Side channel fans, also known as blowers or industrial vacuum pumps, are versatile devices that play an important role in many industries. Whether you need to draw something in or move air, these fans are reliable and maintenance-free. In this blog, we explain how side channel fans work, where they are used, and why they are so popular.
How does a side channel fan work and why is it unique?
A side channel fan works on the basis of centrifugal force. Simply put, the side channel fan has a rotor that draws in air or gas and passes it through a special side channel. The air is accelerated and decelerated in that side channel previous times, increasing the pressure. This unique process makes side channel fans ideal for situations where a constant and high differential pressure is needed.
What makes these fans special is their versatility. They can both suck in and blow out air, depending on the application. Consider, for example, a factory where powders are transported to a silo through a pipe – driven entirely by the constant operation of a side channel fan.
Applications in different industries
- Food industry
Side channel blowers are used in bakeries and food processing plants to hygienically transport flour, sugar and other powders. Thanks to the constant pressure and closed system, the product remains clean and free of contamination. - Water treatment
At water treatment plants, these fans are used to blow oxygen into basins. This process supports bacteria that break down pollutants and helps improve water quality. - Pharmaceuticals
In pharmaceutical processes, side channel blowers are essential for vacuum transport of powders and raw materials. This prevents contamination and ensures precise dosing. - Chemical industry
Chemical processes involve the safe discharge of gases or the aeration of liquids to promote chemical reactions. The robust construction of these fans makes them resistant to aggressive substances. - Medical Sector
Quietness and reliability are crucial in medical applications where side channel ventilators are used, such as when extracting vapors or supporting controlled reactions in laboratories. - Swimming Pool and Wellness Industry
Side channel fans play an important role in swimming pools and wellness. They are used to drive air bubbles in Jacuzzis, hot tubs and air massage systems. With their maintenance-free operation and quiet performance, they provide a pleasant and relaxing experience for users.
Advantages of side channel fans
- Maintenance-free
Because there is no contact between moving parts, there is minimal wear. This reduces maintenance costs and increases reliability. - High pressure differences
These fans deliver pressure differences up to 600 mbar, making them suitable for demanding applications such as vacuum transport and aeration. - Low noise emission
Thanks to smart design, side channel fans produce low noise and vibration, contributing to a pleasant working environment. - Energy efficient
Modern models are optimized to use energy more efficiently, saving costs and reducing the carbon footprint.
Technical specifications and details
When choosing a side channel fan, it is important to understand the technical specifications:
- Pressure differential: 100 to 600 mbar, ideal for applications ranging from light vacuum to high pressure.
- Capacity: 50 to 2000 m³/h, depending on size and model.
- Temperature range: -20°C to +40°C, which means they can be used in both cold and hot environments.
- Noise level: 60 to 85 dB(A), with options for noise reduction in sensitive applications.
- Material: Aluminum or corrosion-resistant steel for optimum durability and resistance to aggressive substances.
A practical example of how these specifications come together: in a chemical plant, fans are used to discharge corrosive gases. Here, a corrosion-resistant housing is essential to protect the fan from wear and deterioration.
Extensive applications in vacuum transport
Vacuum conveying is one of the main applications of side channel blowers. In the food industry, for example, they are used to transport dry bulk goods such as flour, sugar, grains and powders. Because the process is completely closed, the product remains free of contamination and waste is minimized.
A practical example is a bakery where large quantities of flour are transported from a warehouse to the mixing machines. Thanks to the high pressure and constant air volume provided by a side channel fan, this process is fast and hygienic. In addition, the maintenance-free design allows the system to run continuously without downtime.
In the pharmaceutical sector, vacuum transport also plays a crucial role. Transporting medicinal powders without loss or contamination is essential to meet strict production standards. A side channel fan provides the precision and reliability needed in such demanding processes.
Extensive applications in aeration
Aeration is another important application of side channel blowers. In water treatment plants, these fans are used to blow oxygen into basins. The oxygen supports the growth of bacteria that break down pollutants, which is crucial to the purification process.
A fish farm is a good example of how aeration works. Here, side channel ventilators provide a constant supply of oxygen to ponds, which is essential for fish health and growth. Without this aeration, oxygen levels would quickly drop, negatively impacting fish well-being.
In addition, blowers are used in industrial applications to aerate chemical pools. This helps mix liquids and support chemical reactions, which is crucial for process efficiency.
Innovations and sustainability
The technology behind side channel fans continues to evolve. New models are equipped with energy-efficient motors that consume less power and contribute to a lower carbon footprint. In addition, many blowers today are manufactured from recyclable materials, further increasing sustainability.
Another key innovation is the integration of IoT technology. This allows companies to monitor the performance of their fans in real time and schedule maintenance before problems arise. This increases reliability and extends equipment life.
Conclusion
Side channel fans offer a reliable, efficient and durable solution for numerous applications. Whether vacuum conveying in the food industry, aeration in water treatment, or precision applications in the pharmaceutical sector, these fans are a valuable addition to any process.
Have questions or want to know which side channel fan is best for your application? Please contact us – we are happy to help!
