The Best Explosion Proof Fans, According to Hundreds of Customer Reviews
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Even the tiniest spark can cause immeasurable danger— in the right context. Hazardous materials require safe handling throughout the supply chain, specifically those that combust in the presence of electricity. Ignition sources (sparks) are abundant in electric motor-based devices like fans; these machines also happen to be integral to the movement of explosive substances. To solve this conundrum, designers invented the explosion-proof fan to both reduce the likelihood of occurrence as well as contain potential explosions. These machines are necessary for pharmaceutical, industrial, chemical, and commercial manufacturing operations, and so there are many manufacturers who provide explosion-proof fans for general or specific applications. This article will outline the 10 best explosion-proof fans as found on Thomasnet.com and provide some basic information about their specifications and features.
What is an Explosion-Proof Fan?
It is important to understand that there is no explosion “proof” fan; the only true explosion-proof system is one that has zero risk of explosions in the first place. In situations where explosive materials must be moved, a chance of ignition will always be present and can only be reduced and minimized through the use of material and design tricks.
Ventilation systems like blowers and fans are designated as explosion-proof if, without falling apart, they can contain potential explosions within themselves. Also, explosion-proof fans feature circuitry shielding so that no electrical components meet combustible elements or allow sparks to reach potentially explosive fibers, gases, moisture, etc. These fans are different from so-called intrinsically safe fans, or those that prevent explosions on exposure to a combustible airstream via anti-sparking materials/designs. There is much overlap between these two types of fans, so the Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) has developed three standard industrial classifications to categorize these fans based on their level of spark-resistant construction: Type A, Type B, and Type C Spark-Resistant Construction (SRC) fans.
- Type A SRC fans require all components in the airstream to be non-ferrous, and they must be assembled so that there is minimal contact between stationary and rotating components. These are generally the safest type of explosion-proof system (and also the most expensive).
- Type B SRC fans only require the impeller to be non-ferrous, and they must also be assembled to reduce possible contact between stationary and rotating components. Type B SRC fans are the middle-ground option for explosion-proof systems.
- Type C fans only require a reduction of potential contact between stationary and rotating components. These fans have a minimal level of spark resistance and are generally the least expensive option.
Spark-resistant fans may or may not work in your intended project; the National Electric Code (NEC) has industry standards that specify hazardous ventilation systems based on temperature, operating conditions, etc. There are also numerous other standard codes including ATEX, ASME, NFPA, Nuclear, ISO, OSHA, MSHA, etc. that offer application-specific explosion protection ratings. To learn about fans and blowers in more detail, review our related guide Types of Blowers and Industrial Fans.
Without getting too caught up in classifications, just know that finding the right fan involves clearly defining the explosion risk of your system and its environment, along with other application-specific criteria. Also note that there are many, many kinds of fans both big and small, as well as fans that offer explosion-proof components but may not entirely be explosion-proof. For brevity, this article will include fans that fall into any of the spark resistance/explosion-proof ratings and will provide a range of fans for different applications.
Explosion-Proof Fan Considerations
Before buying an explosion-proof fan, review the considerations below to determine if your potential product will fit your intended application:
- How much air volume can the fan move (in CFM) and at what operational pressures (psi/kPA)?
- How big can the fan be and how heavy? Will it be stationary, installed, or portable?
- What is the motor’s horsepower and is it rated (TEFC, ATEX, Explosion Proof, Pneumatic, etc.)?
- What materials are each fan component made of and what is the design of the fan (backward blower, standing fan, portable unit, axial, etc.)?
- How loud can the fan be, what other protective measures must it have, and what additional features should be included (flanges/couplings, safety shutoffs, control capabilities, etc.)
Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best Explosion Proof Fans 2023
Below is the list of best explosion-proof fans as found on Thomasnet.com, specified for an array of uses.
CS Unitec Explosion Proof Electric Axial Fans | Buy Now
Sure Flame UB12E Explosion Proof Blower | Buy Now
B-12-3/4 3450 RPM Belt Drive Model B Tube Axial Fan | Buy Now
Airmaster Explosion Proof 30” Pedestal Air Circulator | Buy Now
Medium Pressure Conveying Fans VSR-M | Buy Now
Schaefer Americ VAF3000P 12” Pneumatic Explosion Proof Exhaust Fan | Buy Now
MAXIDRIVE Industrial Exhaust Fan | Buy Now
RamFan UB20xx 0.33HP Electric TurboForce Fan | Buy Now
VAB Vane Axial Belt Drive Fan | Buy Now
Scroll down to read more about these top picks for the best explosion-proof fans, according to many happy buyers.
