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Industrial Combustion Blowers & Fans


AirPro // Applications

Combustion Air Blower & Fan Applications

Combustion air blower systems are essential in power plants and process manufacturing environments where fuels like natural gas, oil, or wood are burned in boilers, furnaces, kilns, ovens, incinerators, dryers, and process burners.

Effective combustion relies on three key elements: fuel, oxygen, and an ignition source. The combustion air blower delivers the steady, reliable airflow (oxygen) required to maintain efficient and complete combustion. If any one of these elements is missing, the process halts, making it critical that every component of the combustion air system operates in sync for optimal performance and safety.

Primary Industries for Combustion Air Blowers & Fans

Many varied industries from food processing and energy, to metals, plastic, glass, paper, and pulp processing use combustion air blowers for heating and drying purposes.


Combustion Air Blower Technology Selection & Specification

With a high pressure-to-flow ratio, a shrouded radial wheel is a frequent go-to for combustion air blowers, but there are several models that we use depending on the specific application.

Industrial Fan Designs Commonly Used for Combustion Air Blowers

Combustion Blower Fan for Industrial Heater

Engineered with a backward-curved wheel and a direct-drive motor, this compact combustion blower delivers stable airflow for efficient fuel combustion. Designed with fewer parts to minimize maintenance, it includes an outlet damper with an electric actuator and positioner for precise airflow control and energy savings.

Ideal for industrial heating applications, this 22-inch diameter fan provides a high-efficiency solution for lower air volume systems, enhancing performance while reducing operational costs.

  • Product Type: RTHS (radial tipped)
  • Description: Class 4, Arr. 1, 150ºF max temp design
  • Performance: 80,000 CFM @ 7″ wg static pressure
  • Features: Custom-designed; 125 HP motor; outlet damper with an electric actuator and positioner

Combustion Blower & Fan Arrangements

Fan arrangements indicate how the motors mount to and drive the fans. The combustion air blower typically calls for an Arrangement 4 direct-drive motor with a variable frequency drive, but on very large systems it’s likely to be an Arrangement 1 belt-drive motor. These are the arrangement options:

Industrial combustion fan designs commonly used:

Arrangement 1 – Belt Drive with an overhung impeller. The fan and motor mount separately to a unitary base.

Arrangement 4 – Direct Drive with an overhung impeller. A low-cost arrangement, the fan wheel mounts directly on the motor shaft.


Fan Accessories & Design Considerations for Combustion Applications

When it comes to design and accessories, it’s all about protecting and optimizing operations, maintenance, and life of the fan and bearings. Although proximity to high-temperature systems might suggest the need for special materials of construction, the air that goes through the forced draft combustion air blower is room-temperature ambient air, so standard materials usually suffice.

Airflow is commonly controlled using a combination of variable frequency drives (VFDs) and inlet dampers. Together, these components enhance boiler efficiency, improve system reliability, and deliver measurable energy savings. For industrial combustion air blower applications, we often recommend:

  • Flow Control Options – includes inlet vane dampers, variable frequency drives (VFD), outlet dampers, or a combination, each offering control over airflow volume and pressure
  • Inlet Silencer – for noise control on the fan inlet
  • Inlet Filter or Screen – to keep dust and debris from entering the airstream, preventing damage
  • Proper Installation and Maintenance – to ensure safe startup and operations
  • Vibration and Temperature Sensors – to monitor bearing and fan health in real time, enabling predictive maintenance and reducing unplanned downtime

Connect with a Combustion Air Blower & Fan Expert

Our experienced application engineers are ready to help you find the right fan. Whether you’re replacing an existing unit or designing a new system, we’ll make sure you get a solution that fits your specs, timeline, and budget.
Callemail, or submit your info to get started and our team will respond quickly.