Line 'Em Up: Getting Proper Airflow Down Aisles

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