Forced Draft Fans
Certified fans, ensuring safety in areas that require clean air to support combustion, drying, or process efficiency.
A Forced Draft (FD) Fan from Woodcock & Wilson Ltd provides a high-efficiency, engineered solution for delivering clean, controlled airflow across a wide range of industrial processes.
Unlike ID Fans, which draw gases through a system, FD Fans operate under positive pressure —pushing ambient air into applications where reliable and consistent flow is essential. From combustion systems and driers to environmental controls and process ventilation, our FD Fans are trusted by industries worldwide for their robust performance and precise air delivery.
With decades of manufacturing expertise, our FD Fans are built to meet the demands of today’s most complex systems. Whether you’re operating in energy production, petrochemicals, cement, or renewables, we offer custom solutions tailored to your exact requirements— combining efficiency, noise control, and long-term reliability.
Key Features of an Forced Draft Fan
Forced Draft Fans are built for durability and reliable performance in a range of industrial applications. Constructed from high-strength, corrosion-resistant materials, they are designed to withstand demanding conditions while delivering efficient airflow. Our fans feature precision-balanced impellers for low-vibration operation and can be fitted with noise-reducing options like inlet silencers and acoustic housings.
With easy maintenance in mind, segmented casings allow for quick servicing, while weather protection features ensure reliable operation in harsh environments. We also offer ATEX and IECEx certified designs for hazardous areas and advanced control options such as inverter drives and inlet vane control to fine-tune airflow.
Download our Forced Draft Fan Spec Sheet
A Forced Draft (FD) Fan is an industrial fan designed to supply air or gas under positive pressure. Unlike ID Fans, which create suction, FD Fans push air through a system—hence the term “forced.” They typically draw in atmospheric air and deliver it into processes that require a controlled and reliable flow.
FD Fans are widely used in industries where clean air is required to support combustion, drying, or process efficiency. Their robust design, reliability, and flexibility make them essential components in power generation, manufacturing, and environmental systems.
FD Fans are engineered to deliver reliable airflow in a variety of demanding conditions. Key considerations include:
· High-efficiency impeller design – Typically backward-curved or aerofoil profiles for energy-saving performance.
· Noise management – Inlet silencers and acoustic housings help reduce operational sound levels.
· Material selection – High-strength steel and stainless alloys provide structural integrity and corrosion resistance.
· Corrosive environments – Special coatings or C5M marine paint systems are available for aggressive atmospheres.
· Control options – Airflow can be finely tuned via speed control, dampers, or inlet vane control devices.
· Weather protection – Inlet cowls and high-level intakes reduce the risk of foreign object ingress or gas re-entry.
FD Fans are commonly found in:
· Boilers and burners – Providing combustion air to maintain efficiency and stable flame characteristics.
· Driers and kilns – Supporting consistent drying conditions in fluidised bed driers, rotary kilns, and similar equipment.
· Energy from Waste (EfW) – Working in tandem with ID Fans to maintain negative pressure and minimise fugitive emissions.
· Primary industries – Including quarrying, cement, and minerals processing.
· Oil and gas – Used for air supply in refining, petrochemical, and gas treatment systems.
· Pharmaceuticals and renewables – Delivering clean, filtered air for safe and sustainable operations.
FD Fans are often the first point of air intake, and because they handle clean, ambient air, design can focus on efficiency and noise control rather than erosion or high-temperature resistance.
