Industrial fans constructed using stainless steel offer low maintenance requirements in applications involving high operating temperatures, contaminants or chemicals, writes Axair Fans Head of Industrial, Faye Brophy.
The materials used to manufacture an industrial fan, whether stainless steel, aluminium, mild steel or polypropylene, will hugely affect the versatility and uses of that particular fan. The materials of construction used in a centrifugal or axial fan affect weight, hygiene, maintenance, longevity and appearance. For corrosive environments where hygiene, high temperature and higher duties are in place, stainless steel fans are the route to take.
What is 304 stainless steel?
304 stainless steel is a corrosive resistant metal that offers low maintenance while withstanding high temperatures. It is robust and easy to clean making it ideal for intensive cleaning cycles. The material is particularly appropriate in applications where plastic fans may be less suitable due to their size or inability to reach a particular airflow or pressure duty.
How is stainless steel corrosion resistant?
Stainless steel has built in corrosion resistance due to the amount of chromium present in its composition. It contains a minimum of 10.5% chromium; this chromium reacts with the surrounding oxygen very quickly and forms a thin oxide layer on the steel’s surface.
The chromium oxide clings to the steel and acts as a protective barrier. The oxide is known as a passive film which seals the iron in the alloy, away from the air and water in the environment. This gives the stainless steel its rust resistance.
Should internal parts only or the entire fan be stainless steel?
Having just the internal parts of the fan constructed from stainless steel is only applicable when these are the only parts exposed to the carried corrosive air, as in they are in the airstream. If the fan is situated permanently in the corrosive air and this affects the outer casing too, then the entire fan should be made from a stainless steel housing and internal parts.
Can you supply ATEX stainless steel fans?
Whatever the application, Axair Fans’ 304 stainless steel corrosive resistant fans are suitable for high operating temperatures, contaminants or chemicals and even zone 1 ATEX variants for explosive atmospheres.
Axair will always ensure it provides end users with a fan in the most suitable construction materials. Its ATEX fans are suitable for zone 1 and 2 applications in line with the current ATEX Directive. As dictated in the legislation, fan selections will be made in line with DSEAR inspections, and the reliable information provided by the end user’s specification.
Which industrial fans are offered in stainless steel?
Stainless steel is available in most of Axair’s medium pressure and high-pressure collection of Casals industrial fans. For smaller corrosion resistant duties in the applications of moving corrosive air effectively, the company has an extensive range of polypropylene corrosion resistant fans with an impressive ATEX zone 2 offering.
What are stainless steel centrifugal fan lead times?
Axair’s lead times are of the most competitive in the industry given the current issues in the UK market. Bespoke stainless-steel items will always have a slightly extended lead times due to their nature of not being held in stock. This is standard across all fan manufacturers, and Axair will always be competitive on both price and lead time when delivering quotes for bespoke items.
What finishes are available on stainless steel?
Axair Fans offers a standard or electropolished finish on all of its 304 or 316 stainless steel industrial fans for use in corrosive air or food processing applications. Some customers prefer the aesthetic look of a polished stainless-steel finish while others want a product suitable for purpose without the need to look so polished.
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