AMCA

Publication 802-02
(R2008)

Industrial Process/Power Generation

Fans: Establishing Performance
Using Laboratory Models

AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL

ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL, INC.

The International Authority on Air System Components

 AMCA PUBLICATION 802-02 (R2008)

Industrial Process / Power Generation Fans:

Establishing Performance Using Laboratory Models

Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc.

30 West University Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893
 © 2008 by Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation of any part of this work beyond that permitted by Sections 107 and
108 of the United States Copyright Act without the permission of the copyright owner is unlawful. Requests for
permission or further information should be addressed to the Executive Director, Air Movement and Control
Association International, Inc. at 30 West University Drive, Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A.
Authority

This edition of AMCA Publication 802-02 was adopted by the membership of the Air Movement and Control
Association International on October 19, 2001. It was reaffirmed on May 4, 2008.

Foreword

AMCA (Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc.) is a trade association representing manufacturers
of fans used in industrial, power generation, and commercial applications; other air control devices such as louvers,
dampers, and shutters; and airflow measurement stations.

This publication was written by engineers of member companies of AMCA International. AMCA member companies
constitute the majority of fan manufacturers supplying the industrial process and electric power generation industry
throughout the world.

AMCA 802 Review Committee

Maxson S. Clarke, Chair Greenheck Fan Corporation

Steve Pence Loren Cook Company

James T. Greenzweig ABB Fan Group North America

John Hughey Clarage, A Twin City Fan Company

Mike Lowe Phelps Fan, Incorporated

George Johnston TLT-Babcock, Incorporated

Paul R. Saxon AMCA International

Disclaimer

AMCA uses its best efforts to produce standards and publications for the benefit of the industry and the public in
light of available information and accepted industry practices. However, AMCA does not guarantee, certify or
assure the safety or performance of any products, components or systems tested, designed, installed or operated
in accordance with AMCA standards and publications or that any tests conducted under its standards will be non-
hazardous or free from risk.

Objections to AMCA Standards and Certifications Programs

Air Movement and Control Association International, Inc. will consider and decide all written complaints regarding
its standards, certification programs, or interpretations thereof. For information on procedures for submitting and
handling complaints, write to:

Air Movement and Control Association International

30 West University Drive
Arlington Heights, IL 60004-1893 U.S.A.
or

AMCA International, Incorporated

c/o Federation of Environmental Trade Associations
2 Waltham Court, Milley Lane, Hare Hatch
Reading, Berkshire

RG10 9TH United Kingdom

RELATED AMCA STANDARDS

For Aerodynamic Performance:

ANSI/AMCA Standard 210 Laboratory Method of Testing Fans for Aerodynamic Performance Rating

AMCA Standard 803 Industrial Process/Power Generation Fans: Site Performance Test Standard

For Sound:

AMCA Standard 300 Reverberant Room Method for Sound Testing of Fans

AMCA Standard 301 Methods for Calculating Fan Sound Ratings from Laboratory Test Data

AMCA Standard 320 Laboratory Methods of Sound Testing of Fans Using Sound Intensity

RELATED AMCA PUBLICATIONS

For Balance and Vibration:

ANSI/AMCA Standard 204 Balance Quality and Vibration Levels for Fans

Industrial Process / Power Generation Series:

AMCA Publication 801 Industrial Process/Power Generation Fans: Specification Guidelines

AMCA Publication 802 Industrial Process/Power Generation Fans: Establishing Performance Using
Laboratory Models

AMCA Standard 803 Industrial Process/Power Generation Fans: Site Performance Test Standard

Fan Application Manual:

AMCA Publication 200 Air Systems

AMCA Publication 201 Fans and Systems

AMCA Publication 202 Troubleshooting

AMCA Publication 203 Field Performance Measurement of Fan Systems

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Purpose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

2. Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

3. Definitions and Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

3.1 Rating criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

3.2 Gas properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

3.3 Aerodynamic definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

3.4 Geometric definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

3.5 Symbols and subscripted symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

4. Fan Performance Data Base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

4.1 Establishing fan data base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

4.2 Rating tolerances and test uncertainties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

5. The Fan Performance Rating Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

5.1 Information necessary to properly calculate fan performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

5.2 Fan evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

6. Laboratory Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

6.1 Test setup requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

6.2 Test methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

6.3 Test point determination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

6.4 Instruments and methods of measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

7. Fan Similarity Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

7.1 Minimum model size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

7.2 Geometric similarity and tolerances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

7.3 Flow similarity and tolerances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

8. Performance Conversion Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18

9. Prediction and Verification of the Specified Operating Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

9.1 Prediction of the specified operating point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

 9.2 Verification of the specified operating point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

9.3 Conversion and presentation of test data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

9.4 Numerical examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

9.5 Numerical examples of the application of test uncertainties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Annex A. Specific Heat Ratio Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

Annex B. Compressibility Coefficient (Kp) Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Annex C. Calculation of Absolute Viscosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Annex D. Diffuser / Evasé Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50

Annex E. Test Uncertainty Calculations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52

AMCA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
Industrial Process / Power
Generation Fans:
Establishing Performance
Using Laboratory Models
1. Purpose
The purpose of this publication is to outline present
methods used by fan manufacturers in determining
the performance of full size industrial process and
power generation fans used in the world. These
methods include:
a) Predicting full size fan ratings using base
performance data already obtained from a
standard model.
b) Building and testing a model of a proposed fan or
already existing full size fan to verify the
performance of the full size fan.
This publication provides a detailed insight into the
variables that influence a fan rating and establishes
the rules to be used and their limitations in converting
performance from one geometrically similar fan to
another. It also defines dimensional tolerances that
must exist for two fans to be considered
geometrically similar. It does not cover the detailed
procedures used by a manufacturer in selecting a
particular fan or modifying a standard fan to achieve
a specific rating. The information is, of course,
confidential to each manufacturer and is based upon
many years of experience and individual company
research.
This publication, together with other documents
contained in AMCA’s 800 series, forms the basis for
fan-related concepts and practices.
2. Scope
This publication applies to centrifugal and axial fans.
State-of-the-art criteria is provided for establishing
geometric and dynamic similarity between the model
and the full size fan, including appurtenances and
drives.
This document does not deal with structural details,
mechanical properties, or components if they do not
affect fan performance.
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)
3. Definitions and Symbols
The following list covers definitions and symbols
used in the testing and rating of fans. These are
standard definitions as adopted by the fan industry.
Certain definitions are similar to those used in
general engineering practice and have been adapted
for specific use in this publication.
3.1 Rating criteria
3.1.1 Fan. A device which utilizes a power driven
rotating impeller for moving air or gas. A fan may
have various appurtenances, provided by the fan
manufacturer as part of the fan equipment, which are
accessories that affect performance. It is necessary
to establish what accessories are to be considered as
part of the fan.
In many instances, a customer lists the system
requirements and requests that the fan manufacturer
supply additional accessories such as silencers or
dampers. The pressure losses for accessories must
be accounted for if the system is to operate properly.
If the fan manufacturer supplies these items and they
are directly connected to the fan, then appropriate
accessory losses are added to the system
requirements and a fan is selected for the sum of the
overall pressure losses.
3.1.2 Fan inlet. The plane perpendicular to the
airstream where it first meets the inlet cone or the
inlet box furnished by the fan manufacturer. In this
publication, the fan inlet is indicated by “Plane 1” (see
Figure 1).
3.1.3 Fan outlet. The plane perpendicular to the
airstream at the outlet opening of the fan or the outlet
opening of the evasé or diffuser. In this publication,
the fan outlet is indicated by “Plane 2” (see Figure 1).
3.1.4 Fan airflow rate. The volumetric airflow rate at
fan air density at the fan inlet.
3.1.5 Total pressure. The air pressure that exists by
virtue of the degree of compression and the rate of
motion. It is the algebraic sum of the velocity
pressure and the static pressure at a point.
3.1.6 Velocity pressure. The portion of the air
pressure that exists by virtue of the rate of motion
only. It is always positive.
3.1.7 Static pressure. The portion of the air pressure
1
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

INLET
DUCT

TRANSITION
L1

PLANE 1
OUTLET
INLET
DUCT
BOX DIFFUSER TRANSITION

AXIAL FAN L2
PLANE 2

INLET
DUCT

L1 TRANSITION

PLANE 1
OUTLET
DUCT
TRANSITION

L2
PLANE 2

CENTRIFUGAL
FAN

The fan inlet and outlet locations are Plane 1 and Plane 2, respectively. The customer or consulting engineer does
not know the fan inlet or outlet areas, and is, therefore, unable to accurately calculate the final static or total
pressure corresponding to these planes. However, in most instances, the customer will know the velocity range or
area associated with the ductwork. For this reason, information supplied to the fan manufacturer should be the duct
system values. The fan manufacturer can calculate the required pressure at Plane 1 and 2 using the appropriate
fan areas and the estimated length of the transition piece between the fan and the ductwork. (See AMCA
Publication 801, Section 14).

Figure 1 - Fan Inlet and Outlet Planes

2
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

that exists by virtue of the degree of compression 3.1.8.4 Illustration of fan relationships. Pressure
only. It may be positive or negative relative to the relationships are illustrated in Figure 2 for a fan with
ambient static pressure. both inlet and outlet ducts. It should be noted that
there is a distinct difference between an entrance
3.1.8 Fan pressure relationships and loss and the acceleration energy when using static
interpretations. When applying the previous pressure nomenclature.
definitions to fan performance, there are distinct
relationships that exist between each variable. This Total pressure nomenclature should be used when
section describes these relationships. discussing fan performance; however, from past
practice, static pressure terminology is still used. It is
3.1.8.1 Fan total pressure (Pt). The difference most important to recognize the interdependence
between the total pressure at the fan outlet and the between total and static pressure in a typical system.
total pressure at the fan inlet.
3.1.9 Motor power. The power delivered from the
Pt = Pt2 - Pt1 output shaft of the motor.

3.1.8.2 Fan velocity pressure (Pv). The pressure 3.1.10 Bearing losses. The power losses resulting
corresponding to the average velocity at the specified from friction in the main bearings.
fan outlet area.
3.1.11 Fan shaft power. The power delivered to the
Pv = Pv2 input end of the fan shaft and does not include any
drive losses other than the fan bearings.
3.1.8.3 Fan static pressure (Ps). The difference
3.1.12 Fan impeller power. The power delivered to
between the fan total pressure and the fan velocity
the fan impeller, specifically, the fan shaft power
pressure. Therefore, the fan static pressure is the
minus the bearing losses.
difference between the static pressure at the fan
outlet and the total pressure at the fan inlet.
3.1.13 Fan power output. The useful power
delivered to the air being handled. This output is
Ps = Pt - Pv
proportional to the product of the fan airflow rate, the
and Pt = Pt2 - Pt1
fan total pressure, and the compressibility coefficient
and Pv = Pv2 (Kp).
then Ps = (Pt2 - Pt1) - Pv2
Ps = Pt2 - Pv2 - Pt1 3.1.14 Similarity. Two fans that are similar and have
and Ps2 = Pt2 - Pv2 similar airflow conditions will have similar
so Ps = Ps2 - Pt1 performance characteristics. The degree of similarity

