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STRAIT TALK

ALL THINGS FAN FROM THE MIND OF JOHN STRAIT

Pick Carefully: Getting Airflow in Pick Modules

12/10/2020

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PICK CAREFULLY:
GETTING AIRFLOW IN PICK MODULES

Walk into any large distribution center and you’ll notice one thing right away: scores of multilevel pick modules. These configurations allow for quick movement of material from shelf to shipping. However, like any other workspace, these areas are in desperate need of air movement. But, with such a small area, is meaningful airflow even possible? Why, yes… yes, it is! I implore you to read on!

Pick modules need air moved quickly from one end to the other. Proper airflow also ensures all aisles are moving air in the same direction. This direction should take into account any large, wall-mounted supply and exhaust fans that may be present (always want to accelerate air from supply to exhaust). Fans at the end of the aisles can be turned sideways – helping to generate airflow around the pick module’s perimeter.

With these airflow parameters in mind, high velocity rack mount fans offer the best solution. No other fan is going to provide the velocity and throw distance needed to effectively move the stagnant air of a pick module aisle. And if noise or headroom is an issue, take a look at Patterson’s DB fan, specifically designed with pick modules in mind. The DB delivers quiet performance and a lower profile, perfect for this unique type of workspace.

So how many fans, and what size should they be? The answer depends on a number of factors. First, fans should be sized such that they do not interfere with everyday work activity (sizing rules do not apply to the DB fan). Then, space your fans such that one fan accelerates the air from its predecessor in the aisle. A good rule of thumb is to place the next fan when the previous fan’s airspeed slows to 2-3 mph. Fan size (air throw distance) and aisle length (fan spacing) will determine the optimum number of fans per aisle.

Looking for more fan knowledge? Maybe you’d like to try one, risk-free? Great! Take a look at Patterson’s 30-Day Fan Demo Program! With Patterson’s 30+ years of fan expertise in your corner, stagnant air will be a thing of the past!

THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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Spin Your Hat Backwards, But Not Your Fan!

10/15/2020

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​Whelp, summer’s over. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but hey… there’s always next year! So, along with football season and colorful fall foliage comes the return of colder weather. As we’ve discussed before (Strait Talk, February 2015), this is the time of year when your HVLS fans really start returning on their investment by lowering heating costs. But don’t be like all those other jabronis that continue to spin their fans in reverse. Why? Let’s discuss further!
 
As we learned all the way back in February 2015, the most efficient way to destratify air is to spin your fans slowly in the forward direction. This will mix the air vertically, giving you a warmer overall temperature profile ceiling to floor. So why not use reverse? Doesn’t it work for home ceiling fans? The answer is yes, but there’s a reason it works in a residential setting: the fan is usually much closer to walls. Also, most house fans do not have a forward setting slow enough to not create a breeze. So running them in reverse not only mixes the air, it keeps those in the room from getting chilly.
 
The same is not true in a warehouse or other industrial setting. Since HVLS fans are best used in large, open areas, they are generally not near walls. Because of this, running them in reverse results in lower air mixing efficiency, and can increase the time needed to equalize the floor to ceiling temperature. Proper destratification involves spinning your fans in the forward direction at a speed fast enough to move air, but slow enough that it does not create a discernible breeze.
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So what’s the moral of the story? You never need to use the reverse direction on your fans – just vary your speeds from season to season. Turn them up in the summer to create a cooling breeze, and dial them back in the winter to destratify. Seriously… how easy is that?!
 
Looking for more helpful fan knowledge? It’s only a phone call away! Talk to the fan experts at Patterson today – before the real cold weather sets in! You could be well on your way to saving 25-30% on your heating bills!*
 
*Actual savings depend on heating costs, size of facility, number of fans, and other factors.
CHECK OUT OUR HVLS FAN LINE HERE

THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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Wash Your Fans!

5/7/2020

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WASH YOUR HANDS, WASH YOUR FANS!
THE EFFECTS OF DIRT BUILDUP ON FANS

With businesses opening back up, cleanliness doesn’t only apply to the health of employees, it also applies to the health and performance of your Patterson high velocity fans! While built to last in the most rugged conditions, cleaning your fans regularly can add years to their life, cut down on replacement costs, and even save you money on energy consumption. Here’s why:

Over time, dirt will begin to build up on two major areas: the guard behind the motor and the fan blade itself. If left untreated, this can lead to a number of issues. First, a fan guard caked with dirt will not allow proper airflow over the motor, causing it to heat up as well as increase its amp draw. Higher amp draws mean greater energy consumption, which in turn leads to higher electric bills… And no sane person wants that.

Dirt on the fan blade can be equally as troubling. Since the motor and blade are designed to function as one unit, any sort of buildup can cause an imbalance in the blade’s rotation. This can place constant stress on the rotor (due to fan blade “wobble”), and in some cases cause a fatigue crack on a blade paddle.

