, static pressure, blower capacity, cell configuration, total initial investment cost, running cost for 1 year, AMC charges per year, standby filter cell, replacement cost of the filter, any optional accessories, etc.

In short:

Total Ownership Cost concept for 3-5 years (installation cost + running cost + maintenance cost + replacement cost = Total Ownership Cost)

Consider a simple case study to illustrate this concept. A fume extraction system with a 45,000 CMH airflow capacity—three options based on different filtration technologies—is worked out.

Total Ownership Cost Scenario for

  • Electrostatic Precipitator Technology (ESP)
  • Cartridge Technology
  • Wet Scrubber Technology

You can read about the above 3 technologies in our previous blog article here.

For example, we take into consideration the air flow capacity of 45000 CMH. Here is an illustrative calculation of the total ownership cost of the above 3 technologies, provided with the parameters.

Total Ownership Cost Structure
Parameters ESP Technology Cartridge Technology Wet type:Venturi Scrubber
Airflow Capacity 45000 CMH 45000 CMH 45000 CMH
Filtration Efficiency 95+/-2% for 0.5 micron and above particles It depends on media selection. Generally chosen cartridge: 99% for 1 micron or 0.5 micron for welding fumes 99% for 5 microns and 98% for 2 microns
Compliance with EMS Filtered air output is less than 5 ppm. Filtered air output is less than 5 ppm. Filtered air output is less than 5 ppm.
Size of Equipement Compact Larger than ESP system. The biggest of the three
Considered Duct Length Approx. 100 mtr. per system Approx. 100 mtr. per system Approx. 100 mtr. per system
Blower Capacity 50HP/37Kw 100HP/74.5Kw 150HP/112Kw
Total Initial (Basic) Investment Cost (Equipment, Ducting, and Installation) INR 60.16 lakh INR 76.31 lakh INR 104.81 lakh
Running Cost for 1 Year (considering 16 hours per day x 300 days and 10 Rs/unit) INR 17.76 lakh (per year) X 3 years = 53.28 lakh INR 35.76 lakh (per year) X 3 years = 107 lakh + compressed air charges INR 53.66 lakh (per year) X 3 years = 161 lakh + water charges
AMC Charges per Year (All Scope) Approx. Rs 6 lakh (for 12 visits per year) X 3 years = 18 lakh Approx. 1 lakh (for 4 visits per year) X 3 years = 3 lakh Approx. Rs 6 lakh (for 12 visits per year) X 3 years = 18 lakh
Replacement Cost Filter After 3 years, Rs 1.20 lakh for pre- and after filter replacement & After 5 years, Rs. 3 lakh for ESP filter refurbishment After 2 years, Rs 9.90 lakh N/A
Optional accessories like a VFD, PLC, motorized damper, spark trap, etc. INR 12.92 lakh INR 19.73 lakh INR 27.15 lakh
Total Ownership Cost for 3 Years 154.56 Lakh 215.94 Lakh 310.96 Lakh

Cost Breakdown Parameter-wise & Technology-wise:

Cost breakdown for total ownership cost is here as follows:

Total Ownership Cost Structure
Cost Parameters Cost Of ESP Technology Cost Of Cartridge Technology Cost Of Wet type:Venturi Scrubber
Installation Cost 60.16 lakh 76.31 lakh 104.81 lakh
Running Cost 53.28 lakh 107 lakh 161 lakh
Maintenance Cost-AMC 18 lakh 3 lakh 18 lakh
Replacement Cost 1.2 lakh 9.9 lakh 0
Optional Cost 12.92 lakh 19.73 lakh 27.15 lakh
Total Ownership Cost for 3 Years 154.56 Lakh 215.94 Lakh 310.96 Lakh

Total ownership cost - parameters wise breakup

Fig: Total ownership cost(Parameter wise breakup)

Total Ownership Cost Structure
Technology Total Ownership Cost
ESP Technology 154.56 lakh
Cartridge Technology 215.94 lakh
Wet/Venturi Scrubber Technology 310.96 lakh

Total ownership cost technology wise breakup

Fig: Total ownership cost(Technology wise breakup)

Understandings from the above example:

As per the above example of total ownership cost calculation about the 3 technologies, we can conclude that the ESP technology is totally beneficial in the long run as per the costing, as the total cost is very low; it’s only 154.56 lakh as compared to cartridge technologies 215.94 lakh and wet scrubbers 310.96 lakh for the period of 3 years.

