Single Stage vs. Double Stage Regenerative Blowers: Which One Do You Need?

Introduction

When selecting a Side Channel Blower (also known as a vortex pump or ring blower), many buyers make a common mistake: they only look at the Power (kW).

However, a 2.2kW blower is not always the same. Depending on the internal design, a 2.2kW motor can deliver massive airflow or massive pressure. The difference lies in whether it is a Single Stage or Double Stage blower.

Choosing the wrong stage can lead to system failure—either your air pressure is too weak to push through the pipes, or the airflow is insufficient for drying.

In this guide, we break down the differences to help you make the right choice.

1. What is a Single Stage Blower? (1-Stage)

A Single Stage Blower (like our popular 2GH 610-H16) features one impeller inside the housing. The air enters the inlet, spins around the channel once to build pressure, and is then discharged.

• Key Characteristic: High Airflow (Volume), Low to Medium Pressure.

• The "Runner": Think of it like a sprinter—fast and moves a lot of air quickly, but struggles against heavy resistance.

• Typical Specs (2.2kW Example):

• Max Pressure: ~220 mbar

• Max Airflow: ~265 m³/h

✅ Best For:

• General Ventilation: Moving air in factories.

• Shallow Aeration: Fish ponds or shrimp farms (water depth < 1.2 meters).

• Industrial Drying: Blowing water off products on a conveyor belt.

2. What is a Double Stage Blower? (2-Stage)

A Double Stage Blower (like our high-pressure 2GH 420-H46) is designed for power. It typically has two impellers (or a specially designed dual-channel system). The air is compressed in the first stage, then directed into the second stage for re-compression before being discharged.

• Key Characteristic: Very High Pressure (or Vacuum), Medium Airflow.

• The "Weightlifter": It moves air more slowly than a single-stage unit, but it can push that air through much harder resistance (deep water, long pipes, heavy filters).

• Typical Specs (2.2kW Example):

• Max Pressure: ~420 mbar (Almost double the pressure!)

• Max Airflow: ~150 m³/h

✅ Best For:

• Deep Water Aeration: Sewage treatment tanks (water depth > 1.5 meters).

• PCB Cleaning & Electroplating: Where air needs to be forced through tiny nozzles.

• Pneumatic Conveying: Moving heavy plastic granules or powders through long pipes.

• Central Vacuum Systems: Strong suction for hold-down tables (CNC).

3. Quick Comparison: Single vs. Double

Here is a quick comparison based on the 2.2kW 3-Phase models from our catalog:

4. How to Decide? The 3-Step Rule

Still not sure? Ask yourself these three questions:

1. Water Depth: If you are using it for aeration, is the water deeper than 1.5 meters?

• Yes: Go Double Stage.

• No: Go Single Stage.

2. Piping Distance: Is the air traveling more than 10-15 meters through narrow pipes?

• Yes: You need the extra pressure of a Double Stage blower to overcome friction loss.

3. Application Type: Are you just blowing dust away (Single Stage), or are you sucking a heavy workpiece down to a table (Double Stage)?

Conclusion

Both Single and Double stage blowers are excellent industrial machines, but they serve different purposes.

• Choose the 2GH 610 (Single Stage) for high volume and general use.

• Choose the 2GH 420 (Double Stage) when you need high pressure or powerful vacuum.

Still have questions about sizing?Contact our engineering team today. Send us your required airflow and pressure, and we will calculate the perfect model for your project.

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