INLET DUCT FAN OUTLET DUCT

CUSTOMER FAN MFR CUSTOMER

FAN OUTLET
FAN INLET

+
+
Pv Pt2

Ps2 Pv2
Pt

AMBIENT
0 0
Ps

ATMOSPHERIC
1. PRESSURE
Pt1
Pv1
2.
_ Ps1 _

1. ENTRANCE LOSS
2. ACCELERATION ENERGY

Figure 2 - Interpretation of Fan Pressures for Rating Purposes

3
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)
of the performance characteristics depends on the
degree of similarity of the fans and the airflow
through the fans.
3.1.15 Geometric similarity. Complete geometric
similarity requires that the ratios of all corresponding
dimensions for the two fans be equal. This includes
ratios of thickness, clearances and roughness, as
well as all the other linear dimensions of the airflow
passages. All corresponding angles must be equal.
3.1.16 Kinematic similarity. Complete kinematic
similarity requires that the ratios of all corresponding
velocities for the two fans be equal. This includes
corresponding velocities of the air and corresponding
peripheral velocities of the impeller. The directions
and points of application of all corresponding vectors
must be the same.
3.1.17 Dynamic similarity. Complete dynamic
similarity requires that the ratios of all corresponding
forces in the two fans be equal. This includes ratios
of forces due to elasticity, viscosity, gravity, surface
tension and inertia, as well as the pressure force. The
directions and points of application of all
corresponding vectors must be the same.
3.1.18 Point of rating. The specified fan operating
point on its characteristic curve.
3.2 Gas properties
3.2.1 Static temperature. The temperature which
exists by virtue of the internal energy of the air only.
3.2.2 Total (stagnation) temperature. The
temperature which exists by virtue of the internal and
the kinetic energy of the air. If the air is at rest, the
total (stagnation) temperature will equal the static
temperature.
3.2.3 Absolute pressure. The value of a pressure
when the reference pressure is absolute zero.
3.2.4 Barometric pressure. The absolute pressure
exerted by the atmosphere.
3.2.5 Gauge pressure. The value of a pressure
when the reference pressure is the barometric
pressure at the point of measurement. It may be
negative or positive.
3.2.6 Air. A mixture of various gases commonly used
to denote any gaseous medium measured, moved, or
controlled, which may include solid or liquid
particulates.
3.2.7 Air density. The mass per unit volume of the air.
4
3.2.8 Fan air density. The density of the air
corresponding to the total pressure and the total
(stagnation) temperature at the fan inlet.
3.2.9 Standard air. Air with a density of 1.2 kg/m3
(0.075 lbm/ft3), a ratio of specific heats of 1.4, a
viscosity of 1.819 × 10-5 Pa•s (1.222 × 10-5 lbm/ft•s).
Air at 20°C (68°F), 50% relative humidity, and
101.325 kPa (29.92 in. Hg) has these properties,
approximately.
3.2.10 Airflow rate. The volumetric airflow rate at a
specific air density.
3.2.11 Fluid viscosity. The characteristic of all fluids
to resist flow.
3.2.12 Absolute viscosity. The proportionality factor
relating to shearing stress (force per unit area) and
rate of shear (incremental velocity per incremental
distance).
3.2.13 Kinematic viscosity. The absolute viscosity
divided by mass density.
3.2.14 Compressibility. The characteristic of a gas
to change density as a function of pressure.
3.2.15 Compressibility coefficient. A
thermodynamic factor used to determine the fan total
efficiency from fan airflow rate, fan total pressure,
and fan power input. It is the ratio of the mean airflow
rate through the fan to the airflow rate at the fan air
density. It is also the ratio of the fan total pressure
that would be developed with an incompressible fluid
to the fan total pressure that is developed with a
compressible fluid.
3.2.16 Specific heat at constant pressure. The
quantity of heat required to increase the temperature
of a unit mass of substance one degree at constant
pressure.
3.2.17 Specific heat at constant volume. The
quantity of heat required to increase the temperature
of a unit mass one degree at constant volume.
3.2.18 Specific heat ratio. The numerical ratio of the
specific heat of a gas at constant pressure to that of
the same gas at constant volume.
3.3 Aerodynamic definitions
3.3.1 Reynolds Number. A dimensionless number
representing the ratio of inertial forces to viscous
forces at a particular point of a fluid in motion. Its
value is calculated as the flow velocity at the point of
interest multiplied by a characteristic linear dimension
and divided by the fluid’s kinematic viscosity.
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

Table 1 - Symbols and Subscripted Symbols

Symbols Description SI I-P

Cp Specific heat at constant pressure J/kgK BTU/lbm°F

Cv Specific heat at constant volume J/kgK BTU/lbm°F
D Diameter mm inches
H Fan power W, kW hp
Kp Compressibility coefficient Dimensionless
M Mach number Dimensionless
N Rotational speed rpm rpm
Ps Fan static pressure Pa in. wg
Psx Static pressure at plane X Pa in. wg
Pt Fan total pressure Pa in. wg
Ptx Total pressure at plane X Pa in. wg
Pv Fan velocity pressure Pa in. wg
Pvx Velocity pressure at plane X Pa in. wg
Q Fan airflow rate 3
m /s ft3/min
Re Reynolds Number Dimensionless
td Dry bulb temperature °C °F
tw Wet bulb temperature °C °F
tt Stagnation (total) temperature °C °F
γ Specific heat ratio Dimensionless
ΔP Pressure differential Pa in. wg
μ Gas viscosity Pa•s lbm/ft•s
ρ Fan air density kg/m3 lbm/ft3

3.3.2 Fan Reynolds Number. A criterion for judging
airflow properties in a fan. Fluid velocity is defined in
this case to be the peripheral velocity at the tip
diameter of the fan (tip speed). The tip diameter is
also used as the linear dimension. Fan Reynolds
Number is discussed further in Section 7.3.
3.3.3 Mach Number. A dimensionless number
representing the ratio of the fluid velocity to the speed
of sound.
3.3.4 Tip speed mach parameter. A dimensionless
number expressing the ratio of the fan peripheral
velocity (tip speed) to the local velocity of sound at
the fan inlet. The tip speed mach parameter is
discussed further in Section 7.3.
3.4 Geometric definitions
3.4.1 Tip speed. The peripheral velocity at the
impeller blade tips.
3.4.2 Absolute roughness. The distance between
the high and low points of a surface.
3.4.3 Relative roughness. The absolute roughness
of a surface divided by a dimension (i.e., length,
diameter, etc.)
3.5 Symbols and subscripted symbols
See Table 1
4. Fan Performance Data Base
The consulting engineer, system designer, or ultimate
customer provides fan specifications to the
manufacturer so that the manufacturer may prepare
a fan proposal. In general, though, fan specifications
do no sufficiently detail fan performance
requirements.
The fan manufacturer is prepared to guarantee that a
fan will attain specified ratings. Using the fan with
elbows, ducts and/or other items different from those
used in the rating configuration, such as items that
cause non-uniform velocity profiles or “swirl,” can
degrade fan performance. To avoid unexpected
performance degradation, the purchaser and the fan
manufacturer must both participate if optimum fan
performance is to be established. The purchaser
must recognize the general sequence of events used
by most fan manufacturers in establishing the
performance data base for fans.

5
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)
4.1 Establishing fan data base
The procedure for establishing a fan data base is as
follows:
a) Using available techniques, establish an
aerodynamic model based upon desired
performance goals.
b) Build and test a model fan of the proposed design,
with modifications as necessary to achieve
performance goals.
c) When the model fan meets performance goals,
conduct additional performance tests using other
fan configurations and appurtenances.
d) The collected performance data becomes the
data base for sizing full size fans.
4.2 Rating tolerances and test uncertainties
Verification of the fan rating may be conducted in the
laboratory using a model or in the field using the full
size fan. The accuracy with which such tests are
conducted is dependent upon various conditions, as
follows:
a) Under controlled laboratory conditions the test
uncertainties contained in ANSI/AMCA 210, Appendix
E, can be met whether testing a model or full size fan.
Based upon a 95% confidence level, the
characteristic curve test uncertainty approaches 1%
at the best efficiency point and approaches 2% at
free delivery. If the power is measured within ±1%,
the fan efficiency uncertainty is about 2% near the
best efficiency point.
b) Under special field test conditions with proper
ductwork configuration, measurement locations, and
calibrated instrumentation (including calibration of
the driver), the field test accuracy can only approach
that obtained under laboratory conditions. AMCA
Standard 803 provides test requirements, procedures
and the calibrations necessary to accurately
determine fan performance under these special site
conditions.
c) Field test conditions which do not approach
laboratory conditions will have test uncertainties
larger than those obtained in a laboratory. AMCA
Publication 203 is a guide to the measurement of fan
system performance in the field. Under the conditions
outlined in AMCA Publication 203, and with a 95%
confidence level, minimum test uncertainties are
approximately 2% on airflow rate, 2% on pressure,
and 3% on power, which corresponds to an efficiency
uncertainty of 4%.
6
When test uncertainties are expected to be larger
than the minimum field test uncertainties listed
above, a model fan test in accordance with AMCA
Publication 802 should be considered if verification of
a fan rating is necessary.
Test tolerances are variances in measured
parameters in a test that are mutually agreed upon by
all parties involved in a test. Test tolerances are
applied to the measured results of a test and are
different than allowances for uncertainties referred to
in the remainder of this document.
Unless otherwise agreed to by the fan manufacturer
and the customer, minimum test tolerances and test
uncertainties apply only to the specific rating points
and not to other points on the fan characteristic curve
that do not form part of the rating. There may be other
rating points specified, commonly called part-load
points. Tolerances associated with part-load
operation must be agreed upon by all parties.
5. The Fan Performance Rating Process
Determining the performance of the fans requires
knowledge, experience, and judgment. Fans often
consume large amounts of power. Considering
energy costs, it is imperative that fans for each
application be properly sized and rated. This section
is intended to present a detailed insight into the fan
performance rating process. It correlates the general
areas of responsibility between the architect,
engineer, user, and fan manufacturer to ensure that
fan equipment is properly selected, rated and
evaluated. A logic flow diagram in Figure 3 provides
an excellent checklist of all performance related
variables for those who write fan specifications.
5.1 Information necessary to properly
calculate fan performance
Basic information about the system and its
components, operational load cycles, and elements
of fan construction must be given to the fan
manufacturer by the consultants and/or the user.
AMCA Publication 801 contains a detailed checklist
of all necessary information. AMCA Publication 802
covers only the performance-related variables
necessary to properly determine a fan rating.
A fan rating must consist of five variables:
1) Air density
2) Capacity or airflow rate
3) Fan total or fan static pressure
4) Rotational speed
5) Power
 ARCHITECT ENGINEER/UTILITY
STATION SIZE BOUNDARY INTERFACE

TURBINE SIZE

BOILER SIZE

MASS NO. OF GAS GAS SITE DUCT INLET DUCT OUTLET DUCT LAYOUT DUCT ACCESSORIES CONTROL DRIVER
FLOW RATE FANS TEMP. COMPOSITION ELEVATION Pt1 OR Ps1 Pt2 OR Ps2 AREA/VELOCITY

DESIRED MASS FLOW RATE FAN

FAN SPEED PER FAN SYSTEM ∆Pt OR ∆Ps
INLET GAS DENSITY
SYSTEM EFFECTS
ALTERNATE INLET OR OUTLET
FAN SPEED PRELIMINARY SILENCERS
FAN DESIGN FAN SELECTION
GOALS COMPRESSIBILITY INLET BOXES &
RAIN HOODS
BUILD A LOSS/GAIN FROM
MODEL FAN INLET OR OUTLET
TRANS OR EVASÉ
SCREENS
TEST MODEL AND
MODIFY AS REQ. SHAFT AND BRG/ SPECIAL WEAR
BLOCKAGE PROTECTION
TEST WITH ACC.
AND AT VARIOUS
SPEEDS ACCESSORY PRESSURE
LOSSES

ONLY IF ACCOUNTED
FOR IN ORIG. DATA
VARIABLE SPEED
FINALIZED STD.
CONTROL
MODEL DESIGN CONTROL PRESSURE
LOSSES CONTROLLABLE
PITCH BLADES

VARIABLE INLET
FAN INLET GAS TOTAL/STATIC PRES VANES
FAN SPEED ACFM PER FAN DENSITY FOR SELECTION
OUTLET
DAMPER
STD. FAN MODIFIED
TO MEET FINAL FINAL FAN SELECTION INLET
RATING DAMPER

Figure 3 - Relationships and Responsibilities

FAN STATIC OR
FAN SPEED ACFM PER FAN FAN INLET GAS FAN AIR TOTAL PRESSURE POWER REQUIRED POWER REQUIRED
DENSITY HORSEPOWER FOR CONTROLS FOR MOTORS

BEARING POWER
LOSSES

TOTAL POWER REQUIRED TO

FAN BRAKE
OPERATE FAN
HORSEPOWER
FAN MANUFACTURERS
TOTAL FAN EVALUATION
BOUNDARY INTERFACE
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

7
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)
The detailed relationships of each variable are shown
on the logic diagram (Figure 3), and are individually
discussed below.
5.1.1 Density. Fan performance depends on the air
or gas density at the fan inlet. Air density is usually
given by the consultant or user, but may also be
calculated by the fan manufacturer, provided he is
given all of the appropriate variables. The air density
at the fan inlet depends upon:
a) Inlet air temperature (wet bulb and dry bulb)
b) Air composition
c) Fan Inlet absolute pressure, which is a
function of:
1. Site elevation / barometric pressure
2. Fan suction pressure, which causes a net
reduction in the prevailing barometric
pressure
The air density is one of the most important
considerations in rating fans. If the density is not
correct or varies with time, the fan performance will
not be as expected. The fan inlet density can be
calculated using the procedures outlined in AMCA
Publication 203 and ANSI/AMCA Standard 210 and
AMCA Standard 803.
5.1.2 Capacity of airflow rate. A given weight of air
must be moved through the system and its related
components, any pollution control equipment, and
any connecting ductwork. This weight remains nearly
constant except for leakage either into or out of the
system. At any specific location within the system, the
total required volumetric airflow rate can be
determined by dividing the mass airflow rate by the
density of the air. Then the number of fans required
to deliver the total airflow rate must be determined.
This must be determined for each fan application.
5.1.3 Pressure considerations
5.1.3.1 System pressure. In any system, the
ultimate goal is to provide a desired amount of air to
a certain location. Based upon the desired airflow
rate through the various parts of the system it is
necessary to calculate the required pressure that
must be developed by the fan to move this amount of
air.
This pressure must equal the various losses caused
by the air moving through the ductwork upstream and
downstream of the fan, as indicated in Figure 2.
Based on system loss calculations and the desired
location of the fan in the system, the consultant or
user must specify the pressure values at the plane of
both the fan inlet and fan outlet. Total pressure values
are preferred when discussing performance,
8
however, conversions between static and total
pressures can be made providing duct dimensions
(area) and velocities are known.
Figure 4 compares two fans with inlet boxes, one with
atmosphere inlet and one with ducted inlet, Case A
and Case B. The absolute inlet total pressure for both
cases is 96.3 kPa (28.45 in. Hg).
As can be seen by comparing the three calculated
quantities in each case, the fan static pressure rise is
not the same for both cases even though the fan
power (or energy addition to the air) is the same.
However, fan static pressure (Ps) and fan total
pressure (Pt) remain consistent. The key feature is
that fan static pressure and fan total pressure are
both relative to the inlet total pressure (Pt1).
The user can specify the inlet static pressure
providing the inlet area at which it is to occur is also
specified. The fan manufacturer can then determine
an inlet total pressure using the airflow rate and area
to calculate the inlet velocity pressure and adding it to
the inlet static pressure.
It is the responsibility of the consultant / user to
determine the pressure at the plane of both the fan
inlet and outlet. As stated before, if static pressure
values are given, a duct area or air velocity must also
be given at that plane.
The pressures at the duct connection do not
necessarily represent the final pressures for selecting
a fan. Losses for system effects and appurtenances
must also be considered.
5.1.3.2 System effects. The consultant / user should
calculate the duct friction and dynamic losses of the
system. To these losses must be added the system
effects due to elbows, duct connections, or other
items that may cause non-uniform velocity profiles at
the fan inlet and outlet. Such profiles may cause a
sever reduction in fan performance.
For information on system effects, see AMCA
Publication 201 and AMCA Publication 801. Using
AMCA Publication 201 as a guide, the system
designer should make appropriate allowances for
system effects. A complete set of inlet and outlet duct
configuration drawings should be made a part of any
specification. In this manner, the fan manufacturer
can visualize the duct configuration and make
recommendations that might, in some cases,
significantly reduce the magnitude of a system effect.
In cases where a model fan test is being
contemplated as part of a fan rating verification, the
magnitude of any system effect must be mutually
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

