Air Blowers 101

Air compressors and air blowers can be confusing to differentiate as they are both blowing large amounts of air out to complete a certain task in many industrial and commercial industries. Let’s dig into what an air blower is and how it differentiates from an air compressor:

What Is an Air Blower

An air blower, like an air compressor, is utilized in many manufacturing processes to provide higher-speed air streams to complete industrial tasks. Air blowers are machines that can move large amounts of air at only moderately higher pressures to complete various applications. They do this by sucking air into the machine, applying pressure to moderately increase the pressure, and releasing the moderately pressurized air in a high-speed stream. These industrial blowers are ideal for continuous processes that can be unsupervised by personnel.

Types of Air Blowers

Centrifugal

Centrifugal blowers maintain a constant volume and stream of air from one end of the machine to the next as it is running. They are known for their ability to move air at high volumes and low pressures.

Positive Displacement

Positive displacement blowers utilize rotating pieces such as impellers, to increase the volume and velocity of the air as it leaves the machine. They move air at constant volumes, also providing high volumes of air at lower pressures.

Difference Between Air Compressors & Air Blowers

Pressure Ratio

Air blowers complete their industrial use at a much lower pressure ratio than an air compressor. Blowers operate at a low-pressure ratio because they simply move continuous amounts of air through a moderate increase in pressure. In contrast, air compressors have a high-pressure ratio because they pack air into small spaces, increasing its density and thus its pressure. This makes air blowers a more affordable, energy efficient option for many facilities that require lower maintenance than an air compressor.

Energy Consumption

Compressed air drying and blowing systems can use over 12 times as much energy compared to their air blower counterpart. This means they also yield a higher operating cost. Compressed air driven systems are many times required for most manufacturing processes where a blower would not be capable of fully completing the task. However, some processes may benefit from a lower-pressure ratio blower that will also consume less energy and thus save you money, while still getting the job done effectively.

Applications

Air compressors and air blowers are not interchangeable for most applications. Air blowers are generally used when continuous air is required or when fast air streams are demanded. Air compressors are better for intermittent bursts or higher-pressure requirements where a controlled airflow is crucial.

Air Blower Applications

• Drying products
• Ventilating rooms
• Blowing debris off products and parts
• Cleaning surfaces
• Fume removal
• Aspirating
• Fermentation
• Mixing ingredients
• Inflating
• Pneumatic Conveying
• Product cooling
• Sterilization of products and environments

**Read our case study, "Commercial Bakery Uses Low PSI Blowers to Succeed," to see how our blower solutions work in a real-life setting.**

ZORN'S PROMISE

Zorn is the Midwest leader of custom, engineered compressed air and vacuum solutions. We provide the best customer experience by understanding your applications and needs and offering an unparalleled commitment to customer satisfaction.

Our comprehensive product and service solutions keep you running 24/7.

Reliable equipment
Trusted brands
Seamless, easy installation
Post-sales support
Local, 24/7 service

Our compressed air experts look forward to meeting you to discuss your equipment and support needs. Please contact us directly at (262) 695-7000 with any questions or to schedule service for your system moving forward.

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