Key takeaways from the above example:

  1. From the above example, you can see that the total cost of ownership of ESP technology is low as compared to the other two technologies.
  2. The total cost of ownership consists of several parameters that are very important, including air flow, blower capacity, initial cost, filter cost, cost of ducting, etc.
  3. The most important parameter of the clean air system is air flow calculation, so air flow rate is the most comparable factor to check which proposal is capable of solving your industrial indoor pollution problem.

Visit blogs to learn more about the critical features of clean air system design and air pollution control systems created by Filter On India.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune and our virtual locations at Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, or Chennai locations.

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Comprehensive Guide to Duct Design: Types, Velocity, Power, and Pressure Drop with 7 Practical Design Guidelines

Duct Deign Guide
Duct Design Guide

Comprehensive Guide to Duct Design: Types, Velocity, Power, and Pressure Drop with 7 Practical Design Guidelines

Ducting is a main and important component of any clean air system design. Ducting involves various parameters, including ducting type, required velocity, power consumption, and pressure drop. We will discuss all the above parameters in today's blog post, “Duct Design: Guide for Ducting Design of a Clean Air System,"  as well as a few guidelines for standard duct design. 

Duct Design: Types of ducting:

Ducting has two types:

  • Round Ducting
  • Rectangular Ducting

Duct type, such as round or spiral duct, is a type of steel pipe made from various materials like stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and galvanized steel.

Round ducts are more common in fume extraction and dust collection systems, whereas rectangular ducts are more common in air conditioning systems and fresh air ventilation systems.

Round vs. Rectangular

Why round ducting is preferred over rectangular ducting in air pollution control systems:

The main reason is that the dust accumulation inside round ducts is very low as compared to rectangular ducts. In rectangular ducts, dust keeps getting accumulated at the corners. This is not a good situation in any way because it creates a safety or fire hazard in the case of some industrial pollutants like aluminum dust and where there is a possibility of sparks or hot particles entering the duct. Other factors are:

  • A round duct has a low pressure drop.
  • Round ducting is also more rigid than rectangular ducting.
  • The round duct has a lower duct vibration drum effect than the rectangular duct.
  • A round duct has a lower noise level as compared to a rectangular duct.
  • Round ducting has less friction for the air to move around, so it tends to move faster and more efficiently as compared to rectangular ducting.
  • Round ducts work best with medium- to high-pressure clean air systems.

Duct Design :Duct Velocity and Sizing

Duct Velocity:

The air duct velocity, also known as air flow velocity, is a measurement of the air that moves through your clean air system's air supply and return grilles. This can be measured by either feet per minute (FPM) or meters per second (m/s).

Certain optimum ranges are recommended as per application; e.g., for dust collector applications, a range of 20–22 m/s is common so as to avoid dust deposition inside the duct. This velocity ensures that most of the dust particles are swept effectively up to the dust collector. In the case of welding fumes, this value is lower (@15–17 m/s), as it would need much less velocity to convey fumes as compared to dust.

CFM, which is “cubic feet per minute,” = velocity, which is shown in “feet per minute,” multiplied by the area, which is shown in “square feet.”

Duct Sizing:

Duct sizing is the most important factor in the design of a duct.

How is the duct size calculated then?

The Darcy equation reveals that reducing duct diameter increases pressure loss at a constant volume flow rate, while larger volume flow rates require larger duct diameters.

Duct Sizing Methods:

There are three important duct-sizing methods:

  • Equal friction method
  • Velocity Method
  • Friction Method
  • Static Regain

Duct Velocity and Pressure Drop

Duct velocity and pressure drop are important factors in a clean-air system. These factors influence airflow, duct velocity, and total pressures. Accurate calculations help ensure optimal airflow, comfort, and efficient system design. Excessively higher velocities than the recommended range would produce a very high pressure drop. Also, too little velocity will increase the size of the duct and, thus, the ducting cost.

Velocity and power consumption

Higher velocity leads to a higher pressure drop, and thus, you would need more power to overcome that pressure drop. This will increase the running cost of the system.

Duct Sizing: Increasing and Reducing Diameters

Increasing and decreasing diameters in duct sizing are based on the Darcy equation. The Darcy equation reveals that reducing duct diameter increases pressure loss at a constant volume flow rate, while larger volume flow rates require larger duct diameters.

Elbows, sharp bends, reducers, etc.