So, as we prepare for another hot summer, be sure to take a moment to clean your Patterson high velocity fans. Your maintenance budget will thank you!
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Steps to create a clean, healthy, and productive fan:

  • Remove fan guard.
  • Clean the fan of all dust, dirt, and grease.
  • Replace and enjoy!

THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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Wet Concrete Floors? No Sweat!

3/11/2020

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WET CONCRETE FLOORS?
NO SWEAT!

It’s that wonderful time of year when we transition to cooler mornings with much warmer daytime temperatures. Often this leads to unwanted moisture, both in the air and on the floor. How do we deal with trying times like these?! Why, with fans of course! Curious? Read on, gentle patron!
 
Control Moisture: Keep Your Facility Dry
 
Ever heard the term “sweating slab syndrome?” This is caused when a cool concrete surface meets warm, humid air, resulting in condensation (much like a glass of ice water on a hot summer day). Wet concrete is a major slip and fall hazard for both workers and forklifts. Continuous use of high velocity and HVLS fans will increase the evaporation rate, allowing surfaces to dry quickly (in some cases, it may prevent the moisture altogether).
 
Control Humidity: Keep Your Ceiling-to-Floor Temperature Consistent
 
High velocity and HVLS fans can help reduce humidity by continually redistributing air and, in turn, evaporating the moisture caught in the air. Protect machinery, product, and the building from corrosion by strategically placing fans throughout the facility. Keep the air moving and the humidity in check!
 
Have more questions? Not sure how to get started? That’s why we’re here! Reach out to Patterson today and be well on your way to a safer, drier, and healthier workplace!

THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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A New Year Just Blew In

1/10/2019

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A NEW YEAR JUST BLEW IN

We hope you're reinvigorated and getting started on planning your year, or if you're really good, you’ve already started on projects! The beginning of the year is also a perfect time to evaluate your ventilation needs. You may already have a list of what must be replaced, added, or upgraded, and are already deciding project timelines and goals. This is good! If not, you may need a bit of help figuring out the right amount of fresh air to get moving through your facility so you know what products to get. This is where we can help. It’s vital to your employees’ safety, comfort, and productivity to get the bad air out and the fresh air in.    
 
So, how do you accurately calculate your ventilation needs? It starts by determining the rate at which you need to completely replenish the volume of air in a given room. This is known as an air turnover (or air change) rate and is usually expressed as number of air changes per hour (although it can sometimes be seen as “minutes per air change”). The number of air changes needed ultimately depends on the type of facility or the work being done in a particular area.  For example, a typical warehouse should change air approximately 12 times an hour, though this can vary between 6 and 30.  By contrast, a garage needs to replenish its air 20 times in an hour to protect employees against heat buildup and noxious fumes.
 
Once the air change rate is determined, we can proceed with our calculation. For purposes of this article, we’ll make the math easy (because… hey… who doesn’t love easy math?!). Let’s say you have a 100’ x 100’ building with a 25’ ceiling height.  Based on the work being done, we’ve decided on 12 air changes every hour. Your calculation would look like this:
 
100’ x 100’ x 25’     =      250,000 ft³ 
                                              60/12         =    50,000 CFM
 
Based on our calculation above, you would need to move 50,000 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM) through your facility in order to achieve 12 complete air changes an hour.
 
Being responsible for ventilation in your facility doesn’t have to be difficult. So now that you know your ventilation needs, what’s next? Why not call Patterson?! We have the people, the products, and the knowledge to help you build the ventilation system of your dreams! And be sure to check out our new ventilation brochure. It’s packed full of product specs, proper placement suggestions, and more!
CHECK OUT OUR NEW VENTILATION CATALOG
SUPPLY & EXHAUST FANS

THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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New Year, New Thoughts

1/17/2018

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So, hopefully by now you’ve recovered from all the holiday gaiety.  And, yes, many of you across the country are looking out your windows at snow and sub-zero temperatures.  But guess what?  That snow and cold will soon be replaced by sunshine and warmer temperatures.  Since you know it’s coming, what better time than now to assess your fan needs and perform maintenance on the ones you have?!

Planning out your fan needs during the winter months is a great way to get a head start on the inevitable hot, stagnant air brought by summer.  Has your facility expanded in the last few months?  Are there any areas that weren’t addressed last year?  Have any new processes been introduced?  Discussing these and other fundamental questions with your Patterson sales rep will yield myriad solution possibilities, and show your employees that you’re thinking ahead when it comes to their health and safety!

What about the fans you already have?  Well, now is the perfect time to make sure they’re working properly.  Clean fan guards and blades.  Tighten mounting bolts.  Check electrical connections and overall functionality.  Something not working quite right?  No problem!  Give us a call!  We’ll make sure you get the correct parts to keep those fans running smoothly when they’re needed most!

