Experiment No.

: 10
Date:
PERFORMANCE TEST ON THE AIR BLOWER

AIM:

To conduct the performance test on the centrifugal air blower and to determine its overall
efficiency. Also, draw the following characteristic curves.

1. Head of air Ha Vs Discharge (Q)

2. Input power P Vs Q
3. Overall efficiency Vs Q

SPECIFICATIONS:

Induction motor power: 5.5 kW

Motor speed: 2880 rpm

DESCRIPTION:

A centrifugal air blower consists of an impeller equipped with vanes mounted on a rotating shaft
and enclosed by a casing. Fluid enters parallel to the axis of the shaft and comes out at 90 to the
shaft axis and has both kinetic and potential energy imparted by the vanes. The fluid leaves the
blower at a relatively high velocity. It is collected in the volute diffuser, which converts kinetic
energy into pressure energy. This is accompanied by a decrease in velocity. After the
compression has been done, the fluid is discharged. As a result of their high speeds, the
centrifugal air blower can handle large volumes at low heads. The fluid is delivered in a steady
stream. So no receiver is required.

PROCEDURE:

1. Note down the total number of revolutions of the delivery valve under the full opening.
2. Start the blower.
3. Note down the following readings in steps of revolutions of the delivery valve.
a) Water manometer reading
b) Mercury manometer reading
c) Speed of the Blower
d) Dynamometer load
PRECAUTIONS:

1. The outlet valve must be tightly closed before starting the blower.
2. The manometer readings should be noted carefully.

APPLICATIONS:
1. It supplies a large quantity of air at a lower pressure ratio.
2. These are used in boilers to supply air to the furnaces.

FORMULAE:
1. Density of the air, a= Pa / RTa (kg/m3)
2
Pa = Atmospheric pressure (=101325 N/m )
R = Characteristic gas constant (for air R = 287 J / kg K)
Ta = Ambient temperature, K

2. Airhead causing for airflow, (m)

H Hg Hg
H' (m)
a

Where HHg = Head of mercury (m)

3. )1/2 (m3/s)
Where, K= Constant = 0.021

HW
4. Head of air, H a w
(m )
a

Where Hw= Head of the water, m

5. Input power = (WN / 2000) x 0.736 kW

Where W= Balance reading in kg
N= Speed of the motor in RPM
6. Output power

H a aQ 9 . 81
Po u t ( kW )
1000
7. Overall efficiency = o(in %) = Output power / Input power
MODEL CALCULATION:

GRAPHS:

1. Input power Vs Discharge (Q)

2. Head of air Vs Discharge (Q)
3. Overall efficiency Vs Discharge (Q)
RESULTS:

Observation and Analysis:

1. What is the difference between fan and blower?

2. What is the effect of discharge rate on input power and the head of air for blower?