CASE A
Pt2 = 5.96 kPa (+24 in. wg)
2 Ps2 = 5.46 kPa (+22 in. wg)
ne
Plane
1 Pla Pv2 = .497 kPa (+2 in. wg)

INLET FLARE

NON-DUCTED
(ATMOSPHERIC
INLET)

Pbar = 96.4 kPa (28.45 in. Hg abs) Ps = Ps2 - Pt1 = 5.46 kPa (22 in. wg)
Pt = 0 Pt = Pt2 - Pt1 = 5.96 kPa (24 in. wg)
Ps = 0 STATIC PRESSURE RISE = Ps2 - Ps1 = 5.46 kPa (22 in. wg)
Pv = 0
CASE B
Pt2 = .994 kPa (+4 in. wg)
Ps2 = .497 kPa (+2 in. wg)
DUCTED INLET Pv2 = .497 kPa (+2 in. wg)

2
ne
Pla
Plane
1

Pbar = 101.32 kPa (29.92 in. Hg)

Pabs = 101.32 - 4.97
= 29.92 - (20 / 13.63)
= 96.4 kPa (28.45 in. Hg)
Pt1 = -4.97 kPa (-20 in. wg)
Ps1 = -5.22 kPa (-21 in. wg)
Pv1 = .248 kPa (+1 in. wg)

Ps = Ps2 - Pt1 = 5.46 kPa (22 in. wg)

Pt = Pt2 - Pt1 = 5.96 kPa (24 in. wg)
STATIC PRESSURE RISE = Ps2 - Ps1 = 5.72 kPa (23 in. wg)

Figure 4 - Effect of Ducted Inlet on Fan Static Pressure Rise

9
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)
agreeable to all parties. If it is not, then the duct
configuration, elbows, and other items must be
considered a part of the modeling process and
included in a laboratory test. It may be necessary to
test the model fan both with and without the duct
configuration in order to determine actual system
effect values.
5.1.3.3 Compressibility. Compressibility expresses
the volumetric change in a gas due to changes in
pressure, temperature, and composition.
Compressibility corrections are necessary when
predicting the performance of a high pressure fan.
For many years, the Fan Laws were based upon the
assumption that air was an incompressible fluid. The
effect of this was not significant as the majority of
fans were low pressure. But as the size of
applications increased, so did the pressure
requirements for fans, making it essential that
compressibility effects be incorporated into the Fan
Laws to ensure a more accurate prediction.
The compressibility coefficient, Kp, is used to
mathematically express the relationship between
compressible and incompressible conditions. The
ratio of Kp values existing for a model and the full size
fan is applied to airflow, pressure and power terms in
the Fan Laws. The use of the compressibility
coefficient in no way changes the fan total efficiency.
It can only reduce the size of the fan required to
perform a specified duty.
For certain industrial and power generation fans,
particularly induced draft fans, the gas being handled
may deviate substantially from standard air due to
differences in molecular weights, temperature, and
entrained particulate matter. Compressibility effects
due to differences in the specific heat of the air must
be considered.
5.1.3.4 Diffuser / evasé considerations. The
consultant / user should determine system losses
and define the area or air velocity at the end of the
duct connection to the fan. As long as the duct area
or velocity of the air in the inlet duct is specified, the
fan manufacturer can calculate the required
pressures at the fan using appropriate fan areas and
estimates of the length of the transition between the
fan and the ductwork.
An evasé represents a loss in the total pressure. An
evasé can be used to convert velocity pressure at a
small area into static pressure regain at a larger area
by slowing the air velocity. Fan manufacturers often
use an evasé to reduce the fan requirements when
ratings are based upon static pressure. This is a valid
approach; however, confusion often results when
10
comparing fans because of differences in fan and
evasé areas and differences in the estimated regain
to be obtained from any particular evasé.
The figures and procedures outlined in Annex D can
be used to determine realistic values of regains and
losses for transitions and evasés. In model testing, all
parties involved must agree on the values to be used
prior to the start of a test. If not, the evasé should be
included as part of the model fan test setup.
5.1.3.5 Shaft, bearing, and motor blockage. Very
often, centrifugal fan ratings are calculated using
information obtained from a fan in which the shaft
diameter of the model is not proportional to the shaft
in the full size fan. The fan manufacturer should
include appropriate values for shaft blockage in his
ratings. In any fan evaluation, the consultant / user
should verify that this has been done.
Shaft and motor blockage losses for axial fans are
normally included in a rating because the base model
test has included these items. The consultant / user
should still verify that these effects have been
considered.
5.1.3.6 Appurtenance and control losses. The
supplier of appurtenances and controls is responsible
for calculating the losses of these items. Items often
considered to be appurtenances or controls include:
inlet boxes, inlet or outlet dampers, variable inlet
vanes, silencers, screens, and other items such as
wear protection located in the air stream that might
cause a reduction in performance.
5.1.3.7 Final pressure determination. The final total
or static pressure loss used to determine a fan rating
is the algebraic sum of all pressure losses or regains
discussed in the previous paragraphs. Failure to
include any item may cause a significant discrepancy
between the design pressure and the pressure
actually obtained once the fan is installed in the field.
Fan ratings should be based on fan static pressure or
fan total pressure.
5.1.4 Fan rotational speed. A fan operating speed
preference may be indicated by the customer;
however, the actual fan speed should be determined
by structural design, wear, and noise considerations.
5.1.5 Fan power. The power requirement for a fan is
calculated using the fan capacity, compressibility,
pressure and efficiency. The fan bearing losses
should be considered part of the fan rating, but may
be listed separately. Care should be used in sizing
any motor so that all density changes, fan operating
points, fan rotor inertia, and driveline losses have
been considered.

5.2 Fan evaluation
Within recent years, an increased emphasis has
been placed upon the cost of energy. Because of
this, economic evaluations on fan input power
requirements have become common. The customer
should therefore ensure that all fan proposals are
based upon comparable principles, e.g., fan static or
fan total pressure versus static pressure rise,
comparable evasé or diffuser areas, and realistic
pressure losses for appurtenances.
For any particular application in which similar fan
designs are being evaluated, fan rating data
contained in proposals should be relatively consistent
among manufacturers. A fan rating that is distinctly
different from others being considered should be
reviewed by the customer and fan manufacturer for
accuracy. In an evaluation where differences in fan
power are determined to be negligible, emphasis
should be placed upon other factors such as
construction details, fan reliability, and past history of
the fan supplier.
The optimum fan is one that gives maximum fan duty
with the best investment value, taking into account
costs of operation, initial costs, maintenance, and
replacement expenditures.
6. Laboratory Test
Laboratory tests represent the most accurate method
of determining fan performance. Test results may
form the basis for obtaining information used to rate
full size fans or used to verify the performance of a
full size fan. Because tests of large fans are usually
very costly, and require large test facilities, laboratory
tests of models should be considered as an alternative.
Similarity requirements are outlined in Section 7.
This section discusses aspects that should be
considered in conducting a laboratory test of a model
fan.
6.1 Test setup requirements
To guarantee that a fan will perform as specified once
it is installed in a system, the laboratory test setup
should be as representative as possible of the actual
fan installation. This means that the test setup must
correspond physically and aerodynamically to this
requirement, irrespective of the model size.
Fortunately, for most applications, modeling of the
entire fan system is not necessary and a laboratory
test of the fan in accordance with ANSI/AMCA 210 is
sufficient. However, in those cases where the fan
system configuration is not finalized, the following is
provided for guidance:
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)
a) If no installation details are available, the fan
manufacturer and purchaser must assume that
the duct system will not affect the fan
performance. In this case, the fan inlet and outlet
connections will correspond closely to the
laboratory conditions outlined in ANSI/AMCA 210.
b) When the duct system is known, AMCA
Publication 201 provides guidance on system
effects for a number of installations. The fan
manufacturer may also be able to establish
system effects based upon prior experience. A
laboratory test may be conducted with and without
the system ductwork connections to more
accurately determine the final fan performance in
the field.
c) The test setup should include the fan and all other
items in the air stream such as screens, silencers,
dampers, etc. However, if the fan manufacturer
and the purchaser agree, the time and cost of a
test can usually be reduced by allowing
mathematical corrections for losses/gains in
transitions, evasés, or diffusers by using
information published in textbooks and this
publication. It should be verified that the physical
dimensions used to make the mathematical
corrections are representative of the actual
installation.
d) Fan orientations in many field installations do not
lend themselves to laboratory tests. This would be
particularly true of a fan having an inlet from below
grade or outlet which is not horizontal. In most
cases, an agreement should be possible which
would allow changes in the fan orientation to
facilitate testing of the model in the laboratory.
e) The test setup should meet all geometric and
dynamic similarity requirements outlined in
Section 7. As indicated, geometric similarity
between the model and full size fan is required for
only those parts in contact with the air stream.
Alternative materials of construction may be used,
provided that there is no influence upon the fan
performance, e.g., differences in surface
roughness.
f) Fan bearings and driveline component losses will
be different on the model fan than on the full size
fan. Those differences should be included in the
analysis of the fan power requirements.
6.2 Test methods
All laboratory tests should be made in accordance
with ANSI/AMCA 210 or with a test setup that gives
the same test results and accuracy. It is most
11
12
2
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

2 SILENCER

TRANSITION

1 DISCHARGE
1 INLET ELBOW
INLET
BOX DIFFUSER TRANSITION
BOX DIFFUSER

SILENCER
2 2 TRANSITION

Figure 5 - Typical Test Setups

1 1
INLET INLET
BOX BOX
EVASÉ

SETUP USING BASIC FAN SETUP USING SYSTEM COMPONENTS


important to know what parts are considered to be
part of the fan and parts of the system. If the test
setup consists of only the model fan, then only one
test is required. However, if the influence of the
system on fan performance is to be determined, then
two tests are required. One test is of the basic fan
alone and the other test is of the fan and the system
components. The difference between the results of
the two tests represents the system effect after
accounting for additional duct friction.
6.3 Test point determination
The number of determinations required to establish
the performance of a fan over the range from shutoff
to free delivery depends on the shapes of the various
characteristic curves. The opening of the throttling
device should be varied in such a way that the test
points are well spaced. For smooth characteristics, at
least eight determinations should be made.
Additional determinations may be required to define
curves that are not smooth. When performance at
only one point of operation is required, at least three
determinations should be made to define a short
curve that includes that point.
6.4 Instruments and methods of
measurement
Test equipment used in conducting the tests must
meet the accuracy and calibration requirements of
ANSI/AMCA 210. Computer data acquisition systems
may be used in obtaining data provided that each
individual component of the system as well as the
overall system operation has been calibrated using
recognized techniques. Calibrations should be
available for review by all parties.
7. Fan Similarity Requirements
The basis for converting the performance of a model
fan to that of a full size fan involves the use of the Fan
Laws. This conversion will be accurate if all geometric,
kinematic, and dynamic similarity requirements are
satisfied. Geometric similarity requires not only linear
proportionality but complete angular similarity with no
addition or omission of parts. Complete dynamic
similarity requires equal Mach numbers.
7.1 Minimum model size
The following rules have been established for
determining the full size fan performance using a
laboratory model.
Most industrial and power plant fan equipment is by
nature very large. To ensure accurate representation
of the full size fan rating, the minimum model size
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)
should be 900 mm (35 in.) in diameter, or 1/5 the full
size fan, whichever is larger. Larger models can be
selected, up to and including the actual fan size,
providing all manufacturing and operating
parameters are within the capability of the test facility.
7.2 Geometric similarity and tolerances
During the development of a fan prototype, precise
dimensional measurements of all component parts
and configurations in contact with the air stream must
be carefully recorded and correlated to the
performance measured on the laboratory test stand.
Such tests are conducted in accordance with
ANSI/AMCA 210. The data obtained forms the basis
for rating the full size fan. In determining the full size
fan rating and dimensions, the fan designer should
use established techniques referred to in Section 4.
The effect of all appurtenances such as inlet boxes,
dampers, inlet vane control, and shaft blockage
should be taken into account.
A full size fan rating may be verified by means of a
geometrically similar model. By mutual agreement
between the purchaser and the fan manufacturer, the
similarity may be extended to the upstream and/or
downstream ductwork. Configurations such as
bends, silencers, duct section changes, and other
obstructions likely to influence the fan performance
should be reproduced in a similar manner.
7.2.1 Geometric similarity of the model and the
full size fan. Complete geometric similarity requires
that the ratios of all corresponding dimensions for two
fans be equal. This includes ratio of thickness,
clearances, and roughness, as well as the other
linear dimensions of the flow passages. All
corresponding angles must be equal.
Due to the variety of processes employed in the
manufacture of the full size fan, exact geometric
similarity with the model is not practical. Components
not critical to fan performance need not be
geometrically similar on the model. Appropriate
manufacturing tolerances are applied to components
critical to fan performance.
7.2.2 Verification of geometric similarity of the
model to full size fan. The test model must be
constructed so that the dimensions of all parts in
contact with the air stream are geometrically similar
to those of the full size fan and must incorporate all
appurtenances exposed to the air stream.
Surface roughness may have an identifiable
influence upon fan performance. However, it is not
practical to apply the same geometric similarity ratio
of the model and full size fan to the surface
13
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