Whether it’s new fans or maintaining old ones, call Patterson now to ensure your facility has the coolest summer ever!

CALL 800-768-3985 OR

FIND YOUR SALES REP HERE!

THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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Cool and Efficient: Tips When Ordering/Installing Your Fans

6/8/2017

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COOL AND EFFICIENT:
TIPS WHEN ORDERING/INSTALLING YOUR FANS

Check the calendar.  Guess what?  It’s June.  What does that mean?  It’s going to get hot very soon (if it hasn’t already).  What else does it mean?  You’re going to want fans for your facility – lots of them – quickly.  Not only do you need them fast, you need them mounted and installed fast, too.  Well, we here at Strait Talk (and, yes, Patterson too) also have these goals, and we want to help you avoid any “hiccups” in the process.  So, whether it’s placing an order or tightening the last bolt, here are some tips to “breeze” through your Patterson experience!

  • What is your application?  Are you trying to move air down aisles, pick modules, mezzanines, or in trailers?  Then take a look at Patterson’s line of high velocity fans or the new db.  Open areas?  Think about the High-5 HVLS ceiling fan.  Small area cooling?  Patterson’s Fabric Air Ducts, Drum Fans, Cage Fans, and Evaporative Spot Coolers will do the job.
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  • Know your electrical source.  Is it single phase or three phase power?  277 Volt?  Ordering the right motor type will save time, money, and the hassle of returns/reshipments.
  • Will your desired fan fit in the designated area?  If you’re not sure, take some measurements and give your Patterson sales rep a call to discuss.  That’s what they’re here for!
  • So your fans have arrived….great!  Now what?  Well, as a wise man (my father) once said, “When all else fails, read the instructions.”  Take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with any installation instructions that came with your fan or fan mount.  If you ordered a High-5, pay special attention to the section on wiring the fan’s variable frequency drive (VFD).  Doing this may help answer some questions, and/or prevent any confusion for you (or your installer) during the setup process. 
  • IMPORTANT!  All Patterson fans, regardless of type, come with a wiring schematic (usually printed on the nameplate of the motor).  Be sure to wire your fans exactly as shown.  In the case of a dual voltage motor, take care to select the correct wiring configuration based on your voltage level (usually 208-230 V or 460 V 3-phase service).  Have electrical questions?  Call before you connect – improper wiring can damage motors/VFDs and affect warranty coverage!
  • ALSO IMPORTANT!  ALWAYS install all safe guards that come with your fan and/or mount.  They are designed to protect you, your personnel, and your facility in the unlikely event of a failure. 

So there you have it – some simple tips to make your fan buying experience smooth as silk from start to finish.  And as always, Patterson sales reps are standing by ready to dispense timely fan advice and provide free quotes for all your fan needs. 
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Until next time, let’s keep ‘em cool out there!

THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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Don't Get Toasted

2/23/2017

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​There’s an old saying that goes, “the best things come to those who wait.”  While this might be true for things like gardening, cooking, and building model airplanes, it is definitely bad advice when it comes to fans and employee comfort.  Let’s face it... it’s going to get hot this summer – really hot in some places.  So if you know it’s going to be sweltering and unbearable in only a few months, why wouldn’t you buy and install your fans NOW?!  Partying aside... no one wants to get toasted this year.

Late winter is a great time to assess (and act on) your facility’s air movement needs.  Maybe you need to move air down long aisle ways, or at your loading/unloading docks.  Patterson has an entire line of high velocity
fans to get the job done.  Need high volume air movement in large, open areas?  Check out the High-5 HVLS Fan, with sizes ranging from 8 to 24 feet!  Mezzanines and pick modules? Take a look at Patterson’s new db Fan – a quieter solution built with tight, narrow spaces in mind. Also, don’t forget about Patterson’s other great air movement products, like the Power Tube for air distribution, or the Spot Cooler, cage fans, and shop floor fans for mobile cooling.
 
It might be a bit chilly right now (on this National Toast Day), but warmer weather is fast approaching.  Give Patterson a call, and put 28 years of industry knowledge to work for you.  Now is the time to get a jump on the right air movement solution for your facility.  Make summer 2017 your safest, most productive summer ever!
WHICH FAN IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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Form vs. Function

11/10/2016

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In the 80's and 90's, there was a running joke in the automotive industry: anyone looking to buy a Jaguar needed two of them – one to drive and one to keep at the repair shop.  Yet, at the same time, Toyota and Honda were producing some of the most highly rated, reliable cars available – for a much lower price.  The lesson: while the look and prestige of a Jaguar was nice, the quality and reliability of Toyota and Honda were getting the job done.  This applies to more than just cars, however.  Sometimes, shelling out top dollar for the best looking “widget” doesn’t necessarily guarantee a long term, desired result.  So, you need to ask yourself: do you value aesthetics or consistent performance?
 
