Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is an advanced tool constructed within computer-generated simulation software. CFD is commonly used to accurately predict the airflow performance of industrial fans. Industrial fan manufacturers, such as our supplier; Rosenberg, utilise the software to create a simulation design of a fan in the early design stages. The software is based on Navier-Stokes equations which uses a combination of mathematics and physics to determine the motion of fluids (including plasma, gases, and liquids). It enables...
In the world of HVAC the efficiency of industrial fan systems is often compromised by an ineffectively designed air movement system and poor efficiency. This is often accompanied by unwanted fan or air velocity noise making the whole system less than desirable. The annual UK industrial fan power consumption is estimated at well over 30TW-hours. If best practice was applied within the UK, CO2 emissions alone could be reduced by around 2 million tonnes per annum and electrical costs would also be reduced by a similarly shocking amount. &nbs...
Everyone knows the function of a battery; to store electricity in the form of chemical energy and to convert to electrical energy when required. Vented lead-acid batteries or flooded batteries as they are also commonly known, consist of plates that are flooded with an acid electrolyte. When charging, the electrolyte emits hydrogen through the vents in the battery. Under normal operations, the release of hydrogen is relatively small, but this is elevated during heavy recharge periods. It’s an important consideration for battery room ...
Given the corrosive and potentially hazardous nature of the marine and offshore environment, a number of variables need to be considered when selecting ATEX fans, equipment and components for marine and offshore applications. Fans within ventilation systems can be found in various areas of an offshore platform as many applications require extensive cooling to ensure their optimal performance and to prevent the premature failure of equipment. For example: compressors roadside lighting systems nuclear power plants combined heat ...
Axair are very happy to announce that we have been recognised at the HazardEx Awards 2019. At the HazardEx conference and awards ceremony last week, we were awarded with Highly Commended for the Contribution to Safety Award. The award was defined as ‘a product, system or service which has made a significant contribution to safety in hazardous area environments’. Axair faced competition from a number of suppliers that offer products specifically designed to operate in areas with the potential for explosion (Read our guide on ATEX Fans). ...
Better control of fan speed means better control of energy consumption and energy costs, inverters can help. What do inverters do? Put simply, an inverter is used to vary the speed of the motor to match the required load. In most cases, fans are specified to match the maximum ventilation requirements of the setting. Installing an inverter allows you to control the speed of your fan motor to match the actual ventilation needs, rather than run the fan at full power constantly. An inverter can vary the motor speed with no loss of efficiency. ...
Local Exhaust Ventilation, or LEV, is a recommended method of shipyard ventilation. The nature of the shipbuilding industry means that air quality can be poor due to the presence hazardous chemicals, dust and welding fumes. To ensure workers are not exposed to these potentially harmful substances in often confined working spaces, LEV systems are key. LEV involves trapping airborne contaminants at their source before they pollute the air that is breathed by workers. For welding, cutting and heating processes, this type of ventilation must con...
Historically, AC motors were used as the principal air driving force in HVAC applications running constantly at full power. The continuously increasing demand for a more energy efficient solution with a greater range of operation possibilities led to the development of the Electronically Commutated (EC) motor. Since its development in the 1960s, EC technology has steadily grown market share and replaced AC technology in many air movement applications. Due to the substantial energy efficiency improvement in motor technology that EC offers, it...
Carbon (CO2) refrigerants are changing the world of refrigeration as we know it, gradually replacing current Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) and Hydrocarbon (HC) in the market. HFC and HC are currently the most commonly used refrigerants in refrigeration units. HFC's contain Hydrogen, Florine and Carbon. Although HFC's have no ozone depletion potential, it does however act as a greenhouse gas with an average Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 2000. As a result, responsible use and equipment inspections are mandatory under the "F gas" regulations....
When it comes to EC VS AC there are pros and cons for both. EC technology has continued to increase in both awareness and popularity in the air movement market. The increase in popularity was evident from this year’s ISH HVAC tradeshow in Frankfurt where a significant number of exhibitors had EC fans and for most of them their EC fans took centre stage. For those who are still unsure, EC stands for electronically commutated and combines voltages of both AC and DC bringing the best of both technologies together to form EC. This means th...
As a regulation that affects the industrial market on a daily basis, Andrew Jones, Technical Product Engineer at Axair Fans, reflects on previous industry legislation and explains how the next ERP directive (Energy related Products) could have the biggest influence yet on the industrial fan market in general. With Eco-design directives, the European Union defined requirements for the environmentally sound design of energy consuming products. These directives still form part of the 20-20-20 target, which aspires to the rule that energy use sh...
In modern buildings heating and ventilating is delicate balance between maximum energy efficiencies and occupancy comfort, when buildings are in the concept design stage a crucial tool to make offers attractive is to offer low energy consumption using fan coil units to keep running costs to a minimum and ensure a low environmental impact. In the past this was used only as a tool to win contracts but is now law in that types of buildings must adhere to specific efficiency guidelines to remain legal. The construction industry also now recognis...
Warehouse Ventilation Is an important factor for many businesses... According to energy advisors, warehouses spend on average 15% of their budget on energy bills every year. Mechanical ventilation can contribute to a high percentage of this spend. In this update we explore the importance of effective warehouse ventilation. Like many hazards, poor ventilation poses a risk to employee health, machines and equipment as well as goods and products. To avoid negative impacts on businesses ventilation hazards must be eliminated. These include a re...
Fan selection is perceived to be a relatively straightforward matter. First you take a look at what the competition uses and scale it to suit your product. Next you find an amenable supplier who will let you test a couple of fans, then you're in business - maybe. Sounds familiar? Well it doesn't need to be that way, especially when you realise just how many varieties of industrial fan are possible and the amount of help that can be obtained from an experienced supplier with a diverse product range. Selecting An industrial Fan: What to consi...
It's here! 2017 has arrived, and during the first week back to the office, we have been discussing what lies ahead for in the industrial fans market and for us here at Axair Fans. As many of you will be aware, the demand for industrial fans for Biomass and Biofuel applications was spiked in 2016. Increased funding in support of renewable energy generation and eco friendly fueling in the form of the renewable heat incentive scheme is set to continue throughout 2017. Innovation in industrial fan design continues for Axair by working closely wi...