Conveying fan – radial or axial? Practical comparison for industrial applications

Conveying fan – radial or axial? Practical comparison for industrial applications

Conveying fan – radial or axial? Practical comparison for industrial applications | Blog - CORMAK

Conveying fan – radial or axial? Practical comparison for industrial applications

Choosing the right fan is key to efficient and reliable operation of an extraction or ventilation system. In industry, two main types are most commonly used: radial fans (centrifugal) and axial fans. Although both are used to move air, they differ in design, operating pressure and intended use.

1. Radial fan – power and pressure

In a radial fan, air is drawn in axially and discharged radially outward, generating high static pressure. Thanks to this, it performs отлично in overcoming resistance in long ducts, filters and separators.

  • Ideal for wood chip and dust extraction,
  • Works well in systems with filtration and long duct runs,
  • Can transport light contaminants (chips, shavings, dust).

Example: CORMAK wood chip extractors use high-performance radial fans, ensuring stable airflow even with high system resistance.

2. Axial fan – high airflow, low pressure

In axial fans, air flows parallel to the axis of the impeller. They provide high airflow at low resistance, but are not suitable for systems with filters or long ductwork.

  • Used for room ventilation, cooling and drying,
  • Ideal for short ducts or open airflow,
  • Quiet, lightweight and energy-efficient.

Example: CORMAK axial fans are used in ventilation, cooling systems and wood drying kilns, where fast air exchange is the priority.

3. Practical comparison

FeatureRadialAxial
Operating pressure High Low
Airflow Moderate High
Resistance to contaminants Very good Low
Application Extraction, industry, filtration Ventilation, cooling
Noise level Medium Low

4. Which type should you choose?

  • Radial – if the system has filters, separators, long ducts or transports chips and dust.
  • Axial – if you need straightforward airflow, e.g. in ventilation or cooling systems.

Summary

The choice of fan depends on the type of system and the nature of the conveyed medium. CORMAK radial fans are the best solution for extraction systems, while axial fans are ideal for room ventilation and cooling. Proper selection ensures not only performance, but also longer service life of the entire installation.

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