Fiberglass (FRP) & Plastic Centrifugal Fans

Fiberglass fans, commonly called FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) fans, use a resin matrix reinforced with glass fibers. Plastic fans are typically manufactured from materials such as polypropylene (PP), PVC, or other corrosion-resistant plastics. They are primarily used for moving corrosive, humid, or chemically contaminated air where conventional metal fans may be unsuitable.

FRP fans are commonly used for chemical fume extraction, scrubber exhaust, wastewater treatment, laboratory ventilation, acid exhaust, corrosive process ventilation, and industrial air pollution control systems.

FRP combines a polymer resin with glass-fiber reinforcement, providing higher structural strength than many unreinforced plastics. PP (polypropylene) offers excellent chemical resistance and is often selected for lower-temperature corrosive exhaust. The correct choice depends on chemical composition, concentration, temperature, pressure, particulate loading, and mechanical requirements rather than material name alone.

Their primary advantage is corrosion resistance. Unlike painted carbon-steel fans, the corrosion-resistant material can form the actual wetted surfaces, reducing dependence on surface coatings that may deteriorate under aggressive chemical exposure

FRP can handle many corrosive chemical environments, but there is no universal chemical-resistance rating for all FRP fans. The resin system, fiberglass construction, chemical concentration, temperature, and exposure conditions all matter. The gas composition should be reviewed before selecting the fan.

PP is widely used for compatible acid and alkaline fumes and chemical exhaust, but its suitability depends on concentration and temperature. Some solvents, oxidizing chemicals, and elevated-temperature applications may require another material.

Yes, within the limits of the specific resin system and fan construction. Temperature capability varies significantly between FRP constructions, so manufacturers should specify a maximum continuous operating temperature for the exact fan design rather than relying on a generic FRP temperature rating.

Yes. FRP and suitable plastic constructions are commonly used in humid, wet and corrosive environments, including wastewater treatment and chemical exhaust systems. However, condensation, liquid droplets, and chemical concentrations still need to be considered during material selection.

Yes. FRP fans are commonly integrated with wet scrubbers, mist eliminators, and other air-pollution-control equipment. The fan must be selected to overcome the pressure drop of the scrubber along with the ductwork and other system components.

The selection should consider:

• Required airflow/CFM
• Static pressure
• Gas composition
• Chemical concentration
• Operating temperature
• Humidity and condensation
• Particulate concentration
• Fan type
• Motor and drive arrangement
• Material compatibility
• Installation environment

AMCA guidance similarly emphasizes selecting fan construction based on the air stream and corrosive environment, rather than choosing a material in isolation

Required airflow is determined from the ventilation or process requirement. Depending on the application, it may be based on room ventilation rates, hood capture requirements, process exhaust rates, dilution requirements, or contaminant-control calculations.

Yes. Depending on the fan design, belt-drive or external-motor arrangements can keep the motor away from corrosive gases. This can be particularly important when the exhaust is hot, highly corrosive, wet, or chemically aggressive.

For a proper selection, provide:

Airflow + static pressure + gas composition + chemical concentration + temperature + particulate loading + installation arrangement + operating hours.