Types of Industrial Fans
Industrial fans come in six main types: axial, centrifugal, inline duct, plug, wall-mounted and extractor. Each one is built for a different space, airflow and amount of resistance.Choosing by size or price alone is how plants end up with weak airflow, noisy fans or motors that run hot. Choosing by the job fixes that. This guide gives you a quick overview first, then explains each type in simple words, with where it is used and why you would pick it.
The six types
- Axial fans: move large volumes of air in a straight line at low pressure.
- Centrifugal fans: turn the air outward to push it through ducts, filters and bends.
- Inline duct fans: sit inside the duct to boost airflow where space is tight.
- Plug fans: compact centrifugal fans that deliver air straight into a chamber or cabinet.
- Wall-mounted fans: fixed in a wall opening to push stale air out or bring fresh air in.
- Extractor fans: pull hot, humid or smelly air out of enclosed rooms.
What is an industrial fan?
An industrial fan is a machine that moves large volumes of air using a rotating impeller, usually for ventilation, cooling, exhaust or fume removal in factories and commercial buildings.
A fan moves a lot of air at low pressure. A blower moves air at higher pressure, so it can push through ducts, filters and process equipment. If your job needs high pressure, you need an industrial blower rather than a fan.
Industrial fans are grouped by the way air flows through them: straight through (axial), or turned outward by the impeller (centrifugal).
1.Axial fans
Axial fans generate airflow by moving air parallel to the rotating shaft, making them ideal for applications that require high air volume at relatively low pressure.
The blades work like a propeller. Air enters one side and leaves the other in the same direction. Axial fans are simple, efficient for large volumes and easy to install in a wall, frame or short duct. Types include propeller fans, tube axial fans and vane axial fans. Vane axial fans have guide vanes that help them handle higher pressure.
Where it’s used
- General factory and workshop ventilation
- Cooling of machines, heat exchangers and cooling systems
- Exhaust in open halls, warehouses and tunnels
- Direct driven axial flow fans for heavy-duty ducted exhaust
Why choose it
- Very high airflow for the power used
- Simple, light and easy to maintain
- Lower cost than most other types
2.Centrifugal fan
A centrifugal fan pulls air in at the centre and throws it out at 90 degrees, so it can push air against higher resistance.
The spinning impeller builds pressure inside a scroll-shaped casing. This lets it handle ducts, filters, bends and long runs that an axial fan cannot. Blade shape matters: forward curved impellers suit clean, low-pressure air, while backward curved impellers are more efficient and handle dust and higher pressure.
Where it’s used
- Ducted ventilation and industrial exhaust
- Dust collection and filtration systems
- Process air, fume extraction and combustion air
- Boilers, furnaces and kilns
Why choose it
- Builds higher pressure than axial fans
- Handles ducts, filters and long pipe runs
- Backward curved designs resist dust and run efficiently for long hours
3.Inline duct fans
The fan sits in the middle of the duct run, so air enters and leaves in the same line. It is the easy choice when you have a long duct, many bends or little room around the fan. Our inline duct fans are made for exactly this kind of ducted ventilation and exhaust.
Where it’s used
- Ducted ventilation and exhaust in factories and commercial buildings
- Fume and heat removal through ducts
- Boosting weak airflow in long duct runs
- Places with very little room around the fan
Why choose it
- Compact and easy to install in the duct line
- No separate casing or extra ducting needed
- Quiet, steady airflow for ducted systems
4.Plug fans
Air leaves the impeller in all directions instead of through a single outlet. This makes the unit smaller and easier to fit and it works well where air is delivered into a chamber or a housing.
Where it’s used
- Air handling units and HVAC plant rooms
- Clean rooms and controlled-air spaces
- Cooling cabinets and equipment housings
Why choose it
- Compact, with no scroll casing
- Smooth, even airflow into a chamber
- Easy to install and service
5.Wall-mounted fans
A wall-mounted fan is fixed in a wall opening to push stale, hot air out or bring fresh air in.It is the simplest ventilation option for rooms with an outside wall. Most are axial fans in a mounting frame, sometimes with a shutter that closes when the fan stops.
Where it’s used
- Workshops, godowns and warehouses
- Production halls and assembly areas
- Kitchens, canteens and storage rooms
Why choose it
- Direct wall installation with no ducting
- Low cost and easy to maintain
- Quick improvement in air change and comfort
6.Extractor fans
Extractor fans remove hot, humid or contaminated air from enclosed spaces and release it outside. Installed in walls, windows or ceiling openings, they pull stale air out while allowing fresh air to enter through other openings, maintaining proper air circulation and ventilation.
Where it’s used
- Kitchens, washrooms and wash areas
- Workshops with heat, smoke or odours
- Small rooms and utility spaces
Why choose it
- Removes heat, moisture and odours at the source
- Compact and quick to fit
- Low power use for small spaces
How to choose the right fan
- How much air do you need to move? Work out the airflow in m³/hr from the room size and the number of air changes required.
- What resistance will the air face? Open wall, short duct or long duct with filters and bends. More resistance points to centrifugal.
- What is in the air? Dust, fumes and heat need stronger builds. Hazardous areas need flameproof (FLP) construction.
- How much space do you have? Tight spaces suit inline duct or plug fans.
- How long will it run? For long daily hours, a more efficient design saves money.
You can see how each fan is used in real industries on our applications page.
