Helical extractor, operation and main uses

Fans are very different depending on their use. To maximize their performance, there are different types. Both in the industrial sector and at home, the one we will discuss today is very common, the helical extractor. It is an axial type fan.

The axial fans are those that throw air in the same direction as the axis where their blades rotate. This is in contrast to centrifugal fans, which intake and expel air in the same direction as they receive it.

The common difference between axial fans and centrifugal fans is that the latter are primarily designed to move air through ducts. This is a way to accelerate the transport of air. In contrast, axial fans are very common in air conditioning systems and can be placed in many locations, including wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, and various other forms.

They are called axial because air enters through the axis and is thrown by the blades in an axial direction. They are perfect for extraction functions, which is why the helical extractor is important among axial fans. It is the most popular of its kind due to the high performance it can generate.

Types of axial fans and helical extractors

Axial fans are perfect for being used as bathroom extractors, for industrial installations or in integral ventilation systems.

The types of axial fans that we can find are:

1. Wall-mounted helical extractor. These are the most common. They incorporate a protective grill like all axial fans and are usually installed in ceilings or walls. They tend to have a very acceptable noise level.
2. Tubular axial fan. They have blades mounted in cylindrical or tubular casings. They are like helical ones, although they have an aerodynamic blade design.
3. Tubular axial fan with guide vanes. They are like the previous ones but have higher performance.

• Flow rate and pressure. First of all, we need to know what flow rate is necessary to renew the air in a room. In the case of bathrooms, a not very large size is sufficient. In industrial places, much more flow is needed. The pressure must be sufficient to expel the required volume of air.
• Noise. Helical extractors today are quieter than ever, but they still make noise. In addition to proper maintenance, we must choose a decibel level appropriate to the place where it will be installed. Usually, in passage bathrooms, it matters less if it makes noise, and in industrial places, the decibel level is often of little relevance.
• Consumption. Nowadays there are types of helical extractors that save a lot of energy usage. It is essential that they consume little if they are going to be operational for many hours.
• Protection. If the fan will be in humid conditions - bathrooms or kitchens - or exposed to adverse weather outdoors, it will need specific protection for the location it will be installed in.
• Industrial conditions. If the fan is going to be operating in industrial environments, it should be considered that its materials should withstand the work conditions. In very hot places, they should be able to endure the heat, and if there is a possibility of sparks, they must have special coating.