*Prices listed in this article were as shown in US$ on retailers’ websites as of March 2023
1. CS Unitec Explosion Proof Electric Axial Fans
Image credit: Explosion-Proof Electric Axial Fans | CS Unitec
The highly efficient Explosion Proof Electric Axial Fan line by CS Unitec is specified for ventilation, exhausting, and cooling operations in dangerous locations. The line’s volume output is 2188 CFM with a 12” diameter. The line runs on either single and 3-phase power depending upon the model and operates at a maximum noise level of 85 dB. With an Ex II 2 GcT3 ATEX Class, these fans are best suited for ship holds, underground mining, shipyards, refineries, petrochemical plants, oil platforms, power plants, tunnels, construction, and many more hazardous locations.
View all the details on Thomasnet.com or on CS Unitec’s website.
Buy Now: Request a Quote, CS Unitec
2. Sure Flame UB12E Explosion Proof Blower
Image credit: Sure Flame UB12E Explosion Proof Blower|Global Equipment Company
For ventilating manholes, tanks, and confined spaces, the Sure Flame UB12E Explosion Proof Blower is a safe choice for many hazardous and flammable applications. With a 24” x 12” x 17” profile and a rugged steel housing and screen construction, the UB12E is both small and durable. The blower is driven by a 1 HP, 3450 RPM motor capable of a 2900 CFM output. It is powered via a 115V / 15 amp circuit and works as both a blower and exhauster.
View all the details on Thomasnet.com.
Buy Now: US$4,343, Global Equipment Company
3. B-12-3/4 3450 RPM Belt Drive Model B Tube Axial Fan
Image credit: Item # B-12-3/4, 3450 Revolutions Per Minute (rpm) Fan Speed Belt Drive Model B Tube Axial Duct Fan On Indventech
The B-12-3/4 3450 RPM Fan Speed Belt Drive Model B Tube Axial Duct Fan by Indventech is designed to handle clean dry air at temperatures up to 180°F. It is built with a spark-resistant heavy-duty cast aluminum prop and is fitted with an adjustable base ¾ HP TEFC or EXP motor. The fan speed is 3450 RPMs and can push up to 1960 CFM at 1/8” static pressure. This fan is ideal for fume/smoke removal as its bearings are sealed for life and are maintenance-free. Optional accessories include companion flanges, protective coatings, variable pitch pulleys, access doors, belt guards, motor covers, fan guards, and more.
View all the details on Thomasnet.com or on Indventech’s website.
Buy Now: Request a Quote, Indventech
4. Airmaster Explosion Proof 30” Pedestal Air Circulator
Image credit: Explosion Proof 30" Pedestal Air Circulator 230/460 voltage at Blowerwheel.com | Electric Trading Co.
The only standing unit on this list, the Airmaster Explosion Proof 30” Pedestal Air Circulator is a mobile unit built for spark resistance in hazardous locations. With a die-cast aluminum propeller, this fan produces up to 8723 CFM with its ¼ HP motor at speeds of 1140 RPMs. The Airmaster is powered by 230/460 VAC at 1.1/0.55 A, and the weight of the unit is 115 lbs. This fan is specified for Class 1 Group D hazardous locations, meaning it can hold up to harsh and flammable environments with little issue.
View all the details on Global Equipment Company website.
Buy Now: US$1,203, Global Equipment Company
5. Medium Pressure Conveying Fans VSR-M
Image credit: LTG Medium-pressure Fans VSR for conveying air or gases - ATEX design available
The LTG VSR Series of centrifugal fans by LTG Incorporated are built to move pure gases at optimum aerodynamic properties and high efficiencies. Their air volume output maxes out at an impressive 70600 CFM with a total pressure of 5kPA (depending upon the model) and the fans are built for low power consumption and a wide variety of applications. Its torsion-resistant welded, bolted, and coated steel housing provides high operational safety and can be fitted to ATEX levels of protection if desired. This line allows buyers to customize the drive, impeller, and design of the VSR series to best fit their application, making these fans some of the most versatile on this list.
View all the details on LTG Incorporated’s website.