Table 2 - Recommended Tolerances for Model Fan

(% of blade tip diameter)

Centrifugal Fans Axial Fans Fixed Pitch Variable Pitch

Design Design

IMPELLER IMPELLER
Blade Tip Diameter ± 0.25 Blade Tip Diameter ± 0.25 ± 0.125
Blade Heel Diameter ± 0.25 - 0.25
Blade Chord & Width ± 0.2 Hub Diameter ± 0.375 ± 0.125
Blade Profile (Deviation from Template) ± 0.2 Blade Chord Length ± 0.1 ± 0.1
Blade Profile
Rim Inlet Diameter-Formed ± 1.0 Blade Angle of Twist + 2.0 degree ± 1.5 degree
Rim Inlet Diameter-Machined ± 0.2 Blade Angular Setting ± 1.0 degree ± 0.5 degree
Rim Inlet Curvature (Deviation from ± 1.0 Blade Tip Clearance when ± 20.0 ± 20.0
Template) Running*
Peripheral Run-Out ± 1.0 CASING
INLET Impeller Casing ± 0.2 ± 0.2
Throat Curvature (Deviation from ± 1.0 Inlet Box, Inlet Bell and Dis- ± 0.4 ± 0.4
Template) charge Casing
Inlet/Impeller Rim Clearance when Angular Setting Guide Vanes ± 2.0 degree ± 2.0 degree
Running* ± 20.0
Inlet Impeller Setting when Running* ± 10.0 Axial Setting of Guide Vanes ± 0.2 ± 0.2
HOUSING, INLET BOX(ES), AND ALL ± 0.4 ACCESSORIES ± 0.4 ± 0.4
ACCESSORIES

* Expressed as a percentage of actual clearances.

roughness. It is sufficient to ensure that the relative Shaft tube

surface roughness of both the model and full size fan Number, shape, size and axial location of all
are of the same general magnitude and do not stationary guide vanes
represent extremes; i.e., polished vs. coarse. Diffuser geometry and fan outlet

7.2.3 Tolerances applicable to geometric Appurtenances:

similarity in the model. Agreement on the
tolerances applicable to the model should be defined Inlet vane control (fixed pitch axial flow fan only),
prior to the fabrication of the model. The tolerances inlet/outlet dampers
shown in Table 1 may be used as a guide. They Silencers
represent the practical limits to which the model can Inlet screens
be constructed and still achieve a satisfactory
representation of full size fan performance. b. Centrifugal Fans (Figure 7)

Prior to conducting acceptance tests, it is Impeller:

recommended that as a minimum, the following
dimensions be verified. Blade tip diameter
Blade heel diameter
a. Variable Pitch and Fixed Pitch Axial Fans Number of blades
(Figure 6) Blade profile at a minimum of two designated
locations
Impeller: Blade heel and tip width
Rim inlet diameter
Blade tip diameter Rim inlet radius of curvature
Hub diameter Wear protection
Number of blades
Blade profile and angle of twist at three Inlet:
designated locations
Blade root clearance with hub Throat curvature
Blade tip clearance with casing Cone/impeller rim clearance
Axial clearance between hub and static parts Cone/impeller setting

Casing: Shaft:

Fan inlet and inlet box Diameter exposed to air stream

14
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

OPEN INLET BOX INLET

INLET BELL

BLADE TIP CLEARANCE

BLADE TIP DIAMETER

IMPELLER CASING
DIAMTER

SHAFT TUBE

DIFFUSER

GUIDE VANES
VANES
AXIAL BLADE ROOT
“A” CLEARANCE CLEARANCE
HUB

BLADE PROFILE

BLADE ANGULAR
SPACING

BLADE ANGLE
BL OF TWIST
AD
E
R CH
TE OR
IAME
BD D
HU

VIEW IN DIRECTION OF ARROW “A”

Figure 6 - Terminology for Axial Fans

15
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

FAN SCROLL

BACKPLATE IMPELLER REMOVAL SECTION

RIM FAN
INLET
INLET BOX
RIM BLADE TIP
RADIUS WIDTH
SINGLE INLET FAN WITH INLET BOX
INLET/RIM CLEARANCE

INLET THROAT
CURVATURE BLADE HEEL WIDTH

INLET TO IMPELLER
INLET
SETTING
THROAT DIA.

SHAFT
GE
HAR
DISC

HUB

SPLITTER PLATE “A”

SECTION

EVASE

IMPELLER AND SHAFT

ASSEMBLY
D
OR

FAN
CH

BLADE PITCH ANGLE INLET

INLET CONE
E
AD

SHAFT SEAL
BL

BLADE TIP FAN

BEARING
BLADE INLET
PROFILE

PEDESTAL

SOLEPLATE
AM E
DI AD
.
EL BL

BLADE
HEEL
HE

R
ETE
IAM FAN
TIP D
DE DISCHARGE
BLA

SECTION “A - A”
DOUBLE INLET FORM WITH INLET BOXES

Figure 7 - Terminology for Centrifugal Fans

16

Housing and inlet boxes:
Fan inlet shape
Fan outlet shape
Scroll shape, including cutoff
Splitter plates
Internal structural members
Wear protection
Appurtenances:
Evasé
Inlet vane control
Vortex breakers
Inlet box dampers
Outlet dampers
Silencers
Inlet screens
All tolerances are expressed as a percentage of the
blade tip diameter, with the exception of the blade tip
clearance for the axial flow fan, and the inlet/rim
clearance and inlet/impeller setting for the centrifugal
fan. These clearances are based on the individual fan
manufacturer’s design. The tolerance range
recommended is expressed as a percentage of the
actual clearance or setting dimension. When the full
size fan is intended to operate at temperature
conditions in excess of ambient, the fan manufacturer
will increase the blade tip, inlet/rim clearance, and
inlet/impeller settings to accommodate thermal
expansion during operation. Since the model tests
will be conducted at ambient temperatures, such
clearances should be adjusted to simulate the actual
operating conditions. In fabricating the model, the
materials and methods of construction may differ
from those of the full size fan provided geometric
similarity and recommended tolerances are
maintained.
Upon satisfactory verification and acceptance of the
model fan performance, the full size fan should be
constructed so that its dimensions are geometrically
similar to those of the model within the recommended
tolerances shown in Table 1.
7.3 Flow similarity and tolerances
To provide proper scaling of model test results,
complete flow similarity between the model and the
full size fan must be achieved. This requires
geometric similarity as outlined in Section 7.2 and
dynamic similarity as outlined in this section.
For two fans to have dynamic similarity, the following
variables must be considered: fan Reynolds number
at the point of operation, compressibility, gas specific
heat ratio, and tip speed Mach parameter.
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)
a. Fan Reynolds Number. The term Reynolds
Number is associated with the ratio of inertia to
viscous forces. When related to fans, investigations
of both axial and centrifugal fans show that
performance losses are more significant at low
Reynolds number ranges and are effectively
negligible above certain threshold Reynolds
numbers. In an effort to simplify the comparison of
the Reynolds numbers of two fans, the fan industry
has adopted the term Fan Reynolds Number, which
is defined as:
π ND 2 ρ
Re =
60 μ
The threshold Fan Reynolds Number for centrifugal
and axial fans is about 3.0 × 106. If both fans are
operating above this value, the change in
performance due to a difference in Reynolds number
will be negligible. When model Fan Reynolds
Number are below 3.0 × 106, there may be a gain in
efficiency (size effect) for full size fans operating
above the threshold compared to one operating
below the threshold. This gain occurs only when both
fans are operating near peak efficiency. Therefore,
when a model test is being conducted to verify the
rating of a full size fan, the Fan Reynolds Number
should be above 3.0 × 106 to avoid any uncertainty
relating to Reynolds number effects.
b. Point of Operation. In order to preserve
corresponding velocity vector ratios between two
similar fans, both fans must operate at the same
corresponding operating points on their characteristic
performance curve. That is, they must both operate
at the same percentage of peak pressure and free
delivery capacity.
c. Compressibility. Compressibility is the
characteristic of a gas to change its volume as a
function of pressure, temperature and composition.
The compressibility coefficient (Kp) expresses the
ratio of the fan total pressure developed with an
incompressible fluid to the fan total pressure
developed with a compressible fluid (as mentioned in
Section 3.2.15). Differences in the compressibility
coefficient between two similar fans must be
calculated using the proper specific heat ratio for the
gases being handled.
d. Specific heat ratio. Model fan tests are usually
based on air with a specific heat ratio of 1.4. Induced
draft fans may handle flue gas with a specific heat
ratio of 1.35. Even though these differences may
normally be considered small, they make a
noticeable difference in the calculation of the
compressibility coefficient. Refer to Annex A for
calculation procedures.
17
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

e. Tip speed mach parameter. Tip speed mach fan and the full size fan should fall within the limits
parameter is an expression relating the tip speed of illustrated in Figure 8.
the impeller to the speed of sound at the fan inlet
condition. Tip speed mach parameter is expressed as 8. Performance Conversion Procedures
follows:
The basis for converting the performance of a model
CmND fan to a full size fan involves the use of the
Mt =
γ RT compressible Fan Laws. These laws should be used
only within the limitations outlined in Section 7 of this
publication.
Where:
The compressible Fan Laws are summarized below:
Mt = tip speed mach parameter
Cm = a constant, 5.236 × 10-4 (9.23 × 10-3)
Qc = Q × (Dc / D)3 × (Nc / N) × (Kp / Kpc)
N = rotational speed of impeller, rpm
D = diameter of impeller, m (ft)
Ptc = Pt × (Dc / D)2 × (Nc / N)2 × (ρc / ρ) × (Kp / Kpc)
γ = Cp/Cv, specific heat ratio
R = gas constant, J/kg K (ft•lb/lbm°F)
T = absolute inlet stagnation (total) temperature, K Pvc = Pv × (Dc / D)2 × (Nc / N)2 × (ρc / ρ)
(°R)
Psc = Ptc - Pvc
When the local airflow velocity at a point approaches
the speed of sound, some blocking or choking effects Hc = H × (Dc / D)5 × (Nc / N)3 × (ρc / ρ) × (Kp / Kpc)
occur that reduce the fan performance. The fan tip
speed mach parameter tolerance between the model ηsc = ηtc × (Psc / Ptc)

1.0

.9
TIP SPEED MACH PARAMETER (MODEL FAN)

.8

.7

.6
N
E ED TIO
A
.5 SP VI
P E
TI R D
.4 E
L TE
AB ME
W
.3 L O RA
A
AL P
H
.2 AC
M
.1

0
.1 .2 .3 .4 .5 .6 .7 .8 .9 1.0
TIP SPEED MACH PARAMETER (FULL SIZE FAN)

Figure 8

18
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

Where: 9.2 Verification of the specified operating point

Dc = full size impeller diameter When verification of the rating is required or when the
D = model fan impeller diameter performance of a fan already installed is in question,
Ptc = full size fan total pressure the following procedures should be instituted:
Pt = model fan total pressure
Psc = full size fan static pressure a. Fan proposal evaluation. It is important that the
Ps = model fan static pressure customer ensures that all fan ratings contained in a
Pvc = full size fan velocity pressure proposal are consistent between manufacturers (i.e.,
fan static or fan stagnation (total) pressure,
Pv = model fan velocity pressure
comparable evasé or diffuser areas, etc.), and all
Qc = full size fan airflow rate
appurtenances are included and have realistic
Q = model fan airflow rate pressure losses.
Nc = full size fan rotational speed
N = model fan rotational speed b. Fan proposal verification. Once a fan
ρc = full size fan air density manufacturer has been selected to provide a fan
ρ = model fan air density submitted in a proposal, manufacturing drawings
Hc = full size fan power should be prepared. If added assurance is required
H = model fan power that the proposed fan will meet the specified
Kpc = full size fan compressibility coefficient operating points, a model fan should be tested in
Kp = model fan compressibility coefficient accordance with this publication prior to the
ηtc = full size fan total efficiency construction of the full size fan.
ηsc = model fan static efficiency
c. Field performance verification. When the
performance of a fan already installed is in question,
9. Prediction and Verification of the
a model fan based upon the actual fan should be
Specified Operating Points tested in accordance with this publication.

