Ventilation systems are the hidden engines behind safe, breathable, and comfortable work environments—especially in industrial, commercial, or lab-based settings. Among these systems, inline fans play a vital role in moving large volumes of air through ducts while maintaining efficiency and minimizing noise.
What Are Inline Fans?
Inline fans are mounted directly within a duct system, rather than at the start or end of the air path. This design helps maintain steady airflow across long distances or complex duct layouts. These fans are commonly used in systems that require air movement without disruption to the duct line or external fan mounting.
Types of Inline Mixed Flow Fans
Inline fans come in different types based on airflow capacity, pressure requirements, and design structure. Two commonly used models are the RFD and WMX series—both of which are classified as Mixed Flow Inline Fans.
1. RFD – Inline Tube Mixed Flow Fans
- Blade Type: Mixed-flow blades with integrated guide vanes
- Drive System: Direct driven motor for efficient power transfer
- Diameter Range: 100 mm to 500 mm
- Airflow Capacity: Up to 27,000 m³/hr
- Pressure Capability: Up to 250 mm-wg (millimeter water gauge)
Application Insight:
These fans are ideal for medium-scale ventilation needs, such as small industrial setups, commercial spaces, or ducted HVAC systems that require moderate air exchange with minimal noise.
2. WMX – Inline Mixed Flow Fans
- Blade Type: Mixed-flow blades with integrated guide vanes
- Drive System: Direct driven
- Diameter Range: 250 mm to 1000 mm
- Airflow Capacity: Up to 80,000 m³/hr
- Pressure Capability: Up to 300 mm-wg
Application Insight:
These are suited for larger industrial applications where powerful airflow is needed across wide duct networks—such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, or cleanrooms.
What Makes Mixed Flow Fans Unique?
Mixed flow fans blend the features of axial and centrifugal fans, giving them the ability to:
- Move air in a straight line like axial fans
- Build higher pressure like centrifugal fans
- Operate with lower noise levels
- Fit efficiently inside duct systems
This hybrid approach makes them highly effective for systems requiring both strong airflow and moderate pressure within space constraints.
Typical Use Cases
- Industrial ventilation systems
- Commercial HVAC ductwork
- Laboratory exhausts
- Process cooling or fume extraction
- Cleanroom or dust control systems
Understanding the role of inline mixed flow fans is important for engineers, HVAC professionals, and facility managers who want to design effective and efficient air systems. With their compact design and high-performance output, they offer a reliable solution for balanced airflow and pressure control in demanding environments.