An industrial ceiling fan works in much the same way as the familiar house fan, but on a larger scale and for additional industrial purposes. Work sites require the healthy ventilation of fresh air in order to maintain quality environmental working conditions for staff, production processes, and inventories. Industrial air circulation is aided by means of these large, powerful, propeller-driven fans, which aid in cooling, ventilation, and drying of air. These fans can be found in manufacturing centers and agricultural facilities, processing plants where humidity and gas dispersion are vital, and refreshing the air in restaurants. Industrial and commercial ceiling fan types can vary by size, power, styling, placement, and performance.
In addition to simple air circulation, the industrial ceiling fan adds measurable value to an enterprise. These machines help reduce the pollutants and gaseous fumes found in automotive and chemical industries. They remove odors and smoke for healthier environments, which can reduce long-term health care and liability costs. Fans aid in drying and finishing processes in the treatment of materials, and are evaluated under various organizational standards and rating systems according to criteria such as construction, performance, and cost.
A ceiling fan mounts directly to a ceiling beam and a power source. Like its smaller home counterpart, an industrial ceiling fan moves air horizontally with large functional blades arranged in extended lengths, widths, and configurations designed to displace maximum amounts of air at slower speeds. The blades can operate in forward and reverse modes for seasonal changes. Powerful motors help ensure smooth and minimal noise in operation for extended periods and heavy daily use. Styling need not be sacrificed; types can include retro, contemporary, and cage-covered.
A typical industrial ceiling fan will have five blades, and some units allow additional customization and lighting options. Many are rated for indoor use only, but others are “wet rated” for outdoor use. Other designs utilize long, narrow blades in greater quantity. Industrial type fans usually have blades of various plain or metallic materials, yet still may feature quality aesthetic finishes like stainless or brushed steel.
Fan manufacturers now make rating performance data public. This includes four key criteria: quality, cubic feet per minute (CFM) airflow, efficiency, and watts. Quality describes construction and component performance; CFM airflow refers to volume of air displaced on high speed. Efficiency is described by CFM divided by electricity in watts used on high speed. With watts, lower numbers mean lower electricity bills, lower environmental impact, and higher value.
Judging industrial ceiling fan motors means comparing performance ratings; these can range from below to above average, very good, and high-performance. These criteria describe details such as air movement in quantity and quality, motor noise, wobble, and longevity. Blade pitch and ceiling height represent other key factors of design differences.