9.1 Prediction of the specified operating
point
The specified operating point or points are given to
the fan manufacturer by the consulting engineer,
system designer, or the ultimate customer. The fan
manufacturer selects and rates a fan that meets the
specified operating point(s) using the principles
outlined in Sections 4 and 5.
This selection is based on actual model fan testing
and modifications from model fan data or
extrapolation / interpolation based on experience.
The fan manufacturer states rating for full size fans
by applying the compressible Fan Laws, making
corrections for dampers, silencers and bearings.
These procedures provide predicted full size fan
performance.
In those instances when a fan manufacturer has
model fan test data that meets all the geometric and
flow similarity requirements of the full size fan being
selected, then the compressible Fan Laws may be
used directly to convert the performance of the model
fan to the full size fan, providing for a more accurate
prediction. The conversion procedures in this case
are identical to those outlined in Section 9.2 for
verifying the specified operating points.
9.3 Conversion and presentation of test data
This section outlines the procedures used to verify
the full size fan specified operating point(s) from
model fan test results.
9.3.1 Conversion of model fan test results. The
test results of the model fan should cover the
specified operating range for the actual application.
This should include fan total or fan static pressures,
fan shaft power, and fan airflow rate.
Mathematical corrections for the agreed-upon effects
of an evasé or system should then be incorporated in
the test results for the applicable operating points. If
these items are included in the test already, then no
further correction should be necessary.
9.3.2 Application of uncertainties. Annex E
includes typical tabulations of per-unit uncertainties
for airflow rate, pressure, and efficiency for model
axial and centrifugal fan tests using typical laboratory
instruments. Per-unit uncertainties derived for
specific tests should be applied to the predicted curve
of the full size fan graph. It is emphasized that these
are typical per-unit uncertainties for a particular fan
design. New per-unit uncertainties must be
developed for individual tests being conducted. The
specified operating point(s) to be verified should be
located on this same graph. If the specified full size

19
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

FULL SIZE FAN

CALCULATED PERFORMANCE
MODEL FAN
TEST RESULTS specified
operating
TP point

test
sh

points test error

or
tc

band
ur
PRESSURE & POWER

ve

TE

HP

FLOW

Figure 9 - Analysis of Results

20
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

fan operating point(s) fall within the airflow/pressure
test uncertainty band, then the full size fan will
perform as expected. If the specified full size fan
operating point(s) fall outside the test uncertainty
bands, then the full size fan will not perform as
expected. This procedure is illustrated in Figure 9.
9.4 Numerical examples
During a laboratory test, the air density and rotational
speed may vary slightly from one determination to
another. It may be desirable to convert the results
calculated for the test conditions to those that would
prevail at nominal constant density, nominal constant
rotational speed, or both.
operating point, and the full size fan selected are
summarized in Table 3.
To determine the diameter and speed of the model,
the full size Fan Reynolds Number and tip speed
mach parameter must be calculated using data from
the specified operating point and the fan selected.
FULL SIZE FAN
Tip Speed Mach Parameter Calculation:
CmND
Mt =
γ RT

The rating for the full size fan may be given in .05236 × 1180 × 2.4
different ways, and the numerical examples that Mt = = 0.432 (SI)
follow will illustrate this: 1.4 × 287.04 × ( 20 + 273 )

1. A fan without any device for controlling the fan

.00923 × 1180 × ( 94.49 / 12 )
performance for one specified operating point. Mt = = 0.432 (I-P)
1.4 × 53.35 × ( 68 + 459.7 )
2. A fan with a device for controlling the fan
performance for one or more specified operating
points; either at maximum performance or at Fan Reynolds Number Calculation:
some reduced performance.

9.4.1 Centrifugal fan without a controlling device. π ND 2 ρ

Re =
The inlet conditions, gas properties, specified 60 μ

Table 3 - Value and Units of Measure

Quantity Symbol SI I-P

INLET CONDITIONS:

Gas constant R 287.04 J/kgK 53.35 ft-lb/lbm°R

Specific heat ratio γ 1.4 (Dimensionless)
Inlet temperature T 20°C 68°F
Inlet barometric pressure pb 101,629 Pa 30.08 in. Hg
Absolute viscosity μ 1.819 × 10-5 Pa•s 1.222 × 10-5 lbm/ft•s

SPECIFIED OPERATING POINT:

Fan airflow rate Q 80 m3/s 169,512 ft3/min

Fan total pressure P 11,850 Pa 47.7 in. wg
Fan impeller power H 1116 kW 1497 hp
Fan shaft power H 1120 kW 1502 hp
Fan air density ρ 1.2 kg/m3 0.0749 lbm/ft3

FAN SELECTED:

Fan impeller diameter Dc 2400 mm 94.49 in.

Fan rotational speed Nc 1180 rpm 1180 rpm

21
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

A model fan must now be built using Section 7 criteria

3.14 × 1180 × 2.42 × 1.20
Re = = 23, 600, 000 (SI) and tested in accordance with ANSI/AMCA 210.
60 × .00001819 Results of a typical model test are tabulated in Table
4, Section 9.5. These test results can be converted to
3.14 × 1180 × ( 94.49 / 12 ) × 0.0749 equivalent quantities for the full size fan. To illustrate
2

Re = = 23, 600, 000 the conversion procedure, Test Point 6 data from
60 × .00001222
Table 4 is selected as the example. Subscript “c”
(I-P) denotes full size fan quantities. The first set of
tabulated quantities is in SI units; the second
MODEL FAN tabulation is a repeat of the first, but in I-P units.
One-fifth of the full size fan diameter is 480 mm (18.9
in.). Based on the criteria in Section 7.1, the model
fan diameter must therefore be 900 mm (35.43 in.).

Tip Speed Mach Parameter Calculation:

CmND
Mt =
γ RT

.05236 × 2700 × 0.9

Mt = = 0.371 (SI)
1.4 × 287.04 × ( 20 + 273 )

.00923 × 2700 × ( 35.43 / 12 )

Mt = = 0.371 (I-P)
1.4 × 53.35 × ( 68 + 459.7 )

The tip speed mach parameter for the model must be

between 0.28 and 0.57 according to Figure 8.
Selecting 2700 rpm and using the same inlet
conditions as for the full size fan, the model tip speed
mach parameter is 0.371, which satisfies this
requirement.

Fan Reynolds Number Calculation:

π ND 2 ρ
Re =
60 μ

3.14 × 2700 × 0.92 × 1.20

Re = = 7, 600, 000 (SI)
60 × .00001819

3.14 × 2700 × ( 35.43 / 12 ) × 0.0749

2

Re = = 7, 600, 000
60 × .00001222
(I-P)

The model fan Reynolds number must be above the

lower limit of 3.0 × 106 as prescribed in Section 7.3A.
At 2700 rpm, and since the model fan and the full size
fan have the same inlet density and viscosity, the
model fan Reynolds number is calculated to be 7.6 ×
106, which is well above the lower limit of 3.0 × 106.

22
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

Table 4 - Model Centrifugal Fan Test Data

MODEL FAN DATA

Air density: 1.2 kg/m3 (.0749 lbm/ft3)

Absolute inlet pressure: 101,620 Pa (30.08 in. Hg)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Test
Point

N rpm 2700 2700 2700 2700 2700 2700 2700 2700 2700
Q m3/sec 12.77 12.15 11.36 10.54 10.05 9.59 8.55 7.40 6.69
Q ft3/min 27058 25745 24671 22333 21295 20320 18117 15680 14175
Pt Pa 5332 6175 7007 7851 8229 8559 9096 9536 9694
Pt in. wg 21.47 24.86 28.21 31.61 33.13 34.46 36.62 38.40 39.03
H kW 98.7 100.7 101.5 100.6 100.1 98.9 95.6 89.5 84.7
H hp 132.4 135.0 136.1 134.9 134.2 132.6 128.2 120.0 113.6
Kp dimensionless .9851 .9820 .9791 .9791 .9749 .9739 .9727 .9719 .9720
ηt dimensionless .6796 .7322 .7682 .8033 .8055 .8086 .7918 .7668 .7449

FULL SIZE FAN DATA

Converted to full size Air density: 1.2 kg/m3 (0.749 lbm/ft3)

according to Section 8. Absolute inlet pressure: 101,620 Pa (30.08 in. Hg)

N rpm 1180 1180 1180 1180 1180 1180 1180 1180 1180
Qc m3/sec 106.5 101.4 94.9 88.1 84.1 80.2 71.6 62.0 56.1
Qc ft3/min 225663 214856 201084 186675 178199 169936 151713 131372 118870
Ptc Pa 7280 8442 9589 10733 11278 11735 12477 13084 13300
Ptc in. wg 29.31 33.99 38.61 43.22 45.41 47.25 50.24 52.68 53.55
Hc kW 1117.5 1140.7 1151.0 1142.1 1137.3 1123.9 1087.2 1017.3 963.4
Hc hp 1498.6 1529.7 1543.5 1531.6 1525.1 1507.1 1457.9 1364.2 1291.9
Kpc dimensionless .9799 .9757 .9717 .9677 .9662 .9648 .9631 .9622 .9622
ηtc = ηt dimensionless .6796 .7322 .7682 .8033 .8055 .8086 .7918 .7668 .7449

23
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

TEST POINT 6 FROM TABLE 4

A. BASE INFORMATION:

Values in SI Units of Measure:

Value
Quantity Symbol Units of Measure Model Full Size

Impeller diameter D mm 900 2400

Rotational speed N rpm 2700 1180
Specific heat ratio γ Dimensionless 1.4 1.4
Inlet barometric pressure pb Pa 101,620 101,620
Inlet air density ρ kg/m3 1.2 1.2
Fan airflow rate Q m3/s 9.59 To be determined
Fan total pressure Pt Pa 8559 To be determined
Fan impeller power H kW 98.93 To be determined

B. MODEL FAN COMPRESSIBILITY

Pt 8559
x= = = 0.0842
Pt1 + pb 0 + 101, 620

H 98.93
1000 × 1000 ×
γ −1 Q 1 .4 − 1 9.59 = 0.0290
z= × = ×
γ Pt1 + pb 1 .4 0 + 101, 620

ln (1 + x ) z ln (1 + 0.0842 ) 0.0290
Kp = × = × = 0.974
x ln (1 + z ) 0.0842 ln (1 + 0.0290 )

QPt K p 9.59 × 8559 × 0.974

η tc = = = 0.808
1000 × H 1000 × 98.93

C. DETERMINATION OF Kp / Kpc:

z pbc + Pt1c ρ N 2 D 2 γ γ −1
= × × 2× 2× c ×
zc pb + Pt1 ρc Nc Dc γ c − 1 γ

101, 620 + 0 1.2 27002 9002 1 .4 1 .4 − 1

= × × × × × = 0.7362
101, 620 + 0 1.2 11802 24002 1.4 − 1 1.4

z 0.029
zc = = = 0.039
z / zc 0.7362

ln (1 + zc ) γ − 1 γ c
ln (1 + xc ) = ln (1 + x ) × × ×
1 + z)
ln(1 γ γc −1

ln (1 + 0.039 ) 1.4 − 1 1.4

= ln (1 + 0.0842 ) × × × = 0.1092
ln (1 + 0.029 ) 1 .4 1 .4 − 1

24
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

xc = e(ln(1+ xc )) − 1 = e( 0.1092 ) = 0.115

Kp z xc γ γ −1 0.115 1 .4 1 .4 − 1
= × × × c = 0.736 × × × = 1.009
K pc zc x γ − 1 γ c 0.084 1 − 1.4 1 .4

D. FINAL CONVERSION VALUES

Dc 3 Nc K p 24003 1180
Qc = Q × × × = 9 . 59 × × × 1.009 = 80.2 m3 /s
D 3 N K pc 9003 2700

Dc 2 Nc 2 ρc K p 24002 11802 1.2 2

Ptc = Pt × × × × = 8559 × × × × 1.009 = 11736 Pa
D 2
N ρ K pc 900 2 2
2700 1.2

Dc 5 Nc 3 ρc K p 24005 11803 1.2

Hc = H × × × × = 98 . 83 × × × × 1.009 = 1124 kW
D5 N 3 ρ K pc 9005 27003 1.2

Bearing loss = 4 kW

Fan shaft power = 1128 kW

* This formula comes from ANSI/AMCA 210, Section 8.9.1 and has been expanded to include the relationship
between the model and full size fan (D / Dc)2. In ANSI/AMCA 210, this formula is used only to convert actual test
results to nominal test results for the test fan.

