EZ Press Release  -- May 28, 2010 All the terms in the title of this article refer to the regenerative blower which is a lower-pressure (as compared to traditional air compressors or roots blowers), high-volume blower that generates centrifugal airflow. They are the ideal solution for moving large volumes of air at lower pressures (as compared to traditional air compressors or roots blowers) or vacuums. Unlike compressors, ring blowers work through a non-positive displacement method to create vacuum or pressure.

Ring blowers are used in compression blowers, vacuum blowers, and industrial blower applications. Vacuum ring blowers can be used or configured as a vacuum pump or exhauster for removal or suction of air or gases. Selecting regenerative blowers requires an analysis of vacuum specifications, power sources, and features. They can be among the most cost-effective methods for moving air and producing pressure or vacuum.

Regenerative blowers are sometimes called side channel blowers or ring blowers, these names refer to how they are put together. The impeller is mounted on an electric motor shaft. The impeller spins within a housing with an inboard and outboard channel. As the impeller blades pass the inlet port, they draw air in. The impeller rotation pushes air outward and forward into the channels. The air then returns to the base of the blade. As the impeller spins, the process repeats. This regeneration gives the blower its pressure/vacuum capabilities.

One of the major advantages of a side channel blower is that it does not need constant maintenance. The impeller is the only part that is in motion and is wear free. It does not come in contact with the housing channels. Self-lubricated bearings are the only parts that wear. Ring blowers don’t have oil. They have dynamically balanced impellers and generate negligible vibration. Because they are non positive displacement compressor/vacuum pumps, they discharge air that is clean and pulsation free, which are important considerations for today's plant instruments and controls.

Most side channel blower failures are caused by user error - improper installation or operation. Because there are so few moving parts, there is not much that can go wrong. It is very important to stop any kind of solid material from entering the ring blower. Ingested foreign material can cause impeller failure. A ring blower should always have an intake filter. Filters must be kept clean so air flow is not blocked.

Dynavac has introduced a range of side channel blowers for the Indian market. Go to our website http://www.dynavac.org for technical specifications and an animated display of the various applications that these ring blowers can be used in.