Axial Fans vs. Centrifugal Blowers on High Pressure

Found in almost every part of our daily lives are fans and blowers. For simplicity, we will call axial fans, fans and centrifugal blowers, blowers. Each is designed differently, but has the same end result of moving concentrated air. In addition, each style has its own advantages and disadvantages. Both are capable of high pressure setting although one easily is more efficient and likely to be used in an industrial setting.

The construction of fans and blowers are mechanically different. Fans draw air through rotating blades and push that air perpendicular to its axis, moving the air in a straight line from start to finish. In contrast, blowers take air into a fan wheel which in turn forces the air out in a 90° angle from its initial point of entry.

The design differences make each style advantageous in different ways. In broad terms, axial fans need more power to produce the result that is desired. Fans move air over a larger surface area which is the reason they are usually used in low pressure situations or for ventilation. On the other hand, blowers require less power to produce high pressure. The blower housing that incases the fan wheel forces the air out in a more direct and concentrated path. As a final point, blowers make less noise when comparing the amount of air that is moved through each style of fan or blower.

When choosing a fan or blower, blowers are the best at creating the high pressure that is often sought after in an industrial setting. Although both fans and blowers have the capability for high pressure settings blowers are the most common and regularly used. Therefore, if you are seeking a high pressure blower and want to conserve energy there is one type that is leading the pack, centrifugal blowers.