Simple design ensures prototypes in 'days'
06 March 2013
A new range of forward curved centrifugal fans designed to simplify specification across multiple projects as well as promoting prompt order fulfilment has been introduced by Air Control Industries (ACI), specialist in industrial air movement products.
Based upon a common configuration for all unit sizes, it is the first in a series of product lines to be based upon the company’s new Homogeneous ('H') modular design concept.
The H fan range conforms to a standard scalable configuration. This enables engineers to quickly familiarise themselves with the fans, their space envelope demands and their application capabilities. In addition, the fans cover a wide performance range, with small increments between range models to ensure a closer match to the required duty specification.
ACI’s H fans are direct driven units with motor sizes ranging from 0.18 to 22kW, delivering flow rates up to 6,000m3/h (3,600cfm), and pressures up to 40mbar (14in.Swg). Standard options include one- and three-phase versions with two- or four-pole metric or NEMA motors. The latter is particularly important as far as the company’s US subsidiary, ACI Inc. is concerned, as this also enable it to assemble fans on demand.
Fan housings can be supplied in sheet steel (powder coated black as standard), stainless steel (304 or 316), or aluminium. Explosive risk (ATEX/CSA), UL and CE motor versions are further options. ACI managing director, Paul Tuffin takes up the story:
“The new H Range provides an exciting platform from which we can launch many variations of fan type and size, thanks to the modular design. Employing the latest manufacturing techniques we can produce fan scrolls in any width to suit fan wheels up to 315mm in diameter and from many different materials. In addition, all will be compliant with efficiencies as defined by the ErP Directive for 2013 and 2015. This is achieved through optimised fan design and the use of IE2 motors for direct drive of the impeller.”
The simple construction and homogeneous characteristics of the H range means ACI can build prototypes quickly - no welding involved – enabling supply within days, giving customers the opportunity to run their machine/system proving operations over a shorter lead time. The design of the fans also enables production quantities to be initiated quickly. Paul Tuffin again:
“Previously, if customers supplied equipment of different sizes/powers requiring fans of different size/rating, ACI fans might have been of different configurations. For example, one might have a rectangular discharge flange whilst the next size up would have a round one. The common format of the H series avoids these issues, simplifying builds for customers.”
H series fans come with a full range of accessories, including finger guards, inlet and discharge spigots, discharge flanges and pedestals. All engineering data, including downloadable 2D and 3D drawings, are available directly from ACI’s website for easy incorporation into customers design documentation.
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