FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polymer) fans have two main benefits in cooling tower design. Firstly, it’s essential to pump adequate water into the system for effective heat mitigation from the industrial process. Secondly, ensuring the proper airflow through the tower to cool the water along the fill material is vital. FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) fans and centrifugal fans are ideal for this application. FRP fans offer precise shape control, unlike traditional aluminium blades, which have structural limitations.
Types of FRP Fans
There are three main types of fiberglass reinforced plastic fans (FRP), depending on their airflow direction, efficiency, volume, pressure, and industrial application.
Axial Fans:
The FRP Axial fan is the primary type of fan. It is made of FRP material and has sharp blades that circulate air parallel to the fan’s axis of rotation. They often feature molded fiberglass housings, ensuring dimensional stability even in harsh conditions, and can withstand chemically contaminated air.
Centrifugal Fans:
The centrifugal fans are designed to move the corrosive gases or air radially. They are less noisy than axial fans and often used in cooling towers, HVAc systems, dust collectors, and air-filtration systems.
They are usually more resistant to wear and tear compared to other exotic alloys, making them a reliable choice for challenging industrial conditions. Due to their durability and efficiency, centrifugal fans are perfect for handling corrosive process requirements.
Mixed Flow Fans:
Specifically designed mixed flow FRP offers combined features for both axial and centrifugal fans. They have the highest airflow and pressure, making them more efficient than axial and centrifugal fans. They provide a more economical solution when it comes to working efficiency and maintaining quiet operation.
Top Benefits of FRP Fans
When it comes to adequate industrial ventilation and cooling processes, selecting the right fans is necessary for optimal performance, efficiency, and reliability.
Noise reduction: The quiet operation of these fans involves the design and material used to make FRPs. This approach minimizes noise production, resulting in a more comfortable and productive work environment.
Thermal protection: The material used in these fans has built-in insulation and corrosion resistance properties. Due to this feature, the efficiency of cooling towers is maintained as the heat transfer is reduced.
Extended lifespan: Fiber-reinforce plastic fans can withstand harsh environmental conditions and resist corrosion and degradation. This means that fiberglass fans are durable and virtually impossible to break.
Why Are FRP Fan Blades Superior to Centrifugal Fan Blades?
In the world of industrial cooling towers, efficiency is paramount. While cooling towers might not be at the top of the mind for the average person, these crucial systems, which incorporate metal, concrete, plastic fans, axial fans, and FRP exhaust fans, underpin the industries that produce our essential goods. Here at Industrial Cooling Solutions, Inc., we have been in the business of constructing, maintaining, and repairing cooling towers for decades.
Fiber-reinforced Plastics vs. Plastic Fans
FRP, or fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), a material initially developed for military applications, has emerged as a game-changer across diverse industries. Initially intended for the military, this lightweight and highly durable material quickly found its place in various industrial processes. Notably, it excels in withstanding corrosive elements, making it indispensable for scenarios involving chemicals and other corrosive materials.
While industrial cooling towers may not be associated with extreme chemical exposure, there’s still a need for materials capable of withstanding harsh conditions. In this context, the component that has reaped the most benefits from FRP materials is the fan. Specifically, FRP fan blades have taken the spotlight in modern cooling towers, overshadowing their traditional aluminium counterparts. Here’s a closer look at the reasons behind this industry shift:
Shape Optimization:
When it comes to designing cooling towers tailored to specific industrial requirements, two key aspects come to the fore. Firstly, ensuring a sufficient flow of water is critical for effective heat dissipation from industrial processes.
Secondly, maintaining optimal airflow through the tower to cool the water along the fill material is vital. FRP fan blades are an excellent choice, offering precise shape control, unlike traditional aluminium blades, which have structural limitations
Resistance to Corrosion:
While cooling towers may not be abundant with caustic chemicals, they are not immune to corrosive elements. Over time, aluminium fan blades succumb to water’s effects, necessitating replacements to prevent potential damage to the tower’s internal components.
In contrast, FRP fan blades exhibit remarkable resistance to corrosive elements, ensuring longevity and superior durability, making them the optimal choice for fan blades.
Weight:
Cooling tower fans operate at high RPMs, necessitating fan blades that can withstand rotational forces without overburdening the motor. Traditionally, aluminium has been the preferred choice due to its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. These FRP fan blades, including plastic fans, axial fans, and centrifugal fans, contribute to fan assembly efficiency while reducing stress on the motor.
Conclusion
At Industrial Cooling Solutions, Inc., we are dedicated to providing the best cooling tower services possible, and we firmly believe that FRP fan blades are the best option for nearly every application our customers may have. Contact us to learn more about the types of FRP fan blades that we offer.