Elbows:

Elbow Design Guidelines

Fig: Principles Of Duct Design-Elbows(ACGIH Industrial Ventilation-23 Edition)

Radius elbows are recommended for rectangular ducts, while mitered elbows with turning vanes are suitable for medium- and high-velocity VAV systems. Short-radius elbows with splitters are recommended for medium- and high-velocity systems. Mitered elbows with turning vanes are used if necessary, but not for low-velocity systems.

Sharp Bends:

Avoid sharp bends or turns to make the air flow clear, because sharp bends or turns restrict the air flow speed in ducting.

The ductwork system utilizes various types of bends, including long radius bends with a gradual centerline radius, short radius bends with a sharper radius, and U-shaped bends like return bends. Mitered bends, offset bends, and bumper bends are used to change flow direction, redirect flow, and absorb shock or vibration.

Reducers:

Sharp-step-type reducers are to be avoided. Smooth tapering reducers should be considered. Also, ensure that the size of the duct is expanded prior to connecting branches and not after the connecting branch.

Dampers for balancing

Dampers are essential in CV (constant volume) systems, including self-balancing methods. The use of dampers ensures that we get the required air flow as per design at each branch.

7 Practical Guidelines for Duct Design:

Duct Enlargements1

Fig: Principles Of Duct Design-Duct Enlargements(ACGIH Industrial Ventilation-23 Edition)

Duct Enlargements2

Fig: Principles Of Duct Design-Duct Enlargements(ACGIH Industrial Ventilation-23 Edition)

  1. The general rule of thumb is that the less duct work you have, the cheaper it’s going to be. The fewer bends and elbows required are ideal.
  2. The blower needs to be less static, meaning a more cost-friendly exhaust blower, requiring less HP and energy consumption.
  3. Straight runs are best because they reduce wear issues and resistance in your duct system.
  4. Long-radius bends, curves, and turns are essential in creating airflow, reducing static pressure resistance and enhancing airflow by ensuring soft and delicate designs. .
  5. The static pressure generated during duct runs can significantly impact the velocity of the air, requiring careful consideration and management.
  6. The nature of open or larger-diameter pipe sizes can allow for more movement and less static pressure.
  7. Consult an expert like Filter On India for typical duct-carrying velocities based on dust density.

Visit blogs to learn more about the critical features of clean air system design and air pollution control systems created by Filter On India.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune and our virtual locations at Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, or Chennai locations.

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Optimizing Clean Air Systems: Part III -The Role of VFD for Fans

Role Of VFD for fans-fan laws
Role of VFD for fans-Fan laws

Optimising Clean Air Systems: Part III -The Role of VFD for Fans

In our previous article. we discussed the key parameters that need to be considered for the right fan selection. We have also checked what a VFD is, i.e., a variable frequency drive. As the role of VFD is an important parameter for our fan selection, Filter On is always considered. “Optimizing clean air systems: The role of VFD for fans” is important when designing clean air systems, so we have discussed here the role of VFD in improving our clean air system design.

Optimising Clean Air Systems: Role of VFD for Fans

The power consumed by any fan The blower depends on the air flow and total static pressure. Air flow depends on suction hood and enclosure design, while static pressure loss depends on ducting. layout and filter pressure drop. Designers must consider these factors to minimize motor capacity overdesign.

How air flow and static pressure are crucial factors in power consumption for a system.

Air Flow:

Air flow depends on the suction, hood design and enclosure arrangement. The main purpose is to capture the fumes before they spread into the environment.

Static Pressure:

Static pressure loss depends on ducting layout (diameter, conveying duct velocity, length, and number of fittings like elbows, tees, etc.) as well as filter pressure drop.

The Designer’s Role In System Design: Role of VFD for Fans

The designer needs to keep some margin considerations for air flow (to accommodate any minor additions needed) as well as static pressure (to accommodate a few changes in ducting layout and changes in filter pressure loss over time). Thus, the Blower selected especially in a centralized fume extraction system is overcapacity (both in air flow and static pressure) to accommodate these changes.

Clean Air Systems Without VFDs

The flow of air in a system without a VFD is fixed, resulting in excess air flow than is actually required in most of the cases, and thus power waste. Mechanical dampers are used to reduce this, but motor current does not reduce linearly with mechanical damper control. causing poor part load efficiency.

How is VFD useful for clean air systems?

Before going into this aspect, One has to understand the fan laws (especially for centrifugal fans). The understanding of fan laws will guide us about how to use VFD to optimize the power consumption of a blower in a fume extraction system without compromising the required performance.

