Introduction to Fans and Fan Systems

Course Outline

A fan is a machine utilizing thin rotating rigid vanes, which is driven by a prime mover, which causes a compressible fluid to move. It might be useful to think of a fan as a very low-pressure compressor. This course covers the types and styles of fans and the systems they are contained within. The various purposes and uses of fans are encountered.

This course includes a multiple choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.

Learning Objective

At the conclusion of this two hour course, the student will learn the following regarding the selection and use of fans and fan systems:

• The two main types or classes of fans and how to identify them;
• Fan components and parts and the function of each;
• Fan performance and how it is plotted along with various other variables;
• Fluids (air, gas, and vapor) handled by fans; and
• Systems components, their function, and interrelation with the fan.
  
  

Intended Audience

The course is intended for Mechanical Engineers in the process and mechanical industries but will provide helpful knowledge to Engineers of any discipline. No prerequisites are required of the student but a basic familiarity with compressible fluid flow would be helpful.

Course Content

The entirety of this course content is based on the United States Department of Energy (DOE) publication entitled Improving Fan System Performance: A Sourcebook for Industry. The publication was developed jointly by the DOE Industrial Technologies Program and the Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. (AMCA). AMCA is a non-profit association of the world's manufacturers of related air system equipment.

For this course, you are required to study Section 1 of the above publication. You may find it helpful to review Appendix A as well.

Section 1 - Introduction to Fan Systems
Appendix A - Fan System Terminology

The link to the publication is Improving Fan System Performance: A Sourcebook for Industry.

Please click on the above underlined hypertext to view, download or print the document for your study.

Additional Resources

Chicago Blower Corporation, Glendale Heights, Illinois, has developed a series of free fan courses. The courses are numbered 100 through 500 and can be ordered for U.S. mail delivery from their website at http://www.chicagoblower.com/service/courses.asp. At the top of their home page, click on the button "FAN COURSES" and fill-out the order form. The course titles and subject areas are:

• Course 100: A Basic Course in Fan Selection
• Course 200: Basic Course in Fan Density Correction
• Course 300: A Course in Fan Arrangements and Classes
• Course 400: An Advanced Course in Fan Density Correction
• Course 500: How to Get Better Mileage Out of Fan Bearings
  

Quiz

Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.

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DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.

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