FAQ: Product Knowledge

Centrifugal blowers and positive displacement blowers differ primarily in how they move air and handle pressure. 

• Centrifugal blowers (such as  HOFFMAN & LAMSON’s multistage and fabricated series) use dynamic compression - spinning impellers accelerate air outward to generate flow. They deliver pulse-free, oil-free air and are ideal for continuous, variable-demand processes. 

• Positive displacement blowers (like the HOFFMAN DEFENDER™ Lobe and Screw packages) use mechanical displacement - trapping fixed air volumes and pushing them through the system. They provide consistent flow at varying pressures, suited for wastewater aeration and backwashing. 

Multistage centrifugal blowers increase efficiency through aerodynamic precision and mechanical balance.

Each stage compresses air incrementally, minimizing turbulence and energy loss. Combined with shrouded aluminum impellers, labyrinth seals, and MAXSeal™ dry seal technology, these blowers achieve:

• Up to 40% lower energy consumption compared to legacy systems
• Reduced maintenance via non-contact seals and balanced rotors
• Steady, pulse-free airflow ideal for aeration and nitrification-denitrification

Result: Operators experience lower lifecycle costs and greater oxygen transfer efficiency in wastewater treatment. 

High-speed turbo blowers serve industries prioritizing energy optimization, low noise, and smart control integration.

Key sectors include:

• Municipal & Industrial Wastewater Treatment – for aeration and MBR systems
• Food & Beverage – hygienic, oil-free air supply
• Power Generation – combustion air and flue gas desulfurization
• Chemical Processing – precise gas handling under variable loads

HOFFMAN’s REVOLUTIONPLUS™ Series combines air foil bearing design, VSD control, and PLC monitoring to deliver up to 40% energy savings with a sound rating under 85 dBA. 

Proper blower sizing starts with defining system demand and resistance:

1. Calculate flow rate (CFM) based on oxygen or airflow requirements.
2. Determine pressure (PSIG) considering pipe friction, diffuser losses, and elevation.
3. Match blower curve (flow vs pressure) to your process envelope.
4. Account for environmental conditions (temperature, altitude, duty cycle).

HOFFMAN & LAMSON engineers support custom performance audits and blower simulations to ensure optimal efficiency and reliability for your process. 

Yes. All HOFFMAN & LAMSON blowers are designed and manufactured in compliance with ISO 9001 Quality Management and ANSI/AMCA performance standards.

Our equipment undergoes factory testing and precision balancing to verify:

• Airflow and pressure conformity per ISO 1217
• Sound and vibration limits per ANSI S2.41
• Oil-free air delivery verified to meet ISO Class 0

This ensures global compliance, safety, and long-term reliability across environmental and industrial applications. 

Routine maintenance ensures consistent efficiency and prevents costly downtime.

• Visual inspections: Every 500–1,000 operating hours - check for oil levels, leaks, and abnormal vibration.
• Lubrication change: Every 4,000–8,000 hours (use only AEON™ lubricants for optimal bearing life).
• Full inspection & balancing: Annually or during scheduled plant shutdowns.

In practice, operating environment, load profile, and ambient conditions can shift this timeline. HOFFMAN & LAMSON CERTIFIED Service technicians evaluate your blower’s condition and tailor a maintenance schedule that aligns with your facility’s uptime requirements. 

A drop in airflow or pressure typically signals mechanical or system-level inefficiencies. Common causes include:

• Fouled impellers or filters, restricting flow.
• Bearing wear or misalignment, increasing friction.
• System leaks or duct obstructions, reducing pressure recovery.
• Improper lubrication or contamination impacting rotor balance.

Certified diagnostics - including vibration analysis and laser alignment - pinpoint the root cause before performance degradation affects your process. 

High vibration often traces back to imbalance, resonance, or misalignment.

To stabilize performance:

1. Perform precision laser alignment of drive and blower shafts.
2. Verify foundation integrity and correct soft-foot conditions.
3. Schedule impeller balancing by a factory-trained technician.
4. Confirm bearing condition and oil viscosity compliance.

Factory-certified vibration audits identify early wear indicators, helping you avoid emergency shutdowns. 

Energy efficiency begins with accurate system control. Hoffman & Lamson provides:

• Digital monitoring and control upgrades for real-time system optimization.
• Smart performance dashboards to track airflow, pressure, and energy consumption.
• Asset Management programs to benchmark energy intensity and schedule predictive maintenance.

These tools empower facilities to minimize total cost of ownership (TCO) and align blower performance with sustainability goals. 

Yes - most legacy HOFFMAN & LAMSON models can be upgraded to digital control packages that enhance reliability and operational insight. Retrofitting provides: 

• Automated performance tuning

• Real-time fault diagnostics

• Integration with plant-wide control systems

This modernization extends service life, improves energy efficiency, and brings older systems into compliance with Industry 4.0 standards. 

All HOFFMAN & LAMSON blowers are supported by factory service centers worldwide, offering:

• Full disassembly, inspection, and rebalancing to OEM specifications.
• Warranty renewal after certified repair.
• Field Service Technicians for on-site troubleshooting and training.
• Customer Support Agreements for predictive maintenance and budget control.

Each repair or reconfiguration is tested to factory standards and backed by a new product warranty - restoring your system’s original performance and appearance.