From the beginning, Patterson has prided itself on being a no hassle, no frills, nuts-and-bolts, INDUSTRIAL fan company.  Our fans won’t win any blue ribbons or beauty pageants for looks.  They won’t amaze you with fancy bells and whistles.  But, when it’s 95 degrees in the middle of July and you need to keep your employees cool and productive, Patterson’s simple, cost conscious, industrial grade fans will provide the necessary relief.  Maintenance, if needed, is never a problem – modular designs allow for work to be done in place without ever having to remove the fan.  So if you’re moving the same air, which would you choose – an expensive, fancy looking fan with lots of automation (that could potentially malfunction in an industrial environment) or a rugged, affordable, dependable fan – designed with your industrial space in mind and going to perform year after year?
 
Be sure to take a look at Patterson’s entire line of fan and air movement products – from the High-5 HVLS fan for large, open areas to the high velocity fans for aisles, mezzanines, and pick modules.  Need to move air down a row of workstations or an assembly line?  Check out the Power Tube or the new db fan.  Mobile cooling?  Patterson has drum fans and pedestal strollers to help get the air where it’s needed most.  All of this is backed by the strongest warranties in the market, and sold by representatives who have a passion for keeping your employees working safely.
 
So, when it comes to the fans in your building, what’s it going to be?  Style… or substance?
Check out our Functional Line of Fans!

THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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The Truth about Ceiling Fans in Reverse

9/29/2016

7 Comments

 
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Well, folks, guess what?  Summer’s over.  Let that sink in for a second.  No more cookouts and lazy days by the pool. Sorry about that but hey….there’s always next year!  So, along with football season (or, if you’re like me, hockey season) comes the return of colder weather.  As we’ve discussed before (see Strait Talk, February 2015), this is the time of year where your HVLS fans start paying for themselves by lowing your heating bills.  But don’t be like the rest of the uninformed masses that continue to spin their fans in reverse.  Why?  Let’s discuss further...
 
As we learned back in February 2015, the most efficient way to destratify air during the cooler months is to spin your fans slowly in the forward direction.  This will mix the air vertically, giving you a warmer overall temperature profile (remember - HEAT RISES).  So why not use reverse?  Doesn’t it work for home ceiling fans?  The answer is yes, but there’s a reason it works in a home setting: the fan is usually much closer to the walls.  This deflects the air movement off the ceiling, then off the walls and down to ground level.  Also, most house fans do not have a forward setting slow enough to not create a breeze.  So running them in reverse not only mixes the air, it keeps those in the room from getting a chill.  However, the same is not true in a warehouse or other industrial facility.  Since HVLS fans are best used in large open areas, they are generally not near walls.  Therefore, running them in reverse results in lower air mixing efficiency, and can increase the time needed to equalize the temperature from floor to ceiling.  In reality, this means you never need to reverse your fans – simply vary your speeds from season to season.  Turn them up in the summer to create a cooling breeze, and dial them back in the winter to destratify.
 
Looking for more unconventional, yet helpful fan knowledge?  Talk to the fan experts at Patterson today – before the real cold weather sets in!  You could be well on your way to saving 25-30% on your heating costs!*
 
*Actual savings depend on heating costs, size of facility, number of fans, and other factors.
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THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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Patterson Fan Myth Busting: HVLS Edition

4/28/2016

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MYTH BUSTING:
THE TRUTH BEHIND HVLS COOLING

​​So... apparently there’s been a lot of talk out there in the air movement industry about how HVLS fans can lower ambient temperatures inside buildings (I’m looking squarely at you…Fans with a Posterior Larger than Normal).  Is this really true?  Can you simply place HVLS fans throughout your facility and have it act like air conditioning?  Sadly, friend, the answer is no.  Then… why do fan companies make these claims?  Let’s dig a little deeper, shall we?

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All of you smart readers out there know that fans do not cool air, they simply move it.  So why do fans make us feel cooler?  Well… one reason is because you’re hot and sweaty!  Wait…what?  It’s true!  Let’s break it down.  When a fan accelerates air, you feel that air move across your skin.  And since its summer (or at least close to it), you’ve been sweating – a lot.  So when this accelerated air meets your perspiring skin, the sweat evaporates.  This evaporation carries heat away from your body, so even though there’s been no change in the air temperature around you, it FEELS cooler! 
 
Even if you’re not moving around and sweating, HVLS fans can still make you feel cooler without an actual ambient temperature drop.  This is due to the fact that we all have a heat “envelope” of 88 - 92°F air that encases our bodies.  When air movement removes this “envelope” in a continuous fashion, relief can be felt despite the lack of perspiration.  See there?  A mystery solved and an advertising myth debunked all in two paragraphs!
 