25
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

TEST POINT 6 FROM TABLE 4

A. BASE INFORMATION:

Values in I-P Units of Measure:

Value
Quantity Symbol Units of Measure Model Full Size

Impeller diameter D in. 35.43 94.49

Rotational speed N rpm 2700 1180
Specific heat ratio γ Dimensionless 1.4 1.4
Inlet barometric pressure pb in. Hg 30.08 30.08
Inlet air density ρ lbm/ft3 0.0749 0.0749
Fan airflow rate Q ft3/min 20,320 To be determined
Fan total pressure Pt in. wg 34.46 To be determined
Fan impeller power H hp 132.6 To be determined

B. MODEL FAN COMPRESSIBILITY

Pt 34.46
x= = = 0.0840
Pt1 + 13.63 × pb 0 + 13.63 × 30.08

H 132.6
6362 × 6362 ×
γ −1 Q 1 .4 − 1 20, 320
z= × = × = 0.0288
γ Pt1 + 13.63 × pb 1 .4 0 + 13.63 × 30.08

ln(1 + x ) z ln(1 + 0.084) 0.0288

Kp = × = × = 0.9739
x ln(1 + z ) 0.084 ln(1 + 0.029)

QPt K p 20, 320 × 34.46 × 0.9739

ηt = = = 0.808
6362 × H 6362 × 132.6

C. DETERMINATION OF Kp / Kpc:

* z = 13.63 × pbc + Pt1c × ρ × N × D × γ c × γ − 1

2 2

zc 13.63 × pb + Pt1 ρc Nc 2 Dc 2 γ c − 1 γ

13.63 × 30.08 + 0 1.2 27002 35.432 1 .4 1 .4 − 1

= × × × × × = 0.736
13.63 × 30.08 + 0 1.2 1180 2
94.49 1.4 − 1 1.4
2

z 0.0288
zc = = = 0.039
z / zc 0.736

ln(1 + zc ) γ − 1 γ c
ln(1 + xc ) = ln(1 + x ) × × ×
ln(1 + z ) γ γc −1

ln(1 + 0.039) 1.4 − 1 1.4

= ln(1 + 0.0842) × × × = 0.1093
ln(1 + 0.0288) 1 .4 1 .4 − 1

26
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

xc = e(ln(1+ xc )) − 1 = e( 0.1093 ) = 0.1155

Kp z xc γ γ −1 0.1155 1 .4 1 − 1 .4
= × × × c = 0.736 × × × = 1.0093
K pc zc x γ − 1 γ c 0.084 1 − 1.4 1 .4

D. FINAL CONVERSION VALUES

Dc 3 Nc K p 94.493 1180
Qc = Q × × × = 20, 320 × × × 1.0093 = 169, 936 ft 3 / min
D 3 N K pc 35.433 2700

Dc 2 Nc 2 ρc K p 94.492 11802 0.0749

Ptc = Pt × × × × = 34 . 46 × × × × 1.0093 = 47.24 in. wg
D2 N ρ K pc 35.432 27002 0.0749

Dc 5 Nc 3 ρc K p 94.495 11803 0.0749

Hc = H × × 3 × × = 132.6 × × × × 1.0093 = 1507.1 hp
D 5
N ρ K pc 35.435 27003 0.0749
Bearing loss = 5 hp

Fan shaft power = 1512 hp

27
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

9.4.2 Axial fan with a controlling device. A fan in
this category usually has two or more specified
operating points. One of these is termed “test block,”
which is achieved when the fan controlling device is
set for the maximum specified conditions.
The other operating points are termed “part load,”
which are achieved by setting the controlling device
in configurations that result in the reduced airflow.
Table 5 provides the inlet conditions, gas properties,
specified operating points and full size axial fan size
selected with a controlling device.
To determine the diameter and rotational speed of the
model, the full size fan Reynolds number and tip
speed mach number must be calculated using data
from the specified operating point and the fan
selected. In this case, the “test block” and “part load”
points are the same because they have the same
inlet conditions, impeller diameter, and rotational
speed.

Table 5 - Value and Units of Measure

Quantity Symbol SI I-P

INLET CONDITIONS:

Gas constant R 298 J/kgK 53.35 ft-lb/lbm °R

Specific heat ratio γ 1.38 (Dimensionless)
Inlet temperature T 157°C 314.6°F
Inlet barometric pressure pb 100,000 Pa 29.53 in. Hg
Absolute viscosity μ 2.135 × 10-5 Pa•s 1.435 × 10-5 lbm/ft•s

SPECIFIED OPERATING POINT:

A. Test Block

Fan airflow rate Q 411 m3/s 870,868 ft3/min

Fan total pressure P 3549 Pa 14.29 in. wg
Fan impeller power H 1717 kW 2302.5 hp
Fan shaft power H 1722 kW 2309.2 hp
Fan air density ρ 0.7804 kg/m3 0.0487 lbm/ft3

B. Part Load:

Fan airflow rate Q 316 m3/s 669,572 ft3/min

Fan total pressure P 2100 Pa 8.46 in. wg
Fan impeller power H 775 kW 1039.3 hp
Fan shaft power H 780 kW 1046 hp
Fan air density ρ 0.7804 kg/m3 0.0487 lbm/ft3

FAN SELECTED:

Fan impeller diameter Dc 3460 mm 134.65 in.

Fan rotational speed Nc 890 rpm 890 rpm

28
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

FULL SIZE FAN

Tip Speed Mach Parameter Calculation:

Cm ND
Mt =
γ RT

.05236 × 890 × 3.42

Mt = = 0.379 (SI)
1.38 × 298 × (157 + 273 )

⎛ 134.65 ⎞
.00923 × 890 × ⎜ ⎟
Mt = ⎝ 12 ⎠ = 0.379 (I-P)
1.38 × 55.39 × ( 314.6 + 459.7 )

Fan Reynolds Number Calculation:

π ND 2 ρ
Re =
60 μ

3.14 × 890 × 3.422 × 0.7804

Re = = 1.99 × 107 (SI)
60 × 2.136 × 10 −5

2
⎛ 134.65 ⎞
3.14 × 890 × ⎜ × 0.0487
⎝ 12 ⎟⎠
Re = = 1.99 × 107 (I-P)
60 × 1.435 × 10 −5

MODEL FAN

One-fifth of the full size fan diameter is 682 mm (17.3 inches). Based on the criteria in Section 7.1, the model fan
diameter must therefore be 900 mm (35.43 in.). However, in this case, a model fan diameter of 1368 mm (53.86
in.) is chosen to run at 1478 rpm.

INLET CONDITIONS:

Value and Units of Measure

Quantity Symbol SI I-P

Gas constant R 287.04 J/kgK 53.5 ft-lb/lbm°R

Specific heat ratio γ 1.4 (Dimensionless)
Inlet temperature T 20°C 68°F
Absolute viscosity μ 1.819 × 10 Pa•s 1.222 × 10-5 lbm/ft•s
-5

29
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

Tip Speed Mach Parameter Calculation:

Cm ND
Mt =
γ RT

.05236 × 1478 × 1.368

Mt = = 0.309
1.4 × 287.04 × ( 20 + 273 ) (SI)

⎛ 53.86 ⎞
.00923 × 1478 × ⎜ ⎟
Mt = ⎝ 12 ⎠ = 0.309
(I-P)
1.4 × 53.35 × ( 68 + 459.7 )

The tip speed Mach parameter for the selected model must be between 0.23 and 0.54 according to Figure 8. The
calculated model tip speed mach parameter is 0.309, which satisfies this requirement. Since the model will not be
tested at the same inlet conditions as listed for the full size fan specified operating points, the model inlet conditions
and properties must be used to calculate the model tip speed mach parameter prior to testing. In this example,
these values correspond to standard air conditions.

Fan Reynolds Number Calculation:

π ND 2 ρ
Re =
60 μ

3.14 × 1478 × 1.3682 × 1.20

Re = = 9.6 × 106 (SI)
60 × 1.819 × 10 −5

2
⎛ 53.86 ⎞
3.14 × 1478 × ⎜ × 1.20
⎝ 12 ⎟⎠
Re = = 9.6 × 106 (I-P)
60 × 1.222 × 10 −5

The model fan Reynolds number must be above the lower limit of 3.0 × 106 as prescribed in Section 7.3a. Since
the model will not be tested at the same inlet conditions as listed for the full size fan specified operating points, the
model inlet conditions and properties must be used to calculate the model fan Reynolds number prior to testing.
Using the conditions listed above, the calculated model fan Reynolds number is 9.6 × 106, which is well above the
lower limit of 3 × 106.

A model geometrically equal to the full size fan must now be built in accordance with Section 7 and tested in
accordance with ANSI/AMCA 210. The results of such a model test are tabulated and converted to equivalent
quantities for the full size fan in Table 6. A sample conversion of point 4 follows, with subscript ‘c’ denoting
equivalent full size fan quantities.

30
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

Table 6 - Model Axial Fan Test Data

MODEL FAN DATA

Air density: 0.78 kg/m3 (.0487 lbm/ft3)

Absolute inlet pressure: 100,000 Pa (29.53 in. Hg)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Test
Point

N rpm 1480 1479 1478 1478 1478

Q m3/sec 49.75 47.62 45.33 42.58 39.82
Q ft3/min 105,415 100,902 96050 90223 84375
Pt Pa 1941 2082 2208 2306 2363
Pt in. wg 7.815 8.383 8.890 9.285 9.514
H kW 118.6 119.4 119.2 117.8 114.0
H hp 159.0 160.1 159.8 158.0 152.9
Kp dimensionless .9938 .9932 .9928 .9925 .9923
ηt dimensionless .809 .825 .834 .827 .819
ρ kg/m3 1.545 1.181 1.1461 1.1451 1.1439
ρ lbm/ft3 0.0721 0.0737 0.0715 0.0715 0.0714

FULL SIZE FAN DATA

Converted to full size Air density: 0.78 kg/m3 (0.487 lbm/ft3)

according to Section 8. Absolute inlet pressure: 100,000 Pa (29.53 in. Hg)

Qc m3/sec 469.1 449.5 428.3 402.3 376.3

Qc ft3/min 993,976 952,446 907,525 852,433 797,342
Ptc Pa 2974 3214 3419 3575 3667
Ptc in. wg 11.97 12.94 13.77 14.39 14.76
Hc kW 1707.3 1732.1 1737.0 1718.0 1664.1
Hc hp 2289.5 2322.7 2329.3 2308.8 2231.6
Kpc dimensionless .9903 .9894 .9887 .9883 .9880
ηtc = ηt dimensionless .809 .825 .834 .827 .819

31
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

TEST POINT 4 FROM TABLE 6

A. BASE INFORMATION:

Values in SI Units of Measure:

Value
Quantity Symbol Units of Measure Model Full Size

Impeller diameter D mm 1368 3420

Rotational speed N rpm 1478 890
Specific heat ratio γ Dimensionless 1.4 1.38
Inlet barometric pressure pb Pa 99,850 100,000
Inlet air density ρ kg/m3 1.145 0.780
Fan airflow rate Q m3/s 42.58 To be determined
Fan total pressure Pt Pa 2306 To be determined
Fan impeller power H kW 117.8 To be determined

B. MODEL FAN COMPRESSIBILITY

Pt 23.06
x= = = 0.0231
Pt1 + pb 0 + 99, 850

H 117.8
1000 × 1000 ×
γ −1 Q 1 .4 − 1 42.58 = 0.00792
z= × = ×
γ Pt1 + pb 1 .4 0 + 99, 850

ln (1 + x ) z ln (1 + 0.0231) 0.00792
Kp = × = × = 0.9925
x ln (1 + z ) 0.0231 ln (1 + 0.00792 )

QPt K p 42.58 × 2306 × 0.9925

ηt = = = 0.827 = η tc
1000 × H 1000 × 117.8

C. DETERMINATION OF Kp / Kpc:

z p + Pt1c ρ N 2 D 2 γ γ −1
= bc × × 2× 2× c ×
zc pb + Pt1 ρc Nc Dc γ c − 1 γ

100, 000 + 0 1.145 14782 13682 1.38 1 .4 − 1

= × × × × × = 0.6749
99, 850 + 0 0.780 890 2
3420 1.38 − 1 1.4
2

z 0.00792
zc = = = 0.0117
z / zc 0.6749

ln (1 + zc ) γ − 1 γ c
ln (1 + xc ) = ln (1 + x ) × × ×
ln (1 + z ) γ γc −1

32
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

ln (1 + 0.0117 ) 1.4 − 1 1.38

= ln (1 + 0.231) × × × = 0.0350
ln (1 + 0.00792 ) 1 .4 1.38 − 1

ln(1+ xc )
xc = e − 1 = e0.0350 = 0.0356

Kp z xc γ γ −1 0.0356 1 .4 1.38 − 1
= × × × c = 0.6749 × × × = 1.004
K pc zc x γ − 1 γ 0.0231 1 − 1.4 1.38

D: FINAL CONVERSION VALUES

Dc 3 Nc K p 32403 890
Qc = Q × × × = 42 . 58 × × × 1.004 = 402.3 m3 /s
D 3 N K pc 13683 1478

Dc 2 Nc 2 ρc K p 34202 8902 0.7

78
Ptc = Pt × × 2 × × = 2306 × × × × 1.004 = 3575 Pa
D 2
N ρ K pc 13268 14782 1.145
2

Dc 5 Nc 3 ρc K p 34205 8903 0.78

Hc = H × × × × = 117 . 8 × × × 1.004 = 1718 kW
D 5
N 3
ρ K pc 5 3
1368 1478 1.145

Bearing loss = 5 kW

Fan shaft power = 1723 kW

* This formula comes from ANSI/AMCA 210, Section 8.9.1 and has been expanded to include the relationship
between the model and full size fan (D / Dc)2. In ANSI/AMCA 210, this formula is used only to convert actual test
results to nominal test results for the test fan.

