Among the varied types of process fans that are used in manufacturing units, we also have draft fans. The draft fans are further subdivided into two more categories: ID fans and FD fans. This article is going to elaborate upon the primary features of both these fans.
- An ID fan collects the flue gases having high temperatures that are present in furnaces/boilers and expels them into the outside environment. As a result, negative pressure gets generated within the systems. On the other hand, an FD fan brings in air from the external atmosphere and this leads to the generation of positive pressure. The pressure makes sure that the combustion process gets completed smoothly.
- An ID fan is fixed in the area that is in the middle of the chimney and dust collector. And, an FD fan is installed at the boiler’s inlet, from where it is enabled to push outside air into the system. In factories where coal is the primary fuel of the combustion process, forced draft variants are of immense value. Here, they are put to use as both primary and secondary fans.
- For cost savings, the ID fans and FD fans are equally efficient. The power consumed by these fans is quite low when compared with other kinds of process fans.
- The FD fan is way ahead of its ID counterpart, in terms of reducing the cost of maintenance. Likewise, a forced draft fan is always tidier than an ID fan.
- As ID fans are continuously exposed to extremely hot flue gases, they develop many issues related to erosion and corrosion. But, there are no such problems when we consider the FD fans.
- Even though the basic working of an ID blower and an FD blower is different from each other, there is one common aspect. Both the ID fan and FD fan work in such a way that the boiler’s air system balance is consistently appropriate.
- There is one more unique aspect that sets apart the ID fans and the forced draft ones from other kinds of fans. Both these varieties ensure that the life of an impeller gets substantially extended. And, this brings about a marked decline in the costs of maintenance.
- Similarly, the ID and FD fans are much better than other blowers in terms of supporting a long life of bearings.
- Another characteristic of draft fans is worthy of special mention. The FD fans and ID fans emit minimal noise while running and this contributes to bringing down sound pollution. When sound pollution is within the limits, there is a noteworthy improvement in the working environment. The workers would then be able to put in more effort and enhance productivity.
Generally, any FD fan/ID fan is sold with an excellent, customer-friendly after-sale service policy. Therefore, even if a manufacturing plant faces any technical issues with the fans bought, there is no need to worry. The only thing that has to be made sure of is that the blowers are bought from sellers/manufacturers with a proven track record. This is in terms of providing flawless after-sales service.