Buy Now: Request a Quote, LG Incorporated
6. Schaefer Americ VAF3000P 12” Pneumatic Explosion Proof Exhaust Fan
Image credit: AMERIC VAF3000P | VFans
The AMERIC VAF3000P 12” portable explosion-proof exhaust fan offered by Vfans is rated at 2063 CFM and 3000 RPM using pneumatics in place of electric power. Rated as both an explosion-proof and intrinsically safe design, the VAF3000P is driven by a 1.5 HP pneumatic motor and is best suited for confined, hazardous locations. At 17” x 13.9” x 20.9” and 14 kg, this fan is portable yet powerful and has a near-zero chance of sparking thanks to its 7-bladed polypropylene propeller. In the rare event of a device issue, the VAF3000P comes with a 2-year factory-limited warranty.
Buy Now: US$1,182 (Was US$1,397.15), Prime Buy
7. MAXIDRIVE Industrial Exhaust Fan
Image credit: Industrial Exhaust Fan with Backwards inclined blades (aqcdust.com)
AQC Dust Collecting Systems supplies their MAXIDRIVE Industrial Exhaust Fan line that is designed to extract smoke, vapor, and light dust away from breathing zones. These are direct drive fans rated at 3450 RPMs with TEFC motors (with explosion-proofing options) and backwards inclined spark-proof aluminum impellers. Their rugged painted steel construction prevents sparking, and a wide mesh inlet protective screen protects internal components. Voltages for the MAXIDRIVE line range from 115V-575V depending upon the model, and these fans also come with optional outlet silencers for a 25% reduction in noise.
View all the details on AQC Dust Collecting Systems’ website.
Buy Now: Request a Quote, AQC Dust Collecting System
8. RamFan UB20xx 0.33HP Electric TurboForce Fan
Image credit: UB20xx0.33hp Electric – Euramco Group | (ramfan.com)
The compact and lightweight UB20xx 0.33 HP Electric TurboForce Fan offered by Euramco Safety is both ultraquiet at 74dB and powerful for its 13.78” x 13.78” x 15.35” size at 819 CFM. This high-pressure axial blower is built from durable PC/ABS anti-static plastic that is weatherproof, dent-resistant, flame retardant, and chemically resistant. The fan’s starter is secured in a flameproof motor enclosure to prevent ignition risk, and the provided rain switch enclosure is IP55 rated. Two integrated duct adapters come included with the UB20xx as well as a 7.6m long power cable for extended reach.
View all the details on Euramco Safety’s website.
Buy Now: From US$2,159.72, IntrinsicallySafeStore
9. VAB Vane Axial Belt Drive Fan
Image credit: VAB Vane Axial - Triangle Engineering, Inc. | (trianglefans.com)
Triangle Engineering of Arkansas’ VAB Vane Axial Belt Drive fans are meant to handle hazardous atmospheres and corrosive fumes. Their standard sizes include 24”, 30”, 36”, 42”, and 48” with custom sizes available. The cast aluminum airfoil blades are supported by a welded heavy-gauge steel construction that is finished in a durable grey polyester powder coat. These fans have no wiring, stationary motor mounts, and Div. I Class I Group D, as well as Class II Groups F & G, rated belt drive options. Applications for these fans include exhausts, paint spray booths, mixing rooms, and other industrial ventilation uses.
View all the details on Triangle Engineering of Arkansas’s website.
Buy Now: Find a Retail Store, Triangle Engineering
The Best Explosion Proof Fans—Summary
This article summarized the best explosion-proof fans as found on Thomasnet.com. Consider the air volume, size, type of ventilator, and other important factors before looking through catalogs to make your shortlist of options even shorter. Also, reach out to suppliers and industry experts through Thomasnet.com to get the best, most up-to-date knowledge about explosion-proof fans used in your application/industry. To learn more, visit our Thomas Supplier Discovery where we have over 75 explosion-proof fan suppliers available.
Sources:
- Explosion Proof Fan: Cincinnati Fan
- Explosion Proof vs. Intrinsically Safe Fan - Intrinsically Safe Store
- Three Types of Spark Resistant Fan Construction | G Squared Engineered Products (gsquaredep.com)
- Explosion Proof Hazardous Location Fans Blowers & Exhaust Ventilation– Industrial Fans Direct
- https://www.markair.net/axial-vs-centrifugal-fans-which-is-best-for-your-application/
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