Efficiency Matters: Optimizing Induced Draft Fan Performance

By Author: Neel Rao
Total Articles: 107
Comment this article

Induced draft (ID) fans are among the most pivotal elements in many plants and manufacturing units. The primary function of an ID blower is to gather the gases and contaminants in the combustion chamber and expel them into the outside environment. To achieve this goal, these fans generate negative pressure. However, ID fans can provide the expected benefits only when measures are initiated to ensure that the performance of these blowers is consistently optimal.

Developing the right strategies and integrating the related technologies are examples of those initiatives. This particular write-up will elaborate on the salient aspects of optimizing induced draft fan performance

The rate of airflow of the fans is a key parameter for selecting the correct model. There is no fixed standard for how much airflow rate is required; this varies from one plant to another. The business has to be clear about its precise requirements. It is only then that the ID fans with the right airflow can be deployed.
It has to be made sure that the pressure that the induced draft blowers support conforms to the requirements of the facility. ...
... If the processes are complex, it is better to opt for blowers of high pressure.
There are several designs of these blowers available in the market, such as backward inclined fans and variants that are backward curved. We also have designs like high-pressure radial shrouded and high-pressure radial open fans. Here again, the exact operations of the plant/facility determine which is the most suitable design for the premises.
The induced draft fans are sold in a variety of sizes. And, the facility/plant needs to exercise the utmost caution to choose the version of the proper size. It should perfectly match the process specifications.
As it is, the ID fans are made to operate in a harsh environment where they are more vulnerable to issues like erosion and corrosion. Therefore, it is preferable to bring in blowers that are made from materials like stainless steel or carbon steel. If the processes in a plant are highly rigid, it’s desirable to deploy blowers designed to handle things like excessive vibrations and temperature fluctuations.
The company must strive to improve the control system of the ID fan, to bring about a proportionate rise in its performance levels. This enhanced performance automatically boosts the overall efficiency of the processes. Here, depending on VFDs (variable frequency
drives) is recommended.
The management is necessitated to design appropriate strategies to keep the ID fans operating at their best consistently. The facet of preventive maintenance has to invariably be inclusive in those strategies. Carrying out maintenance works at regular intervals significantly lowers the possibility of sudden, costly repairs. That is always more viable than waiting for any major issue to manifest.
Making certain that the configuration and sizes of outlets and inlets are proper is paramount, too.
In contemporary times, plants and other facilities will be furthering their interests by incorporating the latest relevant technologies into the processes. With this, monitoring and operating the fans from even remote locations becomes a simplified matter.
Also, modern technologies enable factories and plants to predict the snags that blowers are likely to develop well in advance. It’s not just that, prompt alerts are sent to the personnel, as well. Timely action can then be taken to quickly rectify the issue in an uncomplicated way.

Reitz India is a leading manufacturer and supplier of premium Centrifugal Fans that find wide usage in heavy industrial applications. Reitz India has incorporated latest technology in ID Fan and FD Fan design and fabrication to provide energy efficient solutions with high quality manufacturing standards.