Side Channel Blowers: How to Choose

A side channel blower (also called a regenerative or ring blower) is a robust, oil-free air pump. It moves a large volume of air at a steady pressure or vacuum, runs relatively quietly and has just one moving part, so it needs very little maintenance and tends to last for years. The same machine can either blow air (pressure) or draw a vacuum (suction), which makes it a versatile choice across aeration, conveying, vacuum handling and drying jobs.

If you are not sure which model you need, work through the questions below and then use the filters to narrow the range.

1. What is the job: blowing or sucking?

Decide whether you mainly need to push air (pressure) or pull air (vacuum). Most side channel blowers do both, but each model is stronger at one or the other. As a rough guide, aeration, agitation, pneumatic conveying and air knives need pressure, while vacuum lifting, hold-down tables, extraction and packaging need vacuum. Compare the "Max pressure" and "Max vacuum" figures on each product.

2. How much air do you need to move?

Airflow is measured in cubic metres per hour (m³/h). A bigger number means the blower shifts more air. If you are aerating a large tank or running several outlets, you will want a higher airflow. For a single small process, a compact unit is usually plenty.

3. How much pressure or vacuum do you need?

Pressure and vacuum are measured in millibar (mbar). The higher the figure, the harder the blower can push or pull. If air has to travel through long pipe runs, fine diffusers or deep water, you will need more pressure or vacuum to overcome the resistance.

4. Single stage or double stage?

A single-stage blower favours a high, steady volume of airflow. A double (two-stage) blower develops noticeably more pressure and vacuum for a similar size, so choose double stage when the job needs more push or pull rather than sheer volume of air.

5. Single phase or three phase?

Single-phase units run from an ordinary mains supply and are easy to install without special wiring, which suits smaller and lighter-duty jobs. Three-phase units are for industrial installations and cover the larger, higher-output models. Check what electrical supply you have available before ordering.

6. Connection (port) size

The port size is the threaded connection where the pipework attaches, given in inches BSP (for example 1¼", 2" or 4"). Match it to your existing pipework and fittings, or plan your pipework around it. Larger machines have larger ports.

7. Noise and weight

Sound level is shown in dB(A): lower is quieter. If the blower will sit near people, this is worth checking. Weight is listed in kilograms and gives a sense of how easy the unit is to handle and mount.

A quick word on the ranges

The standard H-series covers general-purpose blowing and vacuum duties from compact single-phase units up to large three-phase machines. The G-series is built for higher pressure and vacuum where the job demands extra performance. Within each range, the larger the model size number, the bigger and more powerful the machine.

Do not forget the accessories

An inlet filter keeps dust and debris out of the pump and helps it last longer, and a pressure relief valve protects the machine if a pipe becomes blocked. Both are recommended on most installations.

Still unsure? Get in touch with the details of your application (what you are moving, over what distance, and the flow, pressure or vacuum you need) and we will help you match the right blower.