There are six basic types of centrifugal fans. Each of these fan types has advantages and disadvantages. Care needs to be taken when selecting the fan design for their ability to perform reliably in the customer’s system. The six basic fan types and some of their basic characteristics are:

Radial Blade (RB)

• Lower volume – Higher pressure
• Static Efficiency to 70%
• Good material handling capabilities
• Lower operating RPMs (per “ sp)
• Overloading type horsepower curve
• Higher noise

Backward Inclined (BI)

• Higher Volume – lower pressure
• Static Efficiency to 80%
• More durable than airfoil
• Use with light material when frequent cleaning is acceptable
• Non-overloading horsepower curve
• Lower noise

Backward Curved (BC)

• Higher volume – lower pressure
• Static Efficiency to 84%
• Clean air only
• Non-overloading horsepower curve
• Lowest noise

Airfoil (AF)

• Higher volume – lower pressure
• Static Efficiency to 84%
• Clean air only
• Non-overloading horsepower curve
• Lowest noise

Radial Tip (RT)

• Medium volume – higher pressure
• Static Efficiency to 78%
• Moderate material handling capabilities
• Lower operating RPMs
• Overloading type horsepower curve
• Higher noise

Forward Curve (FC)

• Highest volume – lower pressure
• Static efficiency to 65%
• Clean air only
• Overloading type horsepower curve
• Low noise