Side Channel Blower

Blowers are devices used to move air or gases at a specific pressure and volume. These devices are used to compress air or gases and transfer them to different locations. Blowers are classified into several categories based on their function and application, with side channel blowers being one of the most important.

Technical Specifications of a Blower

Side channel blowers typically consist of impellers housed within a casing. The operation of these devices is based on creating high pressure and flow rate. The incoming air is moved by the impellers, and with each impeller rotation, the pressure and flow rate increase. Based on the number of impellers, side channel blowers are classified into single-impeller, two-impeller, and three-impeller types, each capable of generating different pressure levels. For example, a Stream side channel blower has impellers coupled to an electric motor that rotates at 3000 revolutions per minute. These devices can increase air pressure up to 600 millibars and are available in various capacities ranging from 40 to 630 cubic meters per hour.

Types of Blowers

• Single-impeller blower: In this type, only one impeller is used to move air. These blowers are simpler and less expensive and are suitable for low-pressure applications.
• Two-impeller blower: Equipped with two impellers to increase air pressure, these blowers are used for medium-pressure applications. They can generate pressures up to 750 millibars.
• Three-impeller blower: These blowers have three impellers and are used for high-pressure applications.

Advantages and Features of Blowers

Side channel blowers offer numerous advantages, including easy installation, quiet operation, no need for lubrication, easy maintenance, and high efficiency. Due to their low noise levels and lack of vibration, these devices are widely used in industrial environments. Additionally, side channel blowers are cost-effective and have a long lifespan.

Operation of Side Channel Blowers

In a side channel blower, the electric motor is typically directly coupled to the shaft and impeller. The energy from the electric motor rotates the impeller within the casing, creating a swirling flow of air or gas. This swirling flow is drawn into the device through the inlet port. The air or gas becomes trapped between the impeller blades, and the centrifugal force of the blades increases the kinetic energy of the flow, compressing the gas and propelling it through the channel towards the outlet.

Swirling flow in fluid mechanics refers to the chaotic movement of fluid particles. Unlike laminar flow, where fluid particles move in layers, in swirling flow, particles mix randomly, moving both along and perpendicular to the direction of flow. The Reynolds number, a dimensionless parameter, is used to measure the degree of turbulence or agitation. The turbulence phenomenon occurs spontaneously in side channel blowers, creating vortex structures between the impeller blades and increasing suction.

Components of Side Channel Blowers

A side channel blower consists of several simple components, each with a specific function:

• Impeller: Transfers kinetic energy from the electric motor to the gas or air, and is the most crucial and sensitive part of the side channel blower. The impeller is typically made of aluminum or stainless steel.
• Casing: The housing where the impeller rotates. Due to the need for precise clearance between the casing and the impeller blades, the casing must be constructed with precision.
• Electric motor: Provides energy to rotate the impeller, and is available in various speeds and power ratings.
• Inlet and outlet pipes: These are the entry and exit points for the air or gas. To prevent the entry of small particles into the blower and extend its lifespan, an air filter can be used at the inlet.

In addition to these main components, other parts such as bearings, connections, one-way valves, safety valves, pressure gauges, and silencers are also used.

Technical Specifications of Side Channel Blowers

The two primary specifications of side channel blowers are:

• Maximum outlet pressure: Measured in millibars (mbar).
• Flow rate: Measured in cubic meters per hour (m³/h) or cubic feet per minute (cfm).

The pressure-flow curve of a side channel blower indicates the relationship between flow rate and pressure in this industrial equipment. By knowing one of these specifications, the other can be determined from the curve, allowing for the determination of the operating point. In general, the outlet pressure of a side channel blower has an inverse relationship with its flow rate. As outlet pressure increases, the flow rate decreases, and vice versa. Other technical specifications include the power of the electric motor and the vacuum generated.

Technical Specifications of Side Channel Pumps

• Airflow capacity: Depending on the model, side channel blowers can provide airflow in various ranges from a few cubic meters per hour (m³/h) to hundreds of cubic meters per hour.
• Operating pressure: These pumps can generate positive pressures up to 1000 millibars (mbar) and negative pressures (vacuum) up to 500 millibars.
• Motor power: The motor power of side channel blowers typically ranges from 0.25 kilowatts to over 30 kilowatts, suitable for different industrial applications.
• Body material: The body of side channel blowers is usually made of corrosion-resistant materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, or industrial plastics.

Types of Side Channel Blowers

• Single-stage side channel blower: Designed for medium pressure and vacuum generation, suitable for low-pressure and high-volume applications.
• Two-stage side channel blower: With two pressure stages, these pumps can generate higher pressures and deeper vacuums, suitable for more precise applications.
• Three-stage side channel blower: Used for applications requiring extremely high pressures.