Fan Applications

The paper manufacturing industry utilizes fans for power boilers, recovery boilers, lime kilns, dissolving tanks, and dryers. These applications, which are integral to the production process, are often very corrosive. Reliability and durability of these fans are vital for continuous operations. Materials and standards of construction are very important. Illinois Blower fans for demanding and corrosive applications offer real value, saving on future downtime and maintenance costs.

Boilers

Boiler fans create efficient combustion by supplying a consistent and reliable air supply. Induced Draft Fans operate at elevated temperatures and draw the air stream through the combustion chamber, then push it through pollution control equipment. Forced Draft or Combustion Air Fans push the air stream into the boiler combustion chamber.

Multi-Fuel Burning Power Boilers

Multi-Fuel Burning Power Boilers are used to create steam for an assortment of different power needs. Induced Draft Fans are typically AMCA arrangement 3, single or double inlet with inlet box(es). Wheels often require abrasion resistant construction with radial tip or backwardly curved blades. Combustion Air Fans are typically constructed of carbon steel, and utilize an air-foil or backwardly curved blade design. Common AMCA arrangements for combustion air fans are arrangement 3 and 8, both with inlet vane or outlet damper control.

Recovery Boilers

Recovery Boilers also utilize forced and induced draft fans. Induced Draft Fans are typically direct driven AMCA arrangement 3 or 8 with an inlet box, often constructed of special materials such as 304L or 316L stainless steel. High Pressure Radial Blade (HPRB) fans are frequently used due to their "self cleaning" characteristic. Accessories can include labyrinth or lip type shaft seals, cleaning ports for water nozzles and tough dampers. Forced Draft Fans are typically constructed of carbon steel, utilize AMCA arrangements 3 or 8, and are commonly manufactured with an air-foil or backwardly inclined wheel design. Inlet vanes are regularly used for flow control.

Exhaust Fans

Exhaust Fans are typically used on the suction side of a scrubber or fabric filter, and pull the air/gas stream through the piping and cleaning device.

Lime Kilns

Lime Kilns may be used to recover lime used in manufacturing paper. The fans used in this process often require high pressures and handle corrosive gas streams. Straight radial or radial tipped blade designs, 304L or 316L stainless steel construction and special shaft seal considerations are often employed.

Dissolving Tanks

Dissolving Tanks are used in conjunction with Recovery Boilers to recapture process chemicals. Exhaust Fans draw hydrogen sulfide or sulfuric acid fumes through a wet scrubber. This corrosive atmosphere can require either FRP, stainless or alloy construction. Exhaust fans can be in either belt or direct drive arrangements.

Dryers

Many dryers are used in the paper manufacturing process. These drying applications utilize fans extensively. Most of these applications are not extremely demanding on the fan equipment—except the Yankee Dryer.

Yankee Dryers

Yankee Dryers are used for the manufacture of tissue, and require a rugged fan design to handle high temperature (up to 800° F) and pressure requirements. Space limitations can be a concern as well. Arrangement 8 direct driven fans allow for access and maintenance of fan components. Features often include labyrinth or lip type shaft seals, insulated housings or thermal blankets, raised access doors, shaft cooling wheel and safety guards.

Tough applications mean tough fans by Illinois Blower. Stringent design criteria, proper material selection, an excellent manufacturing team, and non-compromising quality: these are factors which place Illinois Blower well above the competition.