33
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

TEST POINT 4 FROM TABLE 5

A. BASE INFORMATION:

Values in I-P Units of Measure:

Value
Quantity Symbol Units of Measure Model Full Size

Impeller diameter D in. 53.86 134.6

Rotational speed N rpm 1478 890
Specific heat ratio γ Dimensionless 1.4 1.38
Inlet barometric pressure pb in. Hg 29.49 29.53
Inlet air density ρ lbm/ft3 0.0716 0.0487
Fan airflow rate Q ft3/min 90,223 To be determined
Fan total pressure Pt in. wg 9.28 To be determined
Fan impeller power H hp 158 To be determined

B. MODEL FAN COMPRESSIBILITY

Pt 9.28
x= = = 0.0231
Pt1 + 13.63 × pb 0 + 13.63 × 29.49

H 158
6362 × 6362 ×
γ −1 Q 1 .4 − 1 90, 223
z= × = × = 0.00787
γ Pt1 + 13.63 × pb 1 .4 0 + 13.63 × 29.49

ln (1 + x ) z ln (1 + 0.0231) 0.00787
Kp = × = × = 0.9925
x ln (1 + z ) 0.0231 ln (1 + 0.00787 )

QPt K p 90, 223 × 9.28 × .09925

ηt = = = 0.827
6362 × H 6362 × 158

C: DETERMINATION OF Kp / Kpc:

z 13.63 × pbc + Pt1c ρ N 2 D 2 γ γ −1

= × × 2× 2× c ×
zc 13.63 × pb + Pt1 ρc Nc Dc γ c − 1 γ

13.63 × 29.53 + 0 0.0715 14782 53.862 1.38 1 .4 − 1

= × × × × × = 0.6748
13.63 × 29.49 + 0 0.0487 8902 134.652 1.38 − 1 1.4

z 0.00787
zc = = = 0.0116
z / zc 0.6748

ln (1 + zc ) γ − 1 γ c
ln (1 + xc ) = ln (1 + x ) × × ×
ln (1 + z ) γ γc −1

34
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

ln (1 + 0.0116 ) 1.4 − 1 1.38

= ln (1 + 0.231) × × × = 0.03504
ln (1 + 0.00787 ) 1 .4 1.38 − 1

ln(1+ xc )
xc = e − 1 = e0.03504 = 0.0356

Kp z xc γ γ −1 0.0356 1 .4 1.38 − 1
= × × × c = 0.6748 × × × = 1.004
K pc zc x γ − 1 γ 0.0231 1 − 1.4 1.38

* This formula comes from ANSI/AMCA 210, Section 8.9.1 and has been expanded to include the relationship
between the model and full size fan (D / Dc)2. In ANSI/AMCA 210 this formula is used only to convert actual test
results to nominal test results for the test fan.

D: FINAL CONVERSION VALUES

Dc 3 Nc K p 134.653 890
Qc = Q × 3
× × = 90, 223 × × × 1.004 = 852, 433 ft 3 /min
D N K pc 53.863 1478

Dc 2 Nc 2 ρc K p 134.652 8902 0.0487

Ptc = Pt × × × × = 9 . 28 × × × × 1.004 = 14.39 in. wg
D 2 N 2 ρ K pc 53.862 14782 0.0715

Dc 5 Nc 3 ρc K p 134.655 8903 0.0487

Hc = H × × 3 × × = 158 × × × 1.004 = 2303.8 hp
D 5
N ρ K pc 53.865 14783 0.0715

Bearing loss = 6.7 hp

Fan shaft power = 2310.5 hp

Since the fan performance-controlling device usually does not have a precise calibration rating relating its
geometric position to an exact performance curve, it is necessary to “bracket” the “part load” curve with two curves.
These performance curves for the full size fan will be generated by converting two sets of model data as listed in
Tables 7 and 8.

35
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

Table 7 - Axial Fan - Part Load - Curve “B”

MODEL FAN DATA

Air density: 0.78 kg/m3 (.0487 lbm/ft3)

Absolute inlet pressure: 100,000 Pa (29.53 in. Hg)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Test
Point

N rpm 1491 1490 1490 1489 1489 1488 1488

Q m3/sec 41.61 40.11 39.11 37.95 36.77 35.27 31.16
Q ft3/min 88167 84989 82870 80412 77912 74734 66025
Pt Pa 987 1176 1295 1426 1551 1699 1931
Pt in. wg 3.974 4.735 5.214 5.741 6.245 6.841 7.775
H kW 55.9 59.8 62.6 64.9 67.2 69.1 71.3
H hp 74.96 80.19 83.95 87.03 90.11 92.66 95.61
Kp dimensionless .9970 .9962 .9958 .9953 .9948 .9943 .9936
ηt dimensionless .7229 .7861 .8052 .8296 .8454 .8622 .8387
ρ kg/m3 1.1538 1.1494 1.1478 1.1456 1.1440 1.1420 1.1378
ρ lbm/ft3 0.0720 0.0718 0.0717 0.0715 0.0714 0.0713 0.0710

FULL SIZE FAN DATA

Converted to full size Air density: 0.78 kg/m3 (.0487 lbm/ft3)

according to Section 8. Absolute inlet pressure: 100,000 Pa (29.53 in. Hg)

Qc m3/sec 388.7 375.2 365.9 355.3 344.4 330.6 292.3

Qc ft3/min 823,616 795,011 775,306 752,845 729,749 700,508 619,354
Ptc Pa 1489 1783 1966 2173 2369 2603 2971
Ptc in. wg 5.995 7.179 7.916 8.749 9.539 10.481 11.962
Hc kW 786.2 846.5 887.9 924.2 957.6 989.5 1025.3
Hc hp 1054.3 1135.2 1190.7 1242.0 1150.0 1326.9 1374.9
Kpc dimensionless .9953 .9942 .9935 .9928 .9921 .9912 .9901

36
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

Table 8 - Axial Fan - Part Load - Curve “C”

MODEL FAN DATA

Air density: 0.78 kg/m3 (.0487 lbm/ft3)

Absolute inlet pressure: 100,000 Pa (29.53 in. Hg)

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Test
Point

N rpm 1496 1495 1494 1493 1493 1492

Q m3/sec 36.1 34.6 33.0 31.5 29.7 27.6
Q ft3/min 76492 73314 69624 66745 62931 58482
Pt Pa 524 767 998 1210 1433 1653
Pt in. wg 2.110 3.088 4.018 4.872 5.770 6.656
H kW 32.6 37.2 41.8 45.8 49.1 52.0
H hp 43.72 49.89 56.05 61.42 65.84 69.73
Kp dimensionless .9986 .9977 .9968 .9960 .9952 .9944
ηt dimensionless .580 .711 .787 .829 .862 .871
ρ kg/m3 1.1655 1.1604 1.1574 1.1547 1.1518 1.1485
ρ lbm/ft3 0.0728 0.0724 0.0722 0.0721 0.0719 0.0717

FULL SIZE FAN DATA

Converted to full size Air density: 0.78 kg/m3 (.0487 lbm/ft3)

according to Section 8. Absolute inlet pressure: 100,000 Pa (29.53 in. Hg)

Qc m3/sec 335.8 322.3 308.0 294.2 277.0 257.6

Qc ft3/min 711,527 682,921 652,621 623,380 586,935 545,829
Ptc Pa 777 1143 1495 1819 2161 2503
Ptc in. wg 3.129 4.602 6.019 7.324 8.701 10.078
Hc kW 448.8 516.2 582.7 641.3 689.4 733.8
Hc hp 601.8 692.2 741.4 860.0 924.5 984.0
Kpc dimensionless .9979 .9965 .9951 .9739 .9927 .9915
ηtc = ηt dimensionless .580 .711 .787 .829 .862 .871

37
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

9.5 Numerical examples of the application of Specific per-unit uncertainties for the following
test uncertainties example are listed below.

Test uncertainties must be applied to both the SPECIFIC PER-UNIT UNCERTAINTIES:

airflow/pressure curve and to the efficiency curve.
The summary of per-unit uncertainties presented in Barometric pressure: ub = 0.0018
Annex E is based upon using the same test Dry bulb temperature: ud = 0.0038
instruments for the entire fan characteristic curve; Wet bulb temperature: uw = 0.5
i.e., from free delivery to shut-off. The application of Fan rotational speed: un = 0.002
test uncertainties to a fan test that uses only a short Torque: ut = 0.01
section of the characteristic curve from 80% to 120% Nozzle discharge coefficient: uc = 0.012
of the specified airflow rate may yield slightly different Area: ua = 0.005
results from those shown in Annex E because of
Pressure for fan airflow rate:
better accuracy of measurement at these conditions.
uf=([0.01]2 + (0.01 [Qm/Q]2)2)0.5
Because the application of test uncertainties is on a Pressure for fan pressure:
per-unit basis, test uncertainties can be applied to the ug=([0.01]2 + (0.01[Pm/P]2 + [0.1 (Pv/P)]2)0.5
converted values for the full size fan. The next
examples illustrate the application of test The values of Qm and Pm are maximum values for the
uncertainties to three of five points that define a short five chosen points and not for the entire fan.
section of the fan characteristic curve.
Table 2 is a tabulation of test data for the model as
9.5.1 Application of test uncertainty analysis for well as the full size fan used in this example. This
centrifugal fans (Reference Section 9.4.1). The data is used to plot the fan characteristic curve
measurement uncertainties for the test points use the shown in Figure 10. From that curve, five arbitrary
same uncertainty formulae for all test configurations points are read which bracket the specified operating
presented in ANSI/AMCA 210. point. These five points are tabulated in Table 9.

Table 9

Point # 1 2 3 4 5

Qc, m3/s 70 75 80 85 90
Qc, ft3/min 148,323 158,917 169,512 180,107 190,701
Pc, Pa 12650 12270 11760 11150 10430
Pc, in. wg 50.93 49.4 47.35 44.89 42.08
ηt 0.787 0.799 0.807 0.807 0.795

Actual points could also have been used from Table 2. From these five points, the per-unit uncertainty is applied to
the three middle points. The upper and lower limits are tabulated below and plotted on Figure 10.

Point # 2 3 4

Qf, upper limit, m3/s 75.58 80.64 85.72

Qf, upper limit, ft3/min 160,146 170,868 181,632
Qf, lower limit, m3/s 74.42 79.36 84.28
Qf, lower limit, ft3/min 157,689 168,156 178,580
Pt, upper limit, Pa 12,460 11,949 11,338
Pt, upper limit, in. wg 50.17 48.11 45.65
Pt, lower limit, Pa 12,080 11,571 10,962
Pt, lower limit, in. wg 48.64 46.59 44.14
ηt, upper limit 0.818 0.8269 0.8278
ηt, lower limit 0.780 0.787 0.786

As can be seen from Figure 10, the specified values for the airflow rate, total pressure, and efficiency are between the
upper and lower limits. The full size fan built in accordance with the drawings will, therefore, perform as expected.

38
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

+ + +
.8
+ + +
EFFICIENCY

.7

RATED POINT
.6

in. wg
13

+ 50
+
12
+
+
+ 45
11 +
TOTAL PRESSURE

10
40

9
35

N = 1180 rpm
D = 2400 mm (94.49 in.) 30
ρ = 120 kg/m3 (0.0749 lbm/ft3)
7

50 60 70 80 90 100 m3/sec

100 120 140 160 180 200 220

Centrifugal fan FLOW 1000 CFM

Converted data from Table 2

Figure 10 - Centrifugal Fan Curve with Uncertainty Plotted

39
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

9.5.2 Application of Test Uncertainty Analysis for
Axial Fans (Reference Section 9.4.2). The specific
per-unit uncertainties for this example are the same
as those given in Section 9.4.1 because the same
instrumentation was used except for measuring
power. The value of ut has been changed to 0.02 to
reflect this. Table 5 is a tabulation of the data for the
model as well as the full size fan used in this
example. The same procedure used in Section 9.5.1
is used for this example for five arbitrary points on the
fan characteristic curve. These five points are
tabulated below.

Point # 1 2 3 4 5

Qc, m3/s 390 400 410 420 430

Qc, ft3/min 826,371 847,560 868,749 889,938 911,127
Pc, Pa 3625 3585 3535 3470 3395
Pc, in. wg 14.60 14.43 14.23 13.97 13.67
ηt 0.822 0.828 0.830 0.832 0.832

Actual points could also have been used from Table 5.

From these five points, the per unit uncertainty is applied to the three middle points. The upper and lower limits are
tabulated below and plotted on Figure 11.

CURVE A - UPPER AND LOWER LIMITS

Point # 2 3 4

Qf, upper limit, m3/s 403.7 413.8 424.0

Qf, upper limit, ft3/min 855,400 876,801 898,414
Qf, lower limit, m3/s 396.3 406.2 416.0
Qf, lower limit, ft3/min 839,720 860,697 881,462

Point # 2 3 4

Pf, upper limit, Pa 3651 3601 3536

Pf, upper limit, in. wg 14.7 14.5 14.24
Pf, lower limit, Pa 3519 3469 3404
Pf, lower limit, in. wg 14.17 13.97 13.71
ηt, upper limit 0.8554 0.8576 0.8600
ηt, lower limit 0.8005 0.8023 0.8039

40
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

Because the airflow rate and total pressure
corresponding to a part load can always be obtained,
only the fan efficiency for this point needs to be
verified. This can be done by obtaining two test
curves, one on each side of the part load point by
adjusting the controlling device. This data is
summarized in Tables 7 and 8. These two test curves
will intersect a system curve drawn through the part
load point. An uncertainty analysis must now be
made for the corresponding two points of intersection
for the efficiency curves. As before, the three points
that bracket these points of intersection are read from
each fan characteristic curve. These are tabulated
below and plotted on Figure 11.
The upper and lower efficiency limits for the three
points for each of these two curves are tabulated
below and also plotted on Figure 11. These points
must now be connected to form a band that will
bracket the operating range of the system curve.

