NCCER Millwright Practice Exam

The type of fan wheel that is used for general purpose duties is which type?

1. Vane axial fan

2. Radial fan wheel

3. Centrifugal fan wheel

4. Mixed-flow fan wheel

The correct answer is: Radial fan wheel

The radial fan wheel is particularly effective for general-purpose duties due to its design, which allows it to move a significant volume of air against a relatively high resistance. This capability makes it versatile for various applications, such as ventilation, cooling, and exhaust systems, where consistent airflow is needed under different pressure conditions. Radial fans operate by drawing air into the center of the fan and expelling it at a right angle to the intake, providing efficient airflow and the ability to handle higher pressures compared to other fan types. This aspect is crucial in environments where air needs to be pushed through ductwork or across filters, making radial fans ideal for general use in many industrial and commercial settings. In contrast, the other fan types mentioned have specific advantages suited to particular applications. For example, vane axial fans are best for high-flow, low-pressure environments, centrifugal fan wheels have a strong focus on high-pressure applications with moderate airflow, and mixed-flow fans combine attributes of both axial and centrifugal designs, but may not serve general-purpose duties as effectively as radial fans do.