A Brief Overview of Fan Laws: Role of VFD for fans

Role of VFD:Fan Laws

There are three fan laws to be followed.:

The first fan law states that

The changes in air flow rate of the fan are proportional to the changes in speed. the impeller. For example, if the impeller speed is increased by 10%, then the The air flow rate will also increase by 10%.

The second fan law states that

The changes in total static pressure in the ventilation system will increase by the square of the changes in impeller speed of the fan. For example, if the impeller If the speed of the fan is increased by 10%, then the total static pressure will increase by 21%.

The third fan law states that the

The changes in horse power required by the fan to turn the impeller will increase by the cube of the changes in impeller speed of the fan. For example, if the impeller speed is increased by 10%, then the horsepower required to turn on The impeller will increase by 33.1%.

Deploying VFD in a Fume Extraction System:

By using these fan laws, one can effectively deploy the VFD, PLC, and actuated damper combination to achieve huge savings in the running cost of a fume extraction system.

First, the system's initial set point should be adjusted to 100% of the required value based on real site conditions. Air flow is controlled at each station based on design estimates using manual dampers and a VFD. As a result, the system pulls the exact amount of electricity required. The initial configuration can save around 10–15% of electricity.

Because the blower is a centrifugal device, reducing the RPM results in a corresponding drop in airflow, but the power savings are in cube proportion to the RPM reduction. Thus, a 10% drop in RPM results in a 10% reduction in airflow, but a 19% decrease in power!

For optimal part load efficiency, A VFD must be paired with actuated dampers at each drop and a PLC controller. Running station-actuated dampers will remain open, while non-operational Station dampers will be closed by merging actuator and cell operations.

The signal from each damper (ON/OFF) is sent to the PLC controller, which decreases or raises the RPM of the motor based on the logic incorporated into the VFD. If half of the stations are closed, the RPM is lowered by half, resulting in a 50% reduction in air flow. In such a circumstance, the electricity savings might be up to 75%!

Thus, significant power savings can be achieved in partial load conditions. which can pay back for the additional investment costs for VFD and PLC in many cases.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune and our virtual locations at Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, or Chennai locations.

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Selecting the Right Fan for Enhanced Air Quality: Part II – Key Parameters to Consider

Selecting the right fan Key parameters to consider
How one can select the right parameters among all to select the right fan?

Selecting the Right Fan for Enhanced Air Quality: Part II - Key Parameters to Consider

In our previous article, we discussed types of fans and recommendations for choosing the right fan selection for the right application. When we need to consider selecting the right fan for enhanced air quality, some key and important parameters need to be taken into consideration, We will discuss here the key parameters for selecting the right fan for enhanced air quality as well as explore more about configurations and types of drives for fans, which have a significant impact on the performance of the system as a whole.

Selecting the right fan: List of Key Parameters: ​

For enhanced air quality, we considered the key parameters for selecting the right fan, which are listed below.

Capacity:

Capacity involves flow rate based on actual cubic feet per minute (acfm) to the fan inlet.The water gauge measures flow rate and pressure requirements at standard conditions (0.075 Ibm/ftl) using FTP and FSP. If the required pressure is unknown under non-standard conditions, density correction is made to ensure accurate measurements.

Air Stream:

Fan air streaming involves the following factors to be considered:

  • Air stream Handled Through the Fan
  • Explosive or flammable material
  • Corrosive Applications
  • Elevated air stream temperatures

Air stream handled through the fan:

It involves the following:

Air Stream and fan to be used

Explosive or Flammable Material:

Always use spark resistant construction (use explosion proof motor if motor is in air stream. Always stick to the standards set by the National Board of Fire Underwriters, the National Fire Protection Association, and governmental regulations.

Corrosive Applications:

It may require a protective coating or special materials of construction (stainless, fiberglass)

Elevated Air Stream Temperatures:

Use the correct materials for construction, arrangement, and bearing types because the maximum operating temperature affects the strength of the materials.

Physical Limitations:

Physical limitations must be considered in fan selection. Fan size, inlet size and location, fan weight, and ease of maintenance are the important things to be considered along with performance requirements.The most efficient fan size may not fit in the available physical space.

Drive Arrangements:

In a packaged fan system, the drive arrangement, i.e., the motor, is provided by the manufacturer, but if you purchase an assembled unit, then you must make drive arrangements according to the motor type, such as:

  • Direct Drive
  • Belt Drive

Direct Drive provides a compact assembly with constant fan speeds, ensuring optimal motor performance despite variations in impeller geometry and motor speed.

