Constructing a centrifugal fan #1

A centrifugal fan is essential for running a downdraught gasifier. However, searching for a fan can almost be impossible or too expensive if you are lucky enough to find one. After purchasing How to Design and Build Centrifugal Fans enough information is at hand to build a fan from scrap materials.

In the picture below we can see one side of a fan cut out of a piece of plywood. The correct dimensions for the fan required are taken from the book.

In the next picture we can see two plywood framing pieces cut out for both sides of the fan. Below the framing pieces a sheet of light gauge steel has been cut from a vegetable oil can that will act as a shield to protect the plywood.

Centrifugal fans

Probably the hardest task, when making a gasifier, is the blowing/suction fan. Thanks to the famous Gingery engineering family there is help at hand. How to Design & Build Centrifugal Fans for the Home Shop is packed with everything you need to know about constructing the right fan for the task at hand.

There are five chapters; fundamentals, design, construction, testing & measurement and applications.

After experimenting with various fans, that were woefully underpowered, I am sure this new book acquisition will help me to build the right fan. The applications chapter even has details on building a cyclone separator, ideal for cleaning ash out of your wood gas.

The book can be bought from Amazon - How to Design and Build Centrifugal Fans