Axial Fan VS Centrifugal Fan: All You Need To Know
Axial and centrifugal fans are both widely used in industrial ventilation, but they are designed for very different operating conditions.
If you need high airflow in open or low-resistance environments, an axial fan is typically the best choice.
If you need to overcome resistance (ducts, filters, fume extraction, dirty air or pressure losses), a centrifugal fan is usually the right solution
On this page, we will discuss:
A Comparison Between Axial Fans And Centrifugal Fans
When it comes to ventilation systems, industries and commercial activities face a critical choice between axial and centrifugal fans. Let’s have a look at the main advantages of both these solutions.
All The Advantages Of Axial Fans
The definition of axial fans, also known as propeller fans, describes them as an ideal solution for warehouses and commercial buildings. They are suitable for applications, both in small and large environments, where high airflow is required. These fans are favoured for general cooling and ventilation purposes due to their energy efficiency.
Another advantage that should not be overlooked is their maintenance. As a matter of fact, their simple design facilitates cleaning on a regular basis, preserving the mechanism of the axial fan over the years.
However, axial fans tend to produce more noise than centrifugal fans. For this reason, they are not located in noise-sensitive areas that can be affected by this technical feature.
Pros And Cons Of Centrifugal Fans
Centrifugal fans, also known as blowers, immediately differ from axial fans as they are more suitable for scenarios where air needs to be displaced under high-pressure. In this case, this solution is more appropriate in contexts such as air filtration systems, cooling towers, and several industrial processes.
Notably versatile, they can manage a wide range of airflow and pressure levels. Due to their robust structure, centrifugal fans can perform well even in environments with harsh conditions.
Another difference between blowers and axial fans is that they can operate more quietly. For this reason, this is a preferred solution in noise-sensitive working scenarios.
Nevertheless, centrifugal fans have their downsides, such as a complex design and, consequently, more maintenance operations.
There are many centrifugal fan models, including airfoil, backward-curved, forward-curved, and radial blades, each standing apart for the angle of their blades.
Key comparison table
| Feature | Axial fan | Centrifugal fan |
| Airflow direction | Straight-through (parallel to shaft) | 90° angle (radial discharge) |
| How air moves | Air is drawn in line with the shaft and propelled outward in the same direction | Air is moved radially thanks to centrifugal force generated by the impeller |
| Air volume | Higher (large volumes) | Lower vs axial at same size (more focused) |
| Max flow rate | up to 830,000 m³/h | up to 500,000 m³/h |
| Pressure capability | Lower | Higher |
| Max static pressure | up to 5,000 Pa | up to 25,000 Pa |
| Best performance | High airflow in low pressure conditions | Higher pressure airflow against resistance |
| Typical use cases | Ideal when low-pressure, large volumes of clean air must be moved | Effective in systems like filtration, ducts, dust/fume extraction |
| Size/weight | More compact and with a simpler structure | Heavier construction and more complex structure |
Would you like to know more about CBI Group’s centrifugal and axial fans?
Contact us for more information!
Axial vs centrifugal fan performance
One of the most practical ways to choose between an axial fan and a centrifugal fan is to compare flow rate (m³/h) and static pressure (Pa), evaluated at the same working point, not just by fan size.
Flow rate (m³/h) indicates the volume of air moved over time, Static pressure (Pa) describes the fan’s ability to overcome system resistance (ducts, filters, bends).
Axial Fans
Axial fans are designed for high-airflow applications in environments such as warehouses, commercial buildings, nuclear industries, tunnels, and metro systems. Their compact structure makes them effective for general ventilation, air renewal, and cooling, especially in large industrial spaces.
They also offer an advantage in maintenance: the simple design makes cleaning and inspection easier, helping preserve performance over time.