Belt drive offers flexibility in fan speed. This can be done by altering the drive ratio. Some applications need flexibility in fan speed because it requires changes in system capacity or pressure requirements due to changes in process, hood design, equipment location, or air cleaning equipment.

Noise

Fan noise, generated by turbulence within the fan housing, varies by fan type, flow rate, pressure, and fan efficiency. Noise ratings must be obtained from the fan manufacturer, as each fan design is different. Most fans produce a "white" noise, a mixture of all frequencies, and radial blade fans also produce a pure tone at a frequency equal to the blade passage frequency (BPF). The backward inclined impeller design is generally the quietest, but non-uniform air flow at the fan inlet or outlet can increase fan noise level. Most fan manufacturers publish sound ratings, such as sound power levels for eight ANSI standard octave bands in decibels (dB). The surrounding environment affects the sound level, and the decibel unit is not interchangeable for sound power or sound pressure. Sound pressure levels are usually measured in dB using the "A" weighting scale, which closely reflects the human auditory response to noise of various frequencies.

Safety and Accessories:

Safety guards are required as per the latest government norms implemented everywhere. All the danger points, such as the inlet, outlet, shaft, drive, and cleanout doors, must be checked as per the safety guidelines. Accessories can help with installation as well as maintenance requirements. Examples of accessories include drains, cleanout doors, split housings, and shaft seals.

Flow Control:

To control the airflow of a fan, there are some accessories to be installed, such as dampers, variable-pitch blades, and speed control.

Dampers:

Dampers are part of the air stream so they are installed directly on the fan inlet or outlet. Dampers are made up of material, which may not be acceptable for material handling fans.

Advantages of Dampers:

  • Dramatic Power Supply and Noise Reduction
  • Simple installation.
  • Lower initial costs.

Dampers are of two types:

Outlet Dampers:

The selection of outlet dampers depends on the required resistance, with parallel and opposed blades available for optimal control.

Inlet Dampers:

Inlet dampers reduce fan output and operating horsepower by pre-spinning air into the fan inlet, ensuring power savings for extended periods of operation.

Variable Pitch Blades:

Variable-pitch impellers enable manual or automatic changes to blade pitch, allowing for pneumatic or hydraulic adjustments while the fan is operating.

Variable Frequency Drive (VFD)

In flow control, a VFD (variable frequency drive) is also used as an accessory to control the flow of a fan, so the VFD is also an important parameter in fan selection.VFD applications vary fan speed and fan static pressure by controlling voltage and frequency between the electric power source and fan motor. The fan speed varies linearly with line frequency, with most VFD applications using direct drive arrangements. Belt drives are occasionally used.

VFD's intended usage requires understanding of the building's power supply and other electrical equipment usage. In applications with 80% or more system air flow, an inlet damper may be a better choice.

In short, the following parameters are more important in selecting the right fan:

When we think about a clean air system, there are numerous factors to be considered for optimal performance of the system. The selection of fans is one of them. Here are some factors responsible for these fan selections:.

Volume Flow Rate:

Make sure the fan has sufficiently high air speed and air flow for optimal performance of the system.

Pressure:

The amount of pressure needed to move air through the ducting and any filters,dampers, or other obstructions in the ventilation system.

Type of Air stream Handled:

The type of air that needs to be moved.

Space Limitations:

Available amount of space for the fan.

Efficiency:

The fan’s efficiency depends on the design and type of fan.

All the above factors are most important in selecting the right fan or blower for the clean air system.

How can you select the right parameters among all to select the right fan?

With so many deciding factors and parameters, how can one choose the right parameters to choose the right fan for a clean air system? Here, Filter On’s expert guidance came into play. Filter On assesses requirements and gives you expert guidance to choose the right fan for a clean air system.

Filter On will assess:

  1. Statically and dynamically balanced fans, optimized with careful selection of operating points.
  2. Optimal VFD ensures further power savings.
  3. Fans are selected for optimized performance and require less power.

Thus, Filter On uses their 40+ years of expertise to help you decide the right fan for a clean air system.

In the next article we will explore more about fine tuning of fans for optimum performance of the system.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune and our virtual locations at Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, or Chennai locations.