CURVE B - UPPER AND LOWER LIMITS

Point # 1 2 3 4 5

Qf, m3/s 320 330 340 350 360

Qf, ft3/min 678,048 699,237 720,425 741,615 762,804
η 0.865 0.862 0.853 0.840 0.822
Qf, upper limit, m3/s 333.2 343.4 353.7
Qf, upper limit, ft3/min 706,017 728,266 749,455
Qf, lower limit, m3/s 326.8 336.6 356.3
Qf, lower limit, ft3/min 692,457 713,222 733,775
ηt, upper limit 0.8912 0.8831 0.8701
ηt, lower limit 0.8327 0.8228 0.8094

CURVE C - UPPER AND LOWER LIMITS

Point # 1 2 3 4 5

Qf, m3/s 282 288 294 300 306

Qf, ft3/min 597,530 610,243 622,957 635,670 648,384
η 0.853 0.842 0.839 0.814 0.793
Qf, upper limit, m3/s 291.0 297.2 303.4
Qf, upper limit, ft3/min 616,600 629,737 642,874
Qf, lower limit, m3/s 284.9 290.8 296.6
Qf, lower limit, ft3/min 603,675 616,176 628,466
ηt, upper limit 0.8727 0.8704 0.8450
ηt, lower limit 0.8112 0.8075 0.7829

As can be seen from Figure 11, the specified values for the airflow rate, total pressure, and efficiency are between
the upper and lower limits. The full size fan, when built according to the drawings, will perform as expected.

41
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

.9
+ +
+
+ + ++
+ ++ +
.8 + +++
+ A
EFFICIENCY

B
TEST BLOCK
.7
C

PART LOAD 15

+
+
kPa

in. wg
3

A
TOTAL PRESSURE

10

+
2

N = 890 rpm B
D = 3420 mm (134.65 in.) 5
ρ = 78 kg/m3 (0.0487 lbm/ft3)

C
250 300 350 400 450 m3/s
500 600 700 800 900 1000
1000 CFM
Axial Fan FLOW
Converted data from Table 6-7-8

Figure 11 - Axial Fan Curve with Uncertainty Plotted

42
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

Annex A. Specific Heat Ratio Calculation

The specific heat ratio (γ) of a gas is the ratio of the specific heat of the gas at constant pressure (Cp) to that of the
same gas at a constant volume (Cv). The specific heat ratio of a gas must be determined in order to properly
calculate the compressibility coefficient (Kp) used in the Fan Laws. This annex outlines the procedures to be used

43
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

Annex C. Calculation of Absolute Viscosity

Dynamic similarity requirements are outlined in Section 7 of this document. One requirement for dynamic similarity
is that both the model fan and the full size fan must operate above the Fan Reynolds Number threshold of 3.0 ×
106. The Fan Reynolds Number is calculated using the following formula:

π ND 2 ρ
Re =
60 μ

Values of absolute viscosity to be used in the formula can be obtained from Figure C.1.

Where:

π = 3.14159
Re = Fan Reynolds Number
D = diameter of impeller, m (ft)
N = rotational speed of impeller
ρ = inlet air density, kg/m3 (lbm/ft3)
μ = absolute viscosity, Pa•s (lbm/ft•s)

TEMPERATURE (°C)
0 50 100 150 200 250
20 30

28
18
ABSOLUTE VISCOSITY

26
lbm/ft sec × 10-6

16 R 24
AI S
N•sec/m2
Y
DR GA 22
U E
14 FL
20

12 18

16
10
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
TEMPERATURE (100°F)

Figure C.1 - Calculation of Absolute Viscosity

(Graph adapted from data contained in Steam: Its Generation and Use, 39th edition, 1978, Babcock and
Wilcox Company, Page 3-7, Figure 4)

49
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

Annex D. Diffuser / Evasé Calculations

Most industrial and power plant fan applications have a transition on the fan inlet and a diffuser or evasé on the fan
outlet that connects to the system ductwork. It is important to determine whether the fan manufacturer or the
customer is furnishing the transition or evasé. If these items are furnished by the fan manufacturer, it can be
assumed that he has calculated the total pressure loss or static pressure regain. If these items are furnished by the
customer, it is extremely important to establish whether the fan manufacturer or system designer has calculated
appropriate losses/regain and whether or not this has been included in the overall system resistance.

Realistic values for various diffuser/evasé configurations are given in Figures D.1 and D.2. In model testing, all
parties must agree on these values prior to the start of a test. Agreement on these values may significantly reduce
the cost of any test, since smaller ductwork can be used. If agreement is not possible, then the diffuser/evasé
should be included as part of the model test.

A plane diffuser has a rectangular cross section and two parallel sides. A conical diffuser has a circular cross
section. The performance of any diffuser/evasé depends upon the inlet velocity pressure, the ratio of outlet to inlet
area, the centerline length, and the total included angle of divergence.

Static pressure regain is frequently expressed as a percent of the velocity pressure at the inlet to the diffuser/evasé.
The static pressure regain may be calculated using:

ΔPs = CpPv3 (from Planes 3 - 4)

Where:

Cp is the coefficient of pressure recovery from Figure D.1 or D.2.

The total pressure loss of the diffuser/evasé would be:

ΔPt = (1 - Cp)Pv3 (from Planes 3 - 4)

50
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

PLANE 3 PLANE 4 PLANE 3 PLANE 4

40 40

90

70

50
40

30
20

15

10
30 90 70 50 40 30 30
L
L
20
20 W3 W4
20 R4
15 R3
15 15

6
12
A4/A3 - OUTLET TO INLET AREA RATIO

A4/A3 - OUTLET TO INLET AREA RATIO

10 10
8
8 8
6
6 6

3
90
4 80

2
4 90 80 3 4

70
.35 TO .40 75
3 2 3
70 75
70

50
2.5 2.5
50 70
65

1
30 40
2.0 40 65 2.0
1 60
1.8 1.8 20
30 60 55
1.6 55 20 1.6
50
15 20

20 50
1.4 1.4 45
15 40
1.3 1.3 40
12 6 4 3 2 20 35 20
10

8 1
3

1
6

1.2 1.2
1 1.5 2 3 4 6 8 10 15 20 30 40 60 1 1.5 2 3 4 6 8 10 15 20 30 40 60

L/W3 - LENGTH TO INLET WIDTH RATIO L/R3 - LENGTH TO INLET RADIUS RATIO

Figure D.1 - Plane Diffuser/Evasé Figure D.2 - Conical Diffuser / Evasé

(Rectangular cross-section with (Circular cross-section)
two parallel sides)

Graphs excerpted from Fan Engineering, Buffalo Forge Company, R. Jorgensen, Publication 1983, Page 2-66,
Figure 2.3 and Page 2-68, Figure 2.32.

Coefficients of Pressure Recovery

51
AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

Annex E. Test Uncertainty Calculations

The acceptability of a model test for determining whether a full size fan will perform as expected depends upon the
magnitude of the model test uncertainties. Section 9 explains the procedure to be used in making an analysis of a
model test fan. This annex provides per-unit uncertainties needed to make the appropriate uncertainty analysis.
These per-unit uncertainty tabulations apply only to the example illustrated in Section 9.5.

It is emphasized that these are typical per-unit uncertainties for a particular fan design. New per-unit uncertainties
should be developed for the individual tests being conducted.

The following symbols are used in the test uncertainty analysis and also in the following tabulations:

DP/DQ = slope of fan test curve characteristic

2P/Q = slope of system curve
ux = per unit uncertainty in x
uk = characteristic uncertainty along a system line of the test curve flow and pressure
uk1 = sum of the fan speed and density uncertainty, each term squared
uk2 = product of the correlation factor for flow and the pressure measurement uncertainty, each term squared
uk3 = sum of the pressure measurement uncertainty for flow rate and the flow area and flow traverse
measurement area multiplied by the characteristic uncertainty in the flow rate due to compressibility, each
term squared
uuf = per unit uncertainty in the efficiency
Δx = absolute uncertainty in x
Fx = correlation factor for x
A = area
b = barometric pressure
C = nozzle discharge coefficient
d = dry bulb temperature
f = pressure for fan airflow rate
g = pressure for fan pressure
H = fan power input
K = characteristic
m = maximum
N = fan rotational speed
o = fan power output
P = fan pressure
Q = fan airflow rate
T = torque
w = wet bulb depression
X = generalized quantity
η = fan efficiency
ρ = air density at fan inlet
Kp = compressibility coefficient

52
 AMCA 802-02 (R2008)

APPLICATION OF TEST UNCERTAINTY ANALYSIS WITH 95% CONFIDENCE LEVEL

The following tabulations are per-unit uncertainties to be used in the test uncertainty analysis for specific examples
in Section 9.5. New per-unit uncertainties should be developed for other individual tests being conducted.

EXAMPLE 9.5.1 CENTRIFUGAL FAN

Q P 2P/Q DP/DQ Fp FQ uk1 uk2 uk3 uk uuf

85.00 111.50 2.6235 -1.3300 .66359 .33641 .902×10-5 .365×10-4 .255×10-4 .00842 .02582
80.00 117.60 2.9400 -1.1200 .72414 .27586 .902×10-5 .377×10-4 .178×10-4 .00804 .02468
75.00 122.70 3.2720 -.8900 .78616 .21384 .902×10-5 .398×10-4 .112×10-4 .00775 .02384

Upper and Lower Uncertainty Limits Along Flow Curve

uk Q P Qu Pu Ql Pl
.00842 85.00000 111.50000 85.71612 113.37876 84.28388 109.62124
.00804 80.00000 117.60000 80.64286 119.49002 79.35714 115.70998
.00775 75.00000 122.70000 75.58120 124.60167 74.41880 120.79833

EXAMPLE 9.5.2 AXIAL FAN

CURVE A

Q P 2P/Q DP/DQ Fp FQ uk1 uk2 uk3 uk uuf

42.00 34.70 1.6524 -.7000 .70243 .29757 .902×10-5 .612×10-4 .196×10-4 .00948 .03371
41.00 35.35 1.7244 -.5750 .74993 .25007 .902×10-5 .642×10-4 .140×10-4 .00934 .03336
40.00 35.85 1.7925 -.4500 .79933 .20067 .902×10-5 .676×10-4 .916×10-5 .00926 .03317

Upper and Lower Uncertainty Limits Along Flow Curve

uk Q P Qu Pu Ql Pl
.00948 42.00000 34.70000 42.39808 35.35777 41.60192 34.04223
.00934 41.00000 35.35000 41.38286 36.01020 40.61714 34.68980
.00926 40.00000 35.85000 40.37055 36.51422 39.62945 35.18578

CURVE B

Q P 2P/Q DP/DQ Fp FQ uk1 uk2 uk3 uk uuf

35.00 22.65 1.2943 -1.7400 .42655 .57345 .902×10-5 .283×10-4 .730×10-4 .01050 .03634
34.00 24.38 1.4341 -1.7150 .45540 .54460 .902×10-5 .267×10-4 .669×10-4 .01013 .03537
33.00 26.08 1.5806 -1.4900 .51475 .48525 .902×10-5 .288×10-4 .540×10-4 .00958 .03397

Upper and Lower Uncertainty Limits Along Flow Curve

uk Q P Qu Pu Ql Pl
.01050 35.00000 22.65000 35.36764 23.12583 34.63236 22.17417
.01013 34.00000 24.38000 34.34439 24.87390 33.65561 23.88610
.00958 33.00000 26.08000 33.31622 26.57982 32.68378 25.58018

CURVE C

Q P 2P/Q DP/DQ Fp FQ uk1 uk2 uk3 uk uuf

30.00 16.85 1.1233 -2.2500 .33300 .66700 .902×10-5 .183×10-4 .983×10-4 .01121 .03819
29.40 18.20 1.2381 -2.2500 .35495 .64505 .902×10-5 .174×10-4 .929×10-4 .01092 .03744
28.80 19.55 1.3576 -2.1667 .38522 .61478 .902×10-5 .174×10-4 .854×10-4 .01057 .03653

Upper and Lower Uncertainty Limits Along Flow Curve

uk Q P Qu Pu Ql Pl
.01121 30.00000 16.85000 30.33626 17.22774 29.66374 16.47226
.01092 29.40000 18.20000 29.72117 18.59764 29.07883 17.80236
.01057 28.80000 19.55000 29.10453 19.96345 28.49547 19.13655

53
 AIR MOVEMENT AND CONTROL
ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL, INC.
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The Air Movement and control Association International, Inc. is a not-for-profit international association of the
world’s manufacturers of related air system equipment primarily, but limited to: fans, louvers, dampers, air
curtains, airflow measurement stations, acoustic attenuators, and other air system components for the industrial,
commercial and residential markets.