Design Help

[SPEEDRE]

I have another hair brained idea. Want to make a squirrel cage blower on the really cheap. I have a motor, variable speed and its controller. Need to design a cage that will pull 400 cfm. How do I figure the size of the cage, and the casing for it. It will suck out a volume in a 18" x 36" x 22" deep with a maximum of four feet of 4" dia. vent duct work. My motor is 1 H.P. VDC. It will be for a hobby airbrush spray booth type application. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[bobsch]

Unless you're really set on building one, I'd check with local HVAC companies and pick up a used fan from a furnace.

[DIYaholic]

SPEEDRE,

Whatever route you choose, build or buy, remember to keep the motor isolated from the paint fumes (unless it is an explosion proof motor), otherwise bad bad things could/would happen. If a large explosion did happen, you too could be "Lost in Space"!!!

I just purchased a used squirrel cage blower that I plan on converting to a dual purpose unit. I will box it in and install multiple filters to use it as a shop air cleaner. I will also use it to blow air into a "paint booth/room" with the motor isolated from the fumes, to provide positive pressure and vent through a window fitted with additional filters.

Randy,

[SPEEDRE]

Oh yes I know that, been blown away once in an industrial setting. I would only be doing acrylics, but will absolutely isolate the motor.

[DIYaholic]

SPEEDRE,

Just wanted to say hi neighbor. Where in New Hampshire are you located. I reside in Burlington (Colchester actually), VT.

Have you resolved/calculated your "hair brained" squirrel cage sizing dilema? Wish I colud help, but alas I am clueless.

Randy,

[SPEEDRE]

As of yet, NO. I may have understated my request. I need to build a cage and casing, or enclosure for it. I want it to to be able to, evacuate a box that is 18" x 26" x 20" deep. I have a formula for figuring the CFM's necessary to do that, but, how large the diameter, and how wide the cage should be, was not included. I need help to figure out those things. A cage, and its enclosure. Anyone with any idea???

[keebler303]

As previously stated, it is quite silly to try to build your own when the local HVAC contractor is throwing them away on a daily basis. Seriously, just go talk to one of them and tell them you need the blower out of an old furnace.

Matt

[SPEEDRE]

You are correct, please delete this post. FINI