Here’s something else the “other guys” won’t tell you.  When the air temperature around you reaches 95°F or more, using fans to move air across your skin will actually make you feel hotter, not cooler.  If this is routinely the case in your facility, you may want to think about other ways to reduce the overall temperature profile (evaporative roof cooling, anyone?).
 
Looking for more truths in air movement advertising?  Check out Patterson’s complete lineup of fans, designed to make good use of all that body cooling sweat you’ll be producing this summer season! 
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THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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Line 'Em Up: Getting Proper Airflow Down Aisles

3/30/2016

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LINE ‘EM UP:​

GETTING THE PROPER​ AIRFLOW IN PICK MODULE AISLES

​We’ve spent many a Strait Talk entry discussing what types of fans to use and where to place them (be honest, aren’t you smarter for it?).  So this month, we decided to change things up a bit… and talk about how to place fans in pick module aisles.  See what we did there?  Gotta keep our readers on their toes!
 
High Velocity (HV) fans are best suited for use in pick modules, as they are able to move air quickly from one end to the other.  The key to proper airflow is making sure all aisles are moving air in the same direction.  Determining this direction should take into account any large, wall mounted supply and exhaust fans that may be present in the facility as well (always want to accelerate air from supply to exhaust).  In addition to this setup, fans at the end of the aisles can be turned sideways – helping to generate airflow around the pick module perimeter. 
So how many fans, and what size should they be?  The answer depends on any number of factors.  First, fans should be sized such that they do not interfere with everyday work activity (retrieving items from modules, forklifts, etc.).  Then, space your fans such that one fan accelerates the air from its predecessor in the aisle.  A good rule of thumb is to place the next fan when the previous fan’s air speed slows to 2-3 mph.  Fan size (air throw distance) and aisle length (fan spacing) will determine the optimum number of fans per aisle.
 

Looking for more fan knowledge?  Just can’t get enough?  Great!  Put Patterson’s 26 years of air movement experience to work for you!  Their expertise is matched only by their enthusiasm to help you achieve a safer, more productive work environment.
PICK MODULE FANS

THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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Changing The Air

2/26/2016

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​​It seems like the only constant these days is change.  Don’t believe me?  Take a look at your cell phone.  There was probably a time not long ago when it was the latest and greatest tech gadget ever released.  Now, it’s likely been replaced by one or two updated versions, with features you wish yours had!  But change isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially when it comes to proper ventilation.  Getting the right amount of fresh air moving through your facility is vital to your employees’ safety and productivity.    
 
So, how do you accurately calculate your ventilation needs?  It starts by determining the rate at which you need to completely replenish the volume of air in a given room.  This is known as an air turnover (or air change) rate, and is usually expressed as minutes per air change (although it can sometimes be seen as “number of air changes per hour”).  The number of air changes needed ultimately depends on the type of facility or the work being done in a particular area.  For example, a typical warehouse should have an air change approximately every 7 minutes, though this can vary between 4 and 10 minutes.  By contrast, a welding room needs to replenish its air at a rate of every 3 minutes to protect employees against heat buildup and noxious fumes.
 
Once the air change rate is determined, we can proceed with our calculation.  For purposes of this article, we’ll make the math easy (because… hey… who doesn’t love easy math?!).  Let’s say you have a 100’ x 100’ building with a 10’ ceiling height.  Based on the work being done, we’ve decided on an air change every 5 minutes.  Your calculation would look like this:
 
100’ x 100’ x 10’           100,000 ft3 
     5 minutes         =      5 minutes    =    20,000 CFM

 
Based on our calculation above, you would need to move 20,000 cubic feet of air per minute (CFM) through your facility in order to achieve a complete air change every 5 minutes.
 
Now that you know your ventilation needs, what’s next?  Why not call Patterson?  They have the people and the products to help you build the ventilation system of your dreams!  You’ll be the envy of the industrial park, and your employees will thank you!

CH-CH-CHANGES:
​

AIR TURNOVER RATES AND THEIR REQUIRED VENTILATION

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Ventilation
​Air Change System
Common
​Ventilation Systems

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THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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Sound vs. Performance

1/21/2016

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SOUND VS. PERFORMANCE:
GETTING THE MOST BANG FOR YOUR AIR MOVEMENT BUCK

We all love to have our cake and eat it, too.  But, as anyone in a successful marriage will tell you, life is about compromise.  (Seriously ladies, you can’t have it YOUR way EVERY time!)  In the air movement business, a trade-off exists when evaluating a fan’s performance versus the noise level it produces.  So how much noise is too much?  When is it ok to use a quieter, lower performance fan?  How do you strike the perfect balance between necessary air flow and acceptable sound levels?  Answers forthcoming!
 
