Archives: Industrial Fans
What is the lead time for ebm-papst fans?
ACI does keep many of ebm papst’s products in stock. If they are not in stock lead times can be upto 8 weeks and there might also be a minimum order quantity (typically x 10) imposed.
Can your industrial fans be mounted outside?
Not all of our fan units can withstand ‘outside’ use. However, we do offer various levels of specifications and appropriate enclosures that would allow this.
Archives: JetBlack
What is the difference between JetBlack & Compressed Air Guns?
The major difference between ACI’s JetBlack and compressed air driven nozzles/guns is the difference is air pressure and volume.
Typically compressed air is high pressure, low volume air, whilst the air produced by the JetBlack is high volume, low pressure (i.e. 2.52PSI/70In.Swg)
Is it possible to have a demonstration of the JetBlack?
Within the UK mainland we can arrange an on-site demo. Additionally SOR (Sales or Return) units are available – for either option please contact our Sales Department – [email protected] or call +44 (0)1297 529242
Can the JetBlack be used in an ATEX (explosive) environment?
No, not as standard.
Can the JetBlack be used outside?
Yes it can with the appropriate enclosure for protection – see https://www.aircontrolindustries.com/health-safety/jetblack-takes-cover/
Archives: Purchasing
Archives: Service & Maintenance
Archives: Systems
Do you supply air knives with different slot widths?
Standard slot width is 1mm – the width of the slot will be determined by your application and determined by the Sales Engineer. Although slot widths are adjustable ACI would not recommend customers carrying out any changes to these.
Can I use my own freight company?
Can I test the system before I place an order?
Can I test the system before
Archives: Are all of your fans available as stock items
No. Not all of our fans are stock items as much of what ACI manufactures is customised. However our standard lead times are typically less than 5 days (excluding ATEX fans).
Archives: Can I test the fan before I place an order?
Archives: Can I test the system before I place an order?
Can I test the system before
Archives: Can I use my own freight company?
Archives: Can the JetBlack be used in an ATEX (explosive) environment?
No, not as standard.
Archives: Can the JetBlack be used outside?
Yes it can with the appropriate enclosure for protection – see https://www.aircontrolindustries.com/health-safety/jetblack-takes-cover/
Archives: Can you recommend someone who can repair my fan?
Archives: Can your industrial fans be mounted outside?
Not all of our fan units can withstand ‘outside’ use. However, we do offer various levels of specifications and appropriate enclosures that would allow this.
Archives: Do you accept credit cards as a form of payment?
Archives: Do you repair fans?
Archives: Do you supply air knives with different slot widths?
Standard slot width is 1mm – the width of the slot will be determined by your application and determined by the Sales Engineer. Although slot widths are adjustable ACI would not recommend customers carrying out any changes to these.
Archives: I have one of your industrial fans. How can I identify the fan model?
There should be a label on all of our fans.
If you can provide us with the product code and/or the serial number we can easily identify the unit.
Alternatively, contact us and one of our application engineers should be able to identify the fan from your order history.
Archives: Is it possible to have a demonstration of the JetBlack?
Within the UK mainland we can arrange an on-site demo. Additionally SOR (Sales or Return) units are available – for either option please contact our Sales Department – [email protected] or call +44 (0)1297 529242
Archives: What is the difference between JetBlack & Compressed Air Guns?
Archives: What is the lead time for ebm-papst fans?
Archives: Where can I find 2D / 3D drawings of your industrial fans?
ACI Fan FAQs
What type of fans does ACI manufacture?
ACI manufactures predominantly high quality curved forward bladed centrifugal fans which are available in single, three phase, DC, or 400Hz; and ATEX rated versions. An extensive range of radial bladed units is also available.
What range of volumes can ACI industrial fans convey?
Volume rates up to 212,000 m³/hr (360,000CFM)
What are the maximum pressures ACI fans can produce?
Pressures up to 300Mbar (120 In.Swg)
What materials are your fans typically constructed from?
ACI fans are typically manufactured from cast aluminium or sheet steel – unpainted or powder coated. Other options include Stainless Steel 304 and 316.
Where are ACI fans manufactured?
Our fans are manufactured in our main facility which is based in Devon, UK. However some of our North American customers are taking advantage of our manufacturing facility in Maine. All of the fans built here are designed in the UK and are manufactured to full UK specifications and designs.
Does my fan have to comply with ATEX?
Yes if it is installed in an onshore zoned area within the EU. Many of our international customers are adopting ATEX as good practice.
What exactly is ATEX?
ATEX 94/9/EC is the directive on equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Can ACI certify fans?
Yes, ACI has been producing fans to the ATEX requirements for Group II equipment with gas and dust hazards for many years and is now one of the leading fan manufacturers in Europe.
Is ATEX a legal requirement?
As of the 1 July 2003 the directive became EU law and any equipment, electrical or mechanical for installation within the EU member states must now comply.
ATEX Fans - where do I start?
As part of the ATEX Directive we have a duty to liaise with our customers and obtain particular information to enable us to select fans of the correct category and certification to satisfy application requirements. To assist you with your enquiries and to help us formulate an appropriate proposal, we offer our ATEX Fan Enquiry Form for completion and submission – this acts as a basis to discuss and agree your requirements.
What industries do ACI supply?
ACI currently supply fan units into many applications and industries including:
Oil and Gas, Combustion, Food and Beverage, Paper, Steel, Textiles, Rubber and Plastics and many more.
View our applications page for further information.
Can ACI provide spares?
At ACI we can provide all spares and accessories for any of our fan units.
Can ACI replace other manufacturers fan units?
Yes, we can probably offer an alternative and would be pleased to have a chat about the performance details of the fan you require. Please call 44 (0)1297 529 242.
Can you work to large specification and stringent requirements?
