There Are Two Classes

Of Mechanical Draft:
Forced Draft Versus
Induced Draft: The Push
& Pull of Industrial Fans
Comparing Forced Draft Versus Induced
Draft
When comparing forced draft versus induced draft industrial fans, the primary difference is
boiled down to push versus pull.

Forced-draft fans focus the pressure and volume at the outlet of

the fan to push air through a system, creating positive air
pressure.
Industrial induced draft fans operate by focusing the pressure and
volume at the inlet of the fan to pull air through a system.

It’s not always either-or. Forced draft and induced draft fans often work
in concert to maintain efficient and steady air pressure and control the
flow using VFDs, dampers, & other accessories.

1
Application Considerations for Forced
Draft Versus Industrial Draft Fans
Your application will determine the ultimate performance of your
industrial fan whether its job is to push or pull the air through the system.

The Push: Forced draft fans accommodate higher process inlet

temperatures, often working to push ambient air through burners to
preheat air for boiler system efficiency. They can require less structural
support and may offer a longer mechanical life than many induced draft
fans because the cleaner ambient air is not as hard on the fan as the air
often pulled through using induced draft.

The Pull: Induced draft fans often operate in harsh conditions handling

process air that may include high temperatures, acidic airstreams, and
other extreme exhaust gases. They can operate at higher efficiencies
relative to forced draft fans, but the extreme conditions can require
special attention to imbalance, excessive vibration, temperature,
maintenance, and operating costs.

Industrial Fan Designs Support Push or Pull

While materials and accessories may differ, the same basic fan designs
support both forced draft and induced draft fans. Those designs include:

 Backward Curved
 Backward Inclined
 High-Pressure Radial Open
 High-Pressure Radial Shrouded
 Industrial Exhauster Air Handling
 Industrial Exhauster Paddle Wheel
 Industrial Exhauster Radial Shrouded
 Radial Tipped

2
Induced draft implies an inlet fan placed on top of
the cooling tower and the creation of low pressure.
Axial fans are always used for this type of draft.
Forced draft means an exhaust fan placed at the
base of the cooling tower which then causes
overpressure. Both axial and centrifugal fans can
be used.

Which tower is most efficient forced draft or induced

draft Why?

Counterflow (induced draft) systems are

considered the most efficient of the two. Crossflow
(forced draft) towers distribute hot water
perpendicularly to the air flow, while counterflow
towers distribute hot water directly into the air
flow.

3
Advantages and disadvantages
Induced draft - Axial fan
+

 Low absorbed capacity

 Small foot print (requiring little
space)
 Higher noise level
 Humid air stream drive

Forced draft - Axial fan

+

 Easy Low absorbed capacity

 maintenance
 Dry air stream drive
 Higher noise level

Forced draft - Centrifugal fan

+

 Low noise level

 Easy maintenance