Before we go much further, let’s talk about the different fan types.  High velocity (HV) fans are generally considered high performance – designed to accelerate (or “throw”) air over a distance.  For HV fans, airspeed (measured in feet per minute, or FPM) is more important than volume.  However, this also translates into slightly higher noise levels, typically measured in decibels (dBA).  The other end of the performance spectrum includes cage fans and ventilation fans (think supply, exhaust, shop floor, etc.).  These fans covet volume over speed, and are usually rated in cubic feet per minute (CFM).  Are they quieter than HV fans?  Absolutely… but you won’t feel their airflow once you move more than a few feet away.
 
So which fans are right for your facility, and how should they be used?  Well… both… and it depends!  (How’s that for an answer?!)  For an effective overall air movement solution, it is best to incorporate both fan types.  For example, use large supply and exhaust fans for cross ventilation, and couple them with HV fans to accelerate air movement from one end of the building to the other.  This works particularly well if your aisle ways run parallel to the airflow.  If noise abatement is an issue (industry standard tends to put an upper limit around 80 dBA), mount HV fans well above the floor on columns or racks.  If small area “spot cooling” is needed, employ one or more shop floor or cage fans – allowing for airflow without violating any noise level requirements. 
 
So… maybe that example doesn’t fit the layout of your facility.  Perhaps you’re looking for both performance and low noise?  Great!  Give Patterson a call and learn more about their new db fan!  It offers the performance of an HV fan, with a 70% reduction in noise level!  No matter the fan type, Patterson has the products and the expertise to keep your facility cooler, safer, and more productive!  
which fan is right for you?

THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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Destratify Heat with Power Tubes

11/30/2015

5 Comments

 
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POWER TUBES:
THE TOTALLY TUBULAR WAY TO DESTRATIFY HEAT

​If you’ve been reading Strait Talk on a monthly basis (and I KNOW you have), you’ve learned that the Patterson High-5 HVLS fan is a great way to destratify heat in the winter.  But did you know you can accomplish the same goal using Patterson’s Power Tube and high velocity fans?  You didn’t?!  Well that, dear readers, is why we’re here!

Patterson has been utilizing its fan/Power Tube combination for years to deliver cooling to a large area, while using only a single fan.  But this same configuration can be used during the winter months as well.  Fan/Power Tube combos placed near the ceiling can help transfer heat from elevation back down to the working level, where it’s needed most.  The same concept can be applied to open-ended Power Tubes, which can move and distribute heat from one area of your facility to another.  This fan/Power Tube setup is a great option for smaller facilities, low ceilings, or areas that might not otherwise accommodate a much larger HVLS fan.

Whether heating or cooling, a Patterson Power Tube is an economical yet effective way to deliver employee comfort 12 months a year!  To learn more about this and other quality air movement solutions, contact your Patterson sales representative today!
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THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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More Bang For Your Buck

9/30/2015

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CALCULATING ROI
FOR HVLS FANS

When it comes to evaluating potential capital expenditure projects, one acronym stands above the rest – ROI, or return on investment.  If you’re considering HVLS fans, calculating ROI helps estimate the time period necessary for full payback in the form of energy savings.  But how are these calculations done, and what critical information is needed to do them?  Keep reading to find out!

Energy savings from HVLS fans are generally realized during the winter months, due to destratification (see Strait Talk, February 2015).  Because of this, knowing your heating cost and consumption information is vitally important, as HVLS fans can help reduce them both by up to 30%!*  Also important is the cost of your electricity, since heaters consume electrical power as well as natural gas when they are in use.  Other inputs that help “fine tune” your ROI calculation include:  facility square footage, hours of operation, number of heaters, heater voltage and amperage ratings, and average length of the winter heating season.

So how is all this data used to calculate ROI?  It all starts by estimating current resource consumption costs (both natural gas and electrical – I will spare you the boring formulas here).  Once a total consumption amount is determined, calculate a projected savings amount as a percentage of that total consumption (15-20% is usually a solid, conservative savings estimate).  Then, subtract your fan electrical costs (again, boring formula) from your savings – this is your net savings amount.  Finally, divide your net savings by the projected cost of your new fans and – Bob’s your uncle – you have ROI (in number of heating seasons)!  Pretty easy… right?!

Of course, as with any calculation, the result should be used as a guide toward making an informed cap-ex budget decision.  It should not be taken as “gospel,” as any number of factors can affect the actual savings amount (e.g. price of natural gas, unusually harsh or mild winters).  But overall, an HVLS ROI calculation can provide valuable insight into current resource consumption issues, and identify potential air movement solutions.

Want to learn more about ROI calculations for HVLS fans?  Give your regional Patterson sales representative a call today, and let them introduce you to our High-5 fan. You’ll soon be spinning your way to lower heating costs this winter! 
 