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Optimizing Air Quality: An Extensive Guide to Fan Selection for Clean Air Systems (Part I)

Fan Selection Guide Part I
Fan Selection Guide Part I

Optimizing Air Quality: An Extensive Guide to Fan Selection for Clean Air Systems (Part I)

We discussed the selection of filtration systems in the previous article. Fan selection is most important in ventilation when we talk about air-moving devices, selection of fan is most important because it has impact on the overall performance of the clean air system, However fan selection is difficult task, so some expert guidance is necessary. Here in this article we will discuss types of fans, some guidelines about how to choose right fan for right application? Etc..

Classification of fans for fan selection

Fans are the primary air-moving devices in industrial applications, so they have been classified into three basic groups:

  • Axial Fans
  • Centrifugal Fans.
  • Special Type Fans

Axial Fans

Industrial Tube Axial fan
Industrial Axial fan

Axial fans are used for high flow rates at lower resistance. Axial fans are of three types:

  • Propeller Fans
  • Tube axial Fans
  • Vane axial Fans

Propeller fans are essential for general ventilation, utilizing blade types like disc or propeller blades for low resistance. Performance is sensitive to resistance, affecting flow rate.

Tube axial fans, also known as duct fans, are fans designed to move air against moderate pressures, typically with narrow or propeller-type blades in a short cylindrical housing.

Vane axial fans, typically mounted in cylindrical housings, are highly efficient and typically used in clean air applications due to their higher pressures.

Centrifugal Fans

Centrifugal fan

These fans are of three types, namely1

Types of centrifugal fan

Forward Curve (Squirrel Cages):

Squirrel cages, with their low space requirements and quiet operation, are ideal for low to moderate static pressures in heating and air conditioning work but not recommended for dust or particles that could cause unbalance.

Radial Impellers:

Radial impellers offer a variety of blade shapes, ranging from high efficiency to heavy impact resistance, designed for exhaust systems. These radial blades, with medium tip speeds, handle both clean and dirty air, ensuring efficient material conveying velocities.

Backward-inclined or backward-curved impeller blades

These blades are inclined oppositely to the direction of fan rotation. These types of fans have higher speeds, efficiency, and relatively low noise levels with non-overloading horsepower characteristics.

These impellers have two types:

  • Single-thickness blades and
  • Airfoil blades.

Special Type Fans:

Special Type Duct Fans

Special-type fans, such as in-line centrifugal and vane axial fans, feature backward-inclined blades and similar performance curves to scroll-type centrifugal fans.

Thus, it is very important to choose the right type of fan for the right kind of application. For example, choosing a forward-curved fan for fume and dust handling will definitely be the wrong choice, as it would lead to the deposition of particles on forward-curved blades and thus imbalance.

How do I select the right fan for the right application?

In conclusion-

  • Choose an axial fan for low-pressure and high-volume clean air ventilation applications (like underground parking or tunnel exhaust ventilation).
  • Choose centrifugal forward-curved fans for fresh air low-pressure applications. You will find these fans most commonly used for small AC units, coolers, etc.
  • Choose centrifugal backward-curved fans for medium-pressure and low- to high-volume applications. These are most commonly used for industrial fume extractors, dust collectors, AHUs of central AC systems, etc.
  • Choose centrifugal radial fans for material movement like pneumatic conveying, dust handling systems, powder handling systems, etc.

In the next article we will explore more about configurations and type of drives of fans which has a significant impact on performance of the system as a whole.

Filter On India has been working towards “Mission Zero Pollution” for the last 40+ years as a clean air solutions partner for industries. We specialize and have expertise in welding fumes, oil mist, coolant mist, dust collection, soldering, laser marking, laser cutting, plasma cutting, fumes in fastener manufacturing, ball point tip manufacturing, oil quenching, kitchen fumes, etc. Filter On has 70+ clean air solutions, so you can contact us for more information about our solutions. You can reach us through the web or visit us at our corporate office at Pune and our virtual locations at Delhi, Bangalore, Ahmadabad, Hyderabad, or Chennai locations.

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Shed No.1, Saiprasad Complex, Survey No 78/1, Aura Industrial Cluster Near Shivkamal Industrial Estate, Off NDA Road, Shivane,  PUNE - 411 023

Our Solutions

Soldiering & Laser Marking Fumes

Welding, Brazing & Gouging Fumes

Laser & Plasma Cutting Fumes

CNC Machining & Mist Extractions

Grinding & Buffing Fumes

Melting & Heat Treatment Fumes

Turnkey Clean Air Project Solution

Kitchen Fumes Filtration

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