At ACI we have a dedicated project department consisting of experienced technical engineers and draughtsmen; set up and trained to handle large specifications and customer requirements that call for most stringent of details.
My company is not based in the UK – how do I purchase a fan from you?
ACI has an extensive Distributor Network. If we do not have representation in your country, ACI will be happy to deal directly with you.
What are ACI's standard lead times?
For our standard fans/blowers we generally have a lead time of 2-3 weeks depending on how busy we are. Bespoke products generally have a lead time of 4-7 weeks including the design dependent on the complexity. We never promise what we think we cannot deliver, so we will keep you informed every step of the development.
Do ACI offer customised products?
At ACI we can design, manufacture and install any customised product to fit your requirements. We will even visit your company site to carry out an evaluation of required use.
What happens if my fan is damaged?
If your fan has been damaged in any way then please call ACI, stating the serial number that is printed on the fan label. We will then arrange to collect the fan (U.K. only) and inspect the damage and inform you of the action to be taken.
What is the relationship between ebm-papst and ACI?
ACI is a privately owned company that has worked with ebm papst for many years, and since 1999 has been an official UK Distributor for them in the area of Industrial Engineering.
Does ACI supply ebm-papst’s entire product portfolio?
ACI stocks and sells the complete range of ebm-papst products and specialises in supplying air delivery / extraction solutions for industrial applications, process engineering, catering and filtration systems. A selection of ebm-papst products are also available to buy online – please visit our online shop.
Can ACI supply ebm-papst's product outside of the UK?
No we cannot – ACI are only a UK Distributor in the area of Industrial Engineering. To locate your nearest ebm-papst distributor, please visit the ebm-papst website
Are there minimum order quantities applicable to ebm-papst products?
Yes there are – Minimum Order Quantities or MOQ’s may exist for certain part numbers if products are not held in stock. You will need to contact ACI’s Sales Department if you have a particular request or enquiry.
Where can I find ebm-papst user manuals?
ebm-papst user manuals are available to download from the ebm-papst website. To download a user manual, please click here.
System Solutions FAQs
Can ACI offer on-site demonstrations of their products?
Yes, ACI can offer any company based on the UK mainland a free demonstration of its air knife systems, as well as other selected products such as the JetBlack and LINE-Dry units. If your company is based outside of the UK, ACI are able to assess the success of our drying systems on your product as we have an extensive test area at our main factory site in Devon, UK. For either service, please contact our Sales Department.
Is an ACI Air Knife System going to be expensive?
Each air knife system is specifically engineered for your project to meet your application needs along with the reduction of energy or reduction of compressed air. ACI air knife systems typically offer a Return on Investment (ROI) within less than 6 months.
Does ACI offer an installation service?
Yes, ACI can offer installation for UK mainland installations if required. The average system (including blower, air knives or manifolds) should be able to be installed within an 8 hour shift. The line will need to be shut down for most systems installs and multiple systems or multiple lines will take longer. For questions or more information on installation please contact us.
How do I order replacement parts?
All of our scheduled maintenance parts (Belts, Filter, Blower Heads) are in stock and ready to ship. If you are in a line down situation and in need of a blower head, we can typically get one out the same day if the purchase order (PO) or payment is received before 11am. Most other parts will be despatched within 3-5 days of the received PO or payment.
How much maintenance does the blower require?
Regular visual checks maintenance will make your blower last for many years. Any time the blower is serviced, confirm the motor and blower direction of rotation as marked on the blower, plate and motor. An incorrectly fitted or tensioned belt will cause vibration, belt ware and bearing failure at the pulley side of the blower. A bad belt can cause vibration, dust and a heating problem at the pulley end of the blower. Poor filtration will affect the quality of the process air. It will cause a build-up of air borne material on the impeller and scroll clearance, thus creating bearing failure and lock up of the blower.
What do I do if there is a blower head failure?
ACI do not recommend to customers to rebuild blowers outside of our own facility. Our blowers go through precision balancing processes. If the blower is not precision balanced when rebuilt, there is a danger of the blower breaking apart and causing personal injury to anyone in the immediate area.
Normally a quote on the cost of the repair is sent to our customers within 48 hours after receiving the failed blower head. The standard lead time for the repair is 3-5 business days after receipt of the repair order.
JetBlack FAQs
Is compressed air dangerous when used to remove debris from clothing?
Very serious injuries, sometimes fatal, have occurred when the nozzle of a compressed-air gun has been pointed towards the body, even at some distance from it. Many of the injuries occur when clothing is dusted down and because of this compressed air should never be used for cleaning clothing. Others are the result of horseplay. Read about the dangers of compressed air.
What happens if compressed air enters the blood stream?
- Compressed air accidentally blown into the mouth can rupture the lungs, stomach or intestines
- Compressed air can enter the navel, even through a layer of clothing, and inflate and rupture the intestines
- Compressed air can enter the bloodstream, and death is possible if it makes its way to blood vessels in the brain
How much compressed-air pressure is considered safe?
As little as 12 pounds of compressed air pressure can blow an eye out of its socket. If an air pocket reaches the heart, it causes symptoms similar to a heart attack. Upon reaching the brain, pockets of air may lead to a stroke.
Why is ACI’s JetBlack considered safe for personnel cleaning operations?
It works on the simple principle of high volume airflow (500ft/sec, 58cfm), at low pressure (2.5PSIG). The lower pressure means ACI’s JetBlack can be safely aimed at virtually any part of the body (except eyes and ears); even direct contact with skin poses no hazard.
What happens to the dust when it is removed?
Any dust or contaminant removed/blown off from clothing will be airborne. Although this is not ideal, the JetBlack was designed to simply remove the danger of employees using compressed air for this process. However, if the dust is also harmful to employees, ACI offer full body cleaning booths which are fitted with extraction systems.
