Comparative Analysis of Industrial Blowers, ID Blowers, Forced Draft Blowers, Exhaust and centrifugal blower manufacturer

Abstract
Industrial blowers are critical in maintaining optimal airflow in various industrial systems, including boilers, furnaces, pollution control setups, and ventilation systems. Among the most widely used are Induced Draft (ID) blowers, Forced Draft (FD) blowers, and centrifugal blowers. This article presents a comparative study of these blowers, focusing on their design principles, operating mechanisms, and suitability for different industrial purposes such as exhaust handling, suction applications, and fresh air delivery. By analyzing their efficiency, pressure profiles, and typical use cases, this paper provides guidance for selecting the appropriate blower design based on specific operational requirements.

1. Introduction

Blowers are mechanical devices used to generate a flow of gas or air through ducts, process stacks, or other confined spaces. In industrial settings, proper air movement is crucial for combustion efficiency, temperature control, material handling, and environmental compliance.

Three of the most common types of industrial blowers include:

Induced Draft (ID) Blowers
Forced Draft (FD) Blowers
Centrifugal Blowers

Each type of blower has unique design and performance characteristics that make it better suited for specific industrial tasks such as exhausting flue gases, supplying combustion air, or creating negative pressure for material transfer.

2. Induced Draft (ID) Blowers

2.1 Working Principle

ID blowers are typically located at the exit of a process system. They pull flue gases or air out of the system, maintaining negative pressure inside. This setup is commonly used in boilers, kilns, and pollution control systems.

2.2 Design Characteristics

Positioned after the combustion chamber or heat exchanger
Operate under high temperature and corrosive conditions
Equipped with high-efficiency impellers and often require robust casing and materials

2.3 Applications

Exhausting flue gases from boilers or furnaces
Suction for pollution control equipment like scrubbers or bag filters
Indirect air movement in drying or calcination processes

2.4 Pros and Cons

Pros:

Efficient handling of high-temperature gases
Maintains negative pressure for safe combustion
Cons:
Subjected to corrosive gases
Higher wear and tear on fan blades

3. Forced Draft (FD) Blowers

3.1 Working Principle

FD blowers push ambient air or gas into the system, typically into the combustion zone or process chamber. They create positive pressure and are placed before the combustion process.

3.2 Design Characteristics

Located before the combustion chamber
Operates at ambient or slightly heated air conditions
Often fitted with dampers and air preheaters

3.3 Applications

Supplying combustion air in boilers and kilns
Fresh air supply for drying systems
Providing pressure in pneumatic conveying systems

3.4 Pros and Cons

Pros:

Operates in cleaner environments than ID blowers
Better control over combustion air ratios
Cons:
Inefficient if not well-controlled
Requires pre-filtration in dusty environments

4. Centrifugal Blowers

4.1 Working Principle

Centrifugal blowers use rotating impellers to increase the velocity of air, converting kinetic energy into static pressure. Air enters axially and is discharged radially.

4.2 Design Characteristics

Compact design
Available in single or multistage configurations
Capable of handling large volumes at medium pressure

4.3 Applications

Ventilation and HVAC systems
Cooling electronics or machinery
Conveying light materials in pneumatic systems
Fresh air supply and mild exhaust applications

4.4 Pros and Cons

Pros:

Quiet and stable operation
High volumetric efficiency
Easy to maintain
Cons:
Not ideal for very high pressure or temperature gases
Limited capability for corrosive or heavily contaminated air

5. Comparative Summary

Feature	ID Blower	FD Blower	Centrifugal Blower
Flow Direction	Pulls air/gas out (negative)	Pushes air in (positive)	Radial discharge
Location	After heat process	Before heat process	Varies (fresh air or exhaust)
Air Temp Handling	High	Medium	Low to Medium
Application Type	Exhaust/Suction	Air Supply/Combustion	General ventilation/low-temp
Efficiency	High in gas suction	High in combustion support	High volume, moderate pressure
Durability	Requires corrosion resistance	Less exposed to harsh gases	Good for clean air

6. Selection Guidelines for Industrial Blowers Applications

6.1 For Exhaust Applications

Recommended: ID Blowers
Reason: Designed for handling hot, corrosive flue gases; maintain negative pressure in furnaces or kilns.

6.2 For Suction or Negative Pressure Systems

Recommended: ID Blowers or Centrifugal Blowers (low-temp)
Reason: ID for high-temperature or gas-phase suction; centrifugal for general low-temperature extraction (e.g., fume hoods, dust collection).

6.3 For Fresh Air Supply

Recommended: FD Blowers or Centrifugal Blowers
Reason: FD blowers for controlled combustion air; centrifugal blowers for clean air supply in HVAC, ventilation, or material handling.

7. Conclusion

Choosing the right type of industrial blower is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency, environmental safety, and energy conservation. ID blowers are optimal for high-temperature exhaust and suction, while FD blowers provide precise fresh air or combustion air supply. Centrifugal blowers, though less specialized, offer versatile, efficient performance for ventilation and moderate-pressure applications.

Engineers must consider factors such as temperature, pressure, airflow volume, and contaminants before selecting a blower for any industrial system. With proper selection and maintenance, these blowers significantly contribute to safe, efficient, and compliant industrial operations.

References

Bleier, F. P. (1998). Fan Handbook: Selection, Application, and Design. McGraw-Hill.
ASHRAE Handbook (2021). HVAC Applications. American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers.
Gupta, R. P., & Sathiyamoorthy, D. (1997). Fluid Mechanics and Machinery. New Age International.
Singhal, A., & Sarin, R. (2011). Selection of Industrial Fans and Blowers for Process Applications. Journal of Industrial Engineering Research, 2(3), 35–42.
Lin, C., & Meng, Q. (2016). Optimization of Industrial Fan Systems for Energy Savings. Applied Thermal Engineering, 96, 1–10.