The Fume Fan Specification Process
To ensure you have an accurate and comprehensive corrosion resistant fan specification in your fume extraction project documents we advise that you include the following data to allow additional stakeholders to source and find the right product for the project:
- Product Name & ModelFume Fan Specification
Clearly identify the manufacturer, specific model and product name of the fan you are suggesting.
- Technical Fan Performance Data
Provide performance data such as airflow capacity, static pressure capabilities, voltages, motor power rating and any other performance parameters. This will help stakeholders to understand the fans capabilities and suitability for the intended application. Importantly, add noise levels in decibels to allow for acoustic considerations.
- CAD Files & Physical Dimensions
Make technical documents, CAD drawings or performance curves available. This will allow stakeholders to accurately understand the fan specifications and requirements. Specify the dimensions of the fan, including height, width, and depth. This allows you, and others, to determine the space requirements to ensure proper installation within the designated are.
- Mounting & Installation Requirements
Clearly state the materials used in the construction of the fan, especially if ATEX rated or corrosion resistant.
- Material & Construction Information
Clearly state the materials used in the construction of the fan, especially if ATEX rated or corrosion resistant.
- Certifications
Note the relevant certification including ATEX, UL, CE, AMCA as well as compliance with specific industry regulations.
- Warranty & After Sales Information
Advise any warranty period offered for the fan, or any after sales service. This provides confidence to all stakeholders regarding the chosen products quality and long-term reliability.
- Mounting & Installation Requirements
Describe the specific handings, orientations, mounting and installation requirements of the fan e.g. roof, LG90.
Should you Over Specify Fume Fans?
When it comes to fan selection, we often find that consultants and specifiers, over specify the suggested fume extraction fan. This includes over protecting on ATEX, choosing stainless steel or high temperature resistance for example. While this can be advantageous, it will inevitably increase the costs of the project. This can out price suppliers and contractors, so we do advise that you make an accurate fan selection from to start with to ensure the successful completion and sign off of your project. We do understand the reasons for over specifying however, some of these include the below:
Safety and Compliance: Some specifiers edge on the side of caution by choosing larger, more powerful fans to ensure that the fume extraction system can handle worst-case scenarios. Over-specifying ensures future compliance with safety regulations and prevents potential issues in case of unexpected increases in fume generation.
Unknown Future Needs: Specifiers might anticipate future changes in the workspace or production processes that could result in higher fume volumes. To accommodate potential growth or changes, they may choose to over-specify the fan to handle higher demands down the line.
Assurance of Performance: Over-specifying can provide a sense of confidence that the system will perform effectively under all conditions. It reduces the risk of fan underperformance or system inefficiencies, especially if exact fume volume or properties are uncertain. Working with a specialist fume fan supplier who understands extraction system requirements will ensure the right fan is chosen to meet your duty however, reducing costs, lowering energy consumption and improving system performance.
Simplification of Selection Process: In some cases, specifiers may find it easier to choose a larger, widely available fan model rather than investing time in detailed calculations. Our team will do the arduous work here and choose a fan that meets your required duty and operating points.
Lack of Information: If comprehensive data on the fume characteristics and volume is not available, specifiers may choose a conservative approach and opt for a higher-capacity fan.
Client Requirements: Clients or project stakeholders might have a perception that bigger fans are better, leading specifiers to over-specify to meet client expectations or specifications. Talk to your fume fan supplier if you're unsure, This reduces costs, time and improves your technical awareness of product solutions for the future. While over-specifying fans may provide some benefits, it can also lead to unnecessary expenses, increased energy consumption, and potentially oversized systems that don't operate efficiently. Specifiers should carefully assess the specific requirements of each fume extraction application and aim to strike the right balance between safety, performance, and cost-effectiveness. Conducting proper assessments, gathering accurate data, and consulting with experts can help optimise fan selection and ensure a well-designed fume extraction system that meets the actual needs of the workspace.
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