Industrial Fan Design: Discover Our Process

The CBI Group Industrial Fan Design Process

As a renowned company in the ventilation industry with a deep-rooted history of fan production, CBI Group has always invested in researching and developing new techniques to engineer superior fans.

Our team of skilled professionals performs two types of in-depth analysis, assisted by advanced software and instrumentation: the Finite Element Method (FEM) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis. These techniques are not only applied to new designs but can also be utilised to modify underperforming fans, enhancing their efficiency and lifespan. You can find out more on our Test and Diagnosis services.

Let’s delve into these procedures. 

The FEM Analysis 

The FEM procedure is focused on assessing the mechanical features of the industrial fan. 

Let’s have a closer look at the procedure. 

• Evaluating the elastic limits of the fans. In this phase, engineers test how the ventilation system withstands operational loads and deformations. 

• Detecting potential hotspots in the structure. This enables to improve the durability of the device. 

• Performing a modal analysis to identify the industrial fan’s vibration modes. This is the best way to guarantee impeccable performance overtime whilst reducing wear, tear, and other corrosion factors. 

• Defining the rotating motion of blades. Thanks to the rotor dynamic analysis, they can have a more precise idea of how rotational parts will interact with air, an important element to craft vibration-free fans. 

• Assessing the interaction between temperature and mechanics. With a thermal and structural analysis, the industrial fan undergoes tests to have a better understanding of its working principle under varying temperature conditions. 

• Analysing material characterisation. This is purposely analysed to assess the fans’ resistance to constant operational stress and how components react to deformation. 

The CFD Method

While the FEM analysis is more focused in identifying mechanical and structural gaps, the CFD method is more concerned with fluid dynamics. For this reason, it encompasses a series of analyses.

• At CBI Group, engineers simulate airflow through centrifugal and axial fans under different environmental conditions, ensuring excellent aerodynamic performance. 

• Then, aeraulic evaluations are made to enhance the efficiency of the fan in terms of speed and pressure rate. 

• For tunnel applications, CFD can predict how the ventilation system will act under precise circumstances, ensuring perfect air management and circulation. 

• CBI Group always assesses the industrial fan design in relation to the surrounding environment. This allows the company to have a clear overview of stall conditions, and engineer a solution that can operate safely under any condition.

Thanks to the combination of these groundbreaking techniques, CBI Group experts can fine-tune blades geometries, enabling precise laboratory testing, and implementing high-quality, efficient, and safe fans to cater to every application.

Would you like to know more about how CBI Group can help you in designing the industrial fan for your business?

The extensive know-how gained in years of industrial fan design takes form in a series of well-defined stages that converts even the most challenging project into a tailored journey. 

1. First and foremost, our engineers listen to the client’s demands related to the industry and setting where the fan will be located. This stage is key to outline performance goals and operational challenges. 

2. Using advanced software programs, the design team creates a draft of the fan, including the type of fan, the blades’ shape, and the configuration of the system. 

3. At this stage, the CFD simulations are conducted to assess the industrial fan aerodynamic behaviour. Afterwards, it is the turn of the FEM analysis, employed to evaluate structural integrity in real settings. 

4. Based on the insights gained from the CFD and FEM analyses, the fan is subjected to a series of rigorous tests in our testing facility, which features VFDs ranging from 45 kW to 900 kW and a maximum power capacity of 1.5 MW. The fan undergoes vibration analysis, thermal scans, and tests to evaluate noise levels, pressure rate, flow rates, impeller resistance, and material durability.

5. After production, CBI Group’s industrial fan undergoes a last round of acceptance testing before dispatching it to the client. 

What Are The Benefits Of A Good Industrial Fan Designing Plan?

A well-designed industrial fan is crucial in heavy-duty applications, where it directly impacts productivity and operational efficiency. In industries dealing with challenging environments, the role of the fan goes beyond just air circulation—it ensures optimal temperature and air management, safeguarding both equipment and operators.

This is why a tailored approach to fan design maximises the fan’s aerodynamic properties and pressure capabilities, allowing your plant to operate at peak efficiency, even in demanding conditions.

Our expertise in producing robust ventilation systems guarantees durability and reliability, even in the most strenuous applications, minimising the need for troubleshooting.

Each industrial fan design can be customised to meet the specific requirements of your heavy-duty operations, ensuring consistent performance and high-quality standards at all times, no matter the challenges your facility faces.

Would you like to know more about how CBI Group can help you in designing the industrial fan for your business?