lookin for a very small explosion proof fan

[stevenw]

We have a project with a room that stores 6 55 gallon drums of brake fluid. We are required to ventilate the room with and explosion proof fan. Due the the structure above the room i need the fan to have the smallest physical size i can find, 18" high or less. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[imok2]

Try here:

http://www.thomasregisterdirectory.com/fans/centrifugal_fans_0021289_1.html

 

[Accystan]

StevenW:

I don’t think you’ll find such an animal as an explosion proof fan. It doesn’t exist. Electric motors can be explosion proof but not a fan. The best you get is some degree of spark resistance; level A, B or level C. This means that the fan is built from materials which when rubbed or scraped together won’t produce a spark. Generally such a fan would have the impeller fabricated from aluminum or some other non-ferrous material such that if it was thrown whilst in service a spark would not be created. Plastic fans initially appear to be spark resistant but they’re not because a plastic wheel spinning within a plastic housing can build up static electricity and hence sparks. Special coatings are available.

Poke around the AMCA website at:

http://www.amca.org/

You'll have to decide which level of spark resistance you need, A, B or C and then find if such a fan is available for the cfm you require and to fit whithin your space restraints.

Cheers.

 

[lilliput1]

Consider locating the fan on the roof, outside of the room (so it does not have to be explosionproof)and selecting a utility type fan with TEFC motor and sparkproof construction. Provide stack & nozzle at discharge of the fan to discharge at around 3000 FPM away from intakes.

 

[Accystan]

I would have thought that the fan would still need to be spark resistant even though it was physically located without the room. It's the (potentially) fume laden air which passes through the fan that creates the spark resistant requirement. If the fan is on the roof and the motor is not in the airstream, I think you'll be OK with TEFC and a weatherproof cover. Check your codes.

What cfm and s.p. do you need anyway?

 

[Accystan]

Lilliput:

Sorry. I misread your post; looks like I've pretty much repeated what you said.

Cheers.