Providing Air Cleaning Solutions for Industry

Fan Laws and System Curves - The purpose of this Engineering Letter is to explain the basis and application of the rules used to predict fan performance in a given system. With a basic understanding of these rules, the performance of a fan can be quickly calculated for various conditions. Learn More...

Increasing Fan Performance - Industrial process and plant-ventilation systems often need more air than originally designed. Increased production requirements, process changes, and facility renovations are a few of the major reasons. Additionally, the lack of adequate maintenance over time can negatively impact system airflows. This letter discusses several procedures that can increase air flow. Learn More...

Pneumatic Conveying - A well designed pneumatic conveying system is often a more practical and economical method of transporting materials from one point to another than alternative manual or mechanical systems. This Engineering Letter outlines some of the fundamental principles of pneumatic conveying systems and explains various special considerations for fan selection. Learn More...

Screw Machines - Screw machines produce finished metal products from round stock. The stock is fed to the machine automatically from a magazine-fed stock reel and held in position by collets. Screw machines cycle automatically finishing a part each time the machine indexes. Learn More...

System Calculation - A fan system is any combination of ductwork, hoods, filters, louvers, collectors, etc., that relies upon a fan to produce airflow. When the air moves past each of these components, resistance is created which must be considered in system calculations. It is also important to remember that fans are rated independently of a system and that fan performance will vary depending upon the accuracy of the system calculations. This Engineering Letter will explain some of the basic fundamentals of system design and calculation. Learn More...

Fan Performance - The System Effect - Fans are typically tested and rated in prescribed test configurations defined by the Air Movement and Control Association. This is done to ensure standardized procedures and ratings so that system designers can make realistic choices among various manufacturers. Beyond the routine system resistance calculations, the location of some of the common components and their proximity to the fan inlet or outlet can create additional immeasurable losses commonly called System Effect. These losses, if not eliminated or minimized, will necessitate fan speed and horsepower increases to compensate for the performance deficiencies. This Letter will outline some of the common causes for these deficiencies and provide useful guidelines for more efficient and predictable air-handling systems. Learn More...

Understanding Fan Performance Curves - One of the most important documents customers request from fan manufacturers is performance curves. In addition to graphically depicting the basic fan performance data of CFM, RPM, and SP (on the static pressure curve) and BHP (on the brake horsepower curve), these curves also illustrate the performance characteristics of various fan types, like areas of instability, or the rate of change between flow and pressure. With some basic knowledge of performance curves, decisions can be made concerning fan selection, fan and system alterations, or the advisability of using a fan in a modulating system, for example.

Except for very large fans,  performance curve information is generated by connecting the fan to a laboratory test chamber. Very specific test procedures are followed as prescribed in the Air Movement and Control Association's Standard 210 to assure uniform and accurate readings. Data points are collected at a given RPM while the flow is slowly modulated from full close to full open. The information gathered is then used to develop computer selection programs and published capacity tables for use by system designers  and end users. Learn More...

White Papers

How to diagnose and solve ducting problems in your dust collection system (Steven A. Bradbury, Darren Wood, and Garren E. Tooker - Air Control Science)- "Plants that handle bulk solids rely on dust collection systems not only to keep the workplace clean and healthy for workers, but to protect equipment and other valuable assets from fires and explosions. Yet more often than not, these dust collection systems underperform, leading to an unhealthy work environment, expensive ongoing maintenance, and premature equipment failure. This article explains how to diagnose problems with your dust collection system’s ducting system, a common trouble source. Sections explain how poor design, fabrication, and installation can lead to these problems and what you can do to remedy them." Learn More...

Designing your dust collection system to meet NFPA standards - Part I (Gary Q. Johnson - Workplace Exposure Solutions)- "Plants that handle bulk solids rely on dust collection systems not only to keep the workplace clean and healthy for workers, but to protect equipment and other valuable assets from fires and explosions. Yet more often than not, these dust collection systems underperform, leading to an unhealthy work environment, expensive ongoing maintenance, and premature equipment failure. This article explains how to diagnose problems with your dust collection system’s ducting system, a common trouble source. Sections explain how poor design, fabrication, and installation can lead to these problems and what you can do to remedy them." Learn More...

Value in the Air - Why Direct Drive Backward Curved Plenum Fans? (AAON)- "AAON equipment has been designed and engineered for both performance and energy efficiency. From standard equipment designs to complex heating and cooling systems, AAON provides performance and energy efficiency solutions for virtually all applications. Fans are one of the most important components of any HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning) system in terms of performance and energy efficiency. Direct drive, backward curved plenum fans are the optimum choice for practically all commercial HVAC applications. The following information will show the many reasons why.