Positive Pressure Ventilation Fans

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Positive Pressure Ventilation Fans


Ventilation is an important aspect of any type of indoor spaces. Commercial buildings, homes, industrial spaces, etc. all require some form of mechanical ventilation or the other. Mechanical ventilation refers to the circulation of air that is provided by fans and other devices. These devices are used when natural ventilation, that is air flow through windows, is not sufficient to purify the air.

Types of Ventilation Fans

Ventilation fans can be of several types depending on a number of factors. Based on size, functioning, design, etc. ventilation fans are classified. Depending on the type of pressure systems maintained by the ventilation fan, fans could be classified as:
  • Negative Pressure Ventilation Fans
  • Positive Pressure Ventilation Fans

What are Positive Pressure Ventilation Fans?

A positive pressure ventilation fan or blower is a high volume fan that is used for the pressurization of a burning structure. When there is a fire in a building or any other architectural structure, such a ventilation fan is used to blow away the smoke and force it out. In order to be suitable for use during such emergencies, positive pressure ventilation fans are portable and powered by gasoline. The engine installed in this type of fan is approximately of 5.5 horsepower. This makes it easy to be carried to the place of the accident or mishap. If proper ventilation is not provided at the site of fire, the smoke in the air could be very hazardous and fatal, apart from the fire itself. Hence it is vital for positive pressure ventilation fans to be used in these scenarios.

How do Positive Pressure Ventilation Fans Work?

The principle behind the functioning of positive pressure ventilation fans is that of even distribution of pressure. When the pressure inside a building or structure is sufficiently pressurized, the air or smoke inside can be forced outside through an opening. This is comparable to the manner in which air escapes from an inflated balloon.

Negative pressure ventilators work in a different manner entirely. These are electric ejectors of smoke, but the effectiveness has been proven inferior to that of positive pressure ventilation systems.

Positive Pressure Ventilation Fans Advantages

The advantages of using positive pressure over negative pressure ventilation systems are many. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
  • The setup and installation involved in positive pressure ventilation fans is minimum. Not many personnel are required to complete this job. These portable fans are easy to carry around and use. However, the opposite is true with negative pressure fans.

  • Electric fans require cords and adapters to be used, whereas positive pressure fans have a source of power (gasoline) that is self-contained.

  • Positive pressure ventilation fans are able to remove smoke and contaminated air from all the different levels of the building. This is not possible with negative pressure systems.

  • The results provided with the use of positive pressure fans are quicker.
The guidelines of use must be followed properly for the effective functioning of positive pressure fans. The placement of the fan, size and location of the discharge, volume of air flow, etc. are all important. It is best to follow the recommended guidelines.

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