CBI axial fan series reach:
- Flow rate up to 830,000 m³/h (AXL Series)
- Pressure up to 5,000 Pa (AXL Series)
Other axial series examples shown in the product portfolio include:
- GAV and GAX Series: up to 300,000 m³/h and up to 1,000 Pa
- GAT Series: up to 500,000 m³/h and up to 600 Pa
- EFA Series: up to 480,000 m³/h and up to 1,800 Pa
Centrifugal Fans
Centrifugal fans are designed for applications that require higher static pressure and more stable performance when the airflow must overcome resistance.
They are commonly used in systems involving ductwork, filtration units, extraction lines, and industrial processes, where pressure losses and restrictions are expected. Thanks to their robust design, centrifugal fans can handle harsher operating conditions and a wider range of applications, often offering better control of airflow when installed in complex systems.
Their construction is typically more complex than axial fans, meaning maintenance may require more attention depending on the configuration and the working environment. There are several centrifugal fan types (airfoil, backward-curved, forward-curved, radial blades), each designed for specific needs.
CBI centrifugal fan ranges include:
- Flow rate up to 500,000 m³/h
- Pressure up to 25,000 Pa (S Series)
Other centrifugal performance highlights from the portfolio include:
- M Series: up to 340,000 m³/h and up to 18,000 Pa
- RT Series: up to 160,000 m³/h and up to 12,000 Pa
- EVO Series: up to 320,000 m³/h and up to 11,000 Pa
- H Series: up to 10,000 m³/h and up to 15,000 Pa
How to choose an axial or centrifugal fan
To make the right choice between axial and centrifugal fans, focus on how much resistance your system creates and what your performance target is.
Decision checklist
| Choose an axial fan if you need: | Choose a centrifugal fan if you need: |
| Maximum airflow volume | Higher static pressure |
| Low-resistance environments | Ductwork or filtration systems |
| Large volumes at low pressure | Performance in resistance-heavy environments |
| More compact and with a simpler structure | Effective extraction for dust, fumes, or dirty air |
About The Axial Fan VS Centrifugal Fan’s Working Principle
Gaining an in-depth knowledge of the working principles of both axial and centrifugal fans is crucial for insights about their mechanism, how air interacts with blades, and which model is most suitable for specific applications and environments.
Axial Fans
In this case, air is drawn in line with the shaft and then propelled outwards in a parallel direction. This operating mechanism is particularly effective in situations which require to displace large volumes of air, whilst maintaining a compact structure space-wise. They also deliver a high flow rate at a relatively low pressure.
Centrifugal Fans
Conversely, centrifugal fans expel air at a 90-degree angle to the intake direction. The air movement is accomplished through centrifugal force generated by rotating impellers, displacing air radially. This design facilitates the creation of a higher pressure airflow, with a significant effect over operations inside filtration, drying, or HVAC systems.
Naturally, it is fundamental to opt for a fan aligned with the type of application based on the volume of air, pressure rate, and environmental conditions.
CBI configurations and special executions
CBI can customize fans with special executions depending on fluids (dirty, corrosive, acidic), operating temperatures and safety requirements.
All of these executions can apply to both centrifugal and axial fans, except for the polypropylene execution (not available for axial).
Special executions CBI can provide include:
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ATEX-compliant fans for severe atmospheres, on request
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Insulated execution (acoustic + thermal attenuation)
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AISI stainless steel and galvanizing for corrosion resistance
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High-temperature fans up to 400°C (and up to 700°C in special cases)
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Acid/chemical resistance, including scroll casing solutions in plastic materials (PVDF, PP)
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ECTFE coating on parts in contact with the fluid
CBI Group operates with a strong industrial footprint and a dedicated service division, with headquarters and production based in Monza and facilities specialized in assistance and heavy-duty solutions. The company works under a certified quality system compliant with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards and has the capability to build equipment in accordance with specific guidelines. CBI also provides full lifecycle support, including installation, commissioning, maintenance, revamping, diagnostics, and spare parts.
Would you like to know more about our centrifugal and axial fans?
Contact us for more information!