Abstract:
The
original objective of this work, to improve the
efficiency of a forward curved centrifugal fan, was
redirected to the urgent solution of a serious
impeller life problem arising under certain service
conditions.
Using a variety of experimental and theoretical
techniques the flow pattern within the blade passage
was analysed and the cause of the problem diagnosed.
A new impeller has been designed and has been found
to solve the service life problem while also yielding
an improvement in efficiency.
Because the project was carried out under the Total
Technology programme the scope was widened to include
consideration of the fan application in a suction
roadsweeper : as a result of the wider technical
and commercial investigation an opportunity has
been identified for a new product offering benefits
much
greater than those sought within the scope of
the
original objective.
