Q
What are the differences between the various
industrial fans available in the market?
A The primary differences
are in material and aerodynamic design.
Aluminum and steel were the original materials
used for industrial fans. Today, the use
of fiberglass reinforced vinyl and epoxy
resins are in greater demand because fiberglass
can be molded into aerodynamic blade shapes
providing increased airflow and efficiency.
Q
What are the advantages of fiberglass fans?
A Because metal fans are
usually cut from metal sheets and bent to
shape, there is a limitation in producing
optimum blade profiles. On the other hand,
intricate optimized computer-generated aerodynamic
blade profiles can be duplicated with precision
by molding fiberglass into fan blades that
maximize air flow and are more efficient
in power demand and airflow output. Furthermore,
fiberglass fan blades generally have a longer
life span as they are less affected by moisture,
humidity and corrosive chemicals. Over time,
metal blades may corrode and rust from moisture
or chemical exposure.
Q
Is there a big cost difference
between metal and fiberglass fans?
A Metal fans may cost
less for smaller diameter ranges, however
for larger fans, the cost of metal and fiberglass
fans is comparable. In most cases, regardless
of size, fiberglass fans offer more value
and can actually be less costly in the long
run because of longer fan life, less maintenance
and improved performance.
Q
Is there a difference in weight between
a metallic and fiberglass fan?
A That depends on the
type of metal used and the thickness of
the blade material. A sheet metal fabricated
blade is typically lighter than one made
of cast aluminum. A fiberglass blade of
the same size and profile is usually heavier
than a fabricated blade but lighter than
a cast aluminum blade. The compression strength
to weight ratio of fiberglass blades is
excellent as compared to either fabricated
or cast aluminum blades.
Q
Is there any difference
between the installation requirements of
a metallic and fiberglass blade?
A Generally, the larger
the diameter, the greater the difference
in weight between fiberglass and metallic
fans; i.e., fiberglass fans tend to be lighter
in comparison to metallic fans for larger
diameters and are therefore easier to handle
and install.
Q
Is there any energy saving of one type of
blade over the other?
A It all depends
on the application and the existing system
efficiency. In most installations in which
a metallic fan is being replaced by a fiberglass
fan, energy savings will be realized. In
some instances, energy savings of up to
45% have been achieved when using our fan.
In most cases, depending on the actual energy
savings, the capital cost of installing
Swifter fan can be recovered over a short
period of time.
Q
What about fan noise?
A Fiberglass fans,
because of their aerodynamic design and
composition of material, are normally quieter
in operation than metal fans.
Q
Is the blade pitch angle adjustable?
What about the number of blades?
A
The SW Series fans, designed
for HVAC and general purpose industrial
ventilation, are available in 2, 3, 4, and
5 blade configurations and are offered with
an adjustable or optimized-fixed pitch blade
option. For other applications such as cooling
towers and air cooled heat exchangers, our
adjustable pitch HTX and CTF Series fans,
configured with 4 to 12 blades, would be
used.
Q
Are Swifter
fans available in a variety of sizes and
performance ranges?
A There are over
120 different Swifter fan models available
ranging in diameters of 20" to 432"
(standard diameters include 20", 24",
30", 36", 42", 48",
54", 60"). Depending on the fan
model, performance of up to 1.7 million
CFM may be achieved. The performance of
our fans has been validated in a test chamber
as per methods established by the Air Movement
and Conditioning Association (AMCA).
Q
What are some applications
for Swifter fans?
A Swifter fiberglass
fans can be used in any industrial OEM application
such as cooling towers, chillers, condensers,
air cooled heat exchangers, exhaust fans,
agriculture, livestock cooling, poultry/swine/dairy
farms, ventilators, commercial HVAC systems,
industrial air-washers, humidifiers, greens
maintenance, misting fans, marine applications,
evaporators, radiators and spray-booths.
Swifter fans can also be used as a replacement
prop in virtually any industry.
Q
Are any other fan
sizes or designs available?
A We are an engineering
and manufacturing company. We have the technical
staff and experience to design any custom
fan to your specifications. We manufacture
centrifugal blowers (or other components)
in fiberglass per customer specs. We also
have our own casting foundry and design
and manufacture only the hub, e.g. for kitchen
ventilation applications. Please contact
us for any of your custom fiberglass or
cast aluminum hvac component needs.
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