*Actual savings depend on heating costs, size of facility, number of fans, and other factors

THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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Keeping It Clean

8/27/2015

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KEEPIN’ IT CLEAN:
​THE EFFECTS OF DUST BUILDUP
ON YOUR HIGH VELOCITY FANS

Dusting isn’t just a household chore.  It’s also a good idea around your work area, especially when it comes to your Patterson high velocity fans.  While built to last in the most rugged conditions, cleaning your fans regularly can add years to their life, cut down on replacement costs, and even save you money on energy consumption.  Here’s why:

  • Over time, dust will begin to build up on two major areas: the guard behind the motor and the fan blade itself.  If left untreated, this can lead to a number of issues.  First, a fan guard caked with dust will not allow proper airflow over the motor, causing it to heat up as well as increase its amp draw.  Higher amp draws mean greater energy consumption, which in turn leads to higher electric bills… And no sane person wants that.

  • Dust on the fan blade can be equally as troubling.  Since the motor and blade are designed to function as one unit, any sort of buildup can cause an imbalance in the blade’s rotation.  This can place constant stress on the rotor (due to fan blade “wobble”), and in some cases cause a fatigue crack on a blade paddle.

So, as we wind down yet another hot summer, be sure to take a moment to clean your Patterson high velocity fans.  Your maintenance budget will thank you!

THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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Get The Heat Out!

7/29/2015

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SETTING THE RECORD “STRAIT”
​ON TRAILER COOLING

It’s that time of year again – trips to the beach, backyard barbeques, and of course…the loading/unloading of sweltering hot trailers.  Employees of distribution centers and other facilities are faced with this grueling task each and every summer.  In many cases, these trailers are left sitting for days before they’re brought to the dock area – creating an oven effect by trapping in heat from prolonged sun exposure.  Temperatures can reach in excess of 130°F!  Fortunately, Patterson has worked to mitigate this issue with their TC (Truck Cooler) 18-inch fan and HVTC (High Velocity Truck Cooler aka “the Whistleblower”).  However, a fan is only effective if it’s used properly, so this month we’ll focus on getting the most relief from your Patterson truck cooling solutions.

The prevailing myth amongst dock area employees is that they must point fans directly at them to receive the maximum benefit.  Yet this will only provide temporary relief when at or near the dock door opening.  As the employee moves away from the dock door, they will begin to feel less air movement – eventually reaching an area of hot, stagnant air that remains at the front of the trailer.  Working in this condition for long periods can bring about the symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke if not dealt with appropriately.

So how can we optimize air flow?  Very simply, the fan needs to be positioned in one of the upper corners at the dock door opening and aimed toward the same corner at the front of the trailer.  Doing so will allow air to reach the entire length of the trailer – evacuating the trapped hot air and creating a constant airflow.  Having this continuous movement of air will alleviate many heat stress issues and provide an overall safer work environment on even the hottest of summer days.

Looking to cool more than just your trailers?  Check out Patterson’s new db fan – it’s quieter, takes up less space, and is unlike any air movement product you’ve ever seen!  As the weather heats up, be sure to call the experts at Patterson – your employees will thank you!
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THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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HVLS Fans and the Importance of Location

6/24/2015

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Location, location, location!  Any real estate agent worth their salt knows these three “principles” are the key to finding a great home.  But location is also important when it comes to the placement of your HVLS (High Volume Low Speed) fans.  Putting the right fan, in the right place, at the right height will provide a comfortable work environment regardless of season.

As mentioned in a previous article, HVLS fans work best over open areas where air can move freely ceiling to floor, then outward in all directions.  For this reason, fans should not be placed near walls or other obstructions, since these may limit airflow and effective coverage area.  Ideally, each fan should be between 20 and 25 feet above the floor, using extensions (known as downrods) where necessary to achieve optimum height.  Facilities with very tall ceilings will need multiple fans spaced closer together to provide ample air movement at the working level, as ideal fan height may not be possible.

Other factors to consider when placing HVLS fans:

  • Avoid mounting the fan underneath any area lighting.  This will prevent the “strobing effect” when the fan is in operation.
  • Blade clearances are critical!  Hanging a fan too close to potential obstructions (chain suspended lighting for example) can create a safety hazard.  A good rule of thumb:  blade clearances should equal 15% of the fan’s diameter in all directions.  Example:  a 24 foot fan should not have any potential obstruction closer than 3.6 feet.
  • Pay particular attention to the routing of the fan’s control cable (between the fan and the control keypad near the floor).  If possible, run this cable in conduit, or in such a way as to avoid lighting fixtures.  Doing so will reduce the possibility of signal noise and fan operational issues.

Still have questions?  As always, the air movement experts at Patterson are a phone call away!  Put their HVLS experience to work in your facility!

THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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VOLUME vs. VELOCITY

4/8/2015

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HIGH VELOCITY OR HIGH VOLUME?
WHEN AND WHERE?

When deciding between a high velocity or high volume (HVLS) fan, one must first assess the given area - for while both achieve the goal of people cooling, each has its own set of requirements that maximize their effectiveness.

