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By Ken Marlborough
Fans utilize power from a motor to generate a volumetric flow of air at a given pressure, and are considered low-pressure air pumps more often than not. A propeller converts torque (turning force) from the motor (typically permanent split capacitor AC induction motors or brushless DC) to increase static pressure across the fan rotor and to increase the kinetic energy of the air particles.
Fans are classified into propeller, tube axial and vane axial styles, and each type has different characteristics. Propeller fans consist of only a motor and propeller and therefore are the simplest. Tube axial are similar to propellers but has a venturi around the propeller to reduce the vortices. Vane axial fans are equipped with vanes that trail behind the propeller in the airflow to straighten the swirling flow.
The flow and pressure properties are the main differences between a fan and a blower. While fans deliver air in an overall direction that is parallel to the fan blade axis, blowers deliver air in a direction that is perpendicular to the blower axis. Hence, fans can be configured to deliver a high flow rate, working against low pressure while blowers to deliver a relatively low flow rate against high pressure. Centrifugal blowers can be squirrel cage type, have a forward curved wheel or a backward curved wheel.
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Another major difference is in the mechanism regarding restriction to the air-flow. In a blower, it has an opposite effect on the same motor driving a fan blade. For instance, the load on the motor decreases when the motor is driving a squirrel cage blower. As the system becomes clogged, the blower speeds up. On the other hand, the load on the motor increases and the fan slows down as the airflow system becomes clogged with fan blades.
Blowers provides detailed information about blowers, backpack blowers, blower fans, blower motors and more. Blowers is the sister site of Electric Pressure Washers.
See Also...
Backpack Blowers
Backpack blowers are more commonly used by professionals and are mostly powered by 2-stroke gasoline engines. The harness, which has a blower fit into it, is worn on the operator's back. The engine and fan are also placed on the backpack frame with a hand-held hose and spout to direct the airflow. Backpack blowers are powerful, convenient and have larger, more efficient fuel tanks and air filters and therefore, longer duty cycles.
Blowers
There are many types of Blowers -- leaf blowers, industrial blowers, snow blowers, etc, Each type has different subtypes such as backpack, handheld, corded and cordless, wheeled, electric-powered and gas-powered, and so on. Each type and subtype differs in function and purposes. For example, while some of them may be specifically manufactured for home maintenance, other more powerful units are aimed at commercial users.
Leaf Blowers
Leaf blowers were first manufactured in Japan during the 1970s, and made their debut in the Untied States towards the end of the decade. The annual sales by 1990, reached an estimated 800,000 in the country. It has become very popular due to its efficiency and effectiveness in ground maintenance. Today, leaf blowers are used by almost every family for cleaning patios, lawn trash, leaves, etc.
Cordless Blowers
Cordless Blowers are portable units normally intended for homeowners in indoor or light duty outdoor maintenance. Even though they are less powerful in comparison to gas-powered or electric-powered blowers, they are perfect for sawdust or grass clippings.
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