HVLS fans work best in open areas, where air can be accelerated vertically toward the floor, then outward in all directions.  Assembly and inspection lines, loading docks, and staging areas are all great examples where an HVLS fan would provide a comfortable working environment.

By contrast, high velocity fans provide horizontal air movement in more confined spaces, such as aisle ways, pick modules, or any area where material may be stacked floor to ceiling.  For more information on the best fan application for your facility, contact a Patterson sales rep today!    

THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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You're Motorin'!

3/11/2015

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YOU'RE MOTORIN'
THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF FAN MOTOR ENCLOSURES

OK, 80’s rock ballad reference aside, selecting the proper motor type for your industrial environment is vitally important – ensuring years of high performance and reliability from your high velocity fan.  Each type is specifically designed to protect the motor’s mechanical and electrical parts to varying degrees.  Not sure which one to choose?  Take a look at the descriptions below:

Open Drip Proof (ODP) – Prevents liquid from dripping into the motor within a 15° angle from vertical, but still allows air to circulate through the windings.  Clean, dry locations are ideal for a motor with an ODP enclosure.
​
Totally Enclosed Fan Cooled (TEFC) – Possibly the most common and versatile of all enclosure types.  A small fan attached to the shaft on the back of the motor creates airflow to aid in the cooling process.  Keep in mind that although these motors are “totally enclosed,” they are not air tight.

Totally Enclosed Air Over (TEAO) – This motor has no internal or external mechanism to facilitate cooling.  Therefore, it must be mounted in the path of the manufactured fan’s airflow.  Many belt driven fans employ this motor type.

Wash Down or Totally Enclosed Wash Down (TEWD) – These enclosures can withstand a high-pressure wash down, and are a necessity for wet or chemical environments.  Common uses include food processing, packing, and pharmaceuticals.  Be aware that they are not for use in hazardous locations.

Explosion Proof (EXPL) – Essential in many hazardous industries like chemical, oil and gas, and wood processing.  A motor given this designation does not mean that it can withstand an exterior explosion.  Rather, they prevent an internal spark (or explosion) from igniting a much larger blast outside the housing. 

Have questions?  Still unsure of your choice?  Give Patterson a call!  Our knowledgeable sales staff is ready to discuss your application and provide the best possible air movement solution! 

THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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Warm Your Facility with Fans!?

2/4/2015

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“Warm air rises and cold air sinks” – anyone who’s taken a middle school science class has probably heard this fact at one time or another.  For now, we’ll skip over the details as to why this happens, because really, who wants to relive those awkward middle school years?!   But all jocularity aside, it’s this concept (commonly referred to as thermal stratification, or simply stratification) that’s straining the budgets of organizations like yours each and every winter.  Why?

Regardless of how you might heat your facility, the sad truth is much of that heat is lost to the ceiling space.  Because of this, heaters are forced to run more often in order to maintain their thermostat set points.  The colder it gets, the more they run, and the more you spend.  The end result is an uneven temperature profile (or gradient), whereby warmer air becomes trapped at the ceiling and the cooler, denser air sinks to the floor.  Depending on ceiling height, the temperature difference, floor to ceiling, can be as much as 15-20°F!

So now that we’ve identified the problem, can anything be done, and if so, how?  Thankfully the answer is yes, and the solution is Patterson’s High-5 HVLS (High Volume Low Speed) fan.   Think of this fan like the ceiling fans in your home, but on a much, MUCH larger scale.

The idea, known as de-stratification, works like this: strategically place a number of High-5 fans throughout your facility, and turn them on at a slow speed in the FORWARD direction*.  The fan should move air, but not create a breeze you can feel (a bit of experimentation will help you find the “sweet spot” for your building).  This will facilitate a mixing of warm and cool air in a vertical, circular pattern.  Over time, a continuous mixing of air will promote a more uniform temperature profile from floor to ceiling.

So how does this lower energy bills?  The key is the redistribution of warm air from the ceiling.  More warmth at the floor level means thermostat set points are maintained for longer intervals.  Heating cycles shorten in both frequency and duration, adding dollars back to your bottom line.  Realized savings could be 25-30% or more**!

Have more questions?  Want to learn more about the concept of destratification?  Contact the air movement experts here at Patterson Fan – The Authority in Air Movement!  With more than 25 years of fan experience, we’ll deliver a tailored High-5 solution that meets both your needs and your budget!
​

*Best results are achieved with the fan running slowly in the forward direction.  A common industry misconception is that these fans must be run in reverse for destratification.  While air mixing will occur in reverse, it is much less efficient.

**Actual savings depend on heating costs, size of facility, number of fans, and other factors.

THE AUTHORITY IN AIR MOVEMENT

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    JOHN STRAIT

    Patterson Fan's
    Air Movement Guru & Man of Wisdom
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    I once bought my kids a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying ‘toys not included.'
              -  Bernard Manning

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