Benefits of FRP (Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic) Fans for Scrubber Applications:

Superior Corrosion Resistance – Long-Term Reliability – Cost Effective

By David Long

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Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Fans for Scrubber Applications provide the reliability scrubber systems need to run continuously in tough industrial environments. They resist corrosion, reduce maintenance costs, and extend equipment life while keeping facilities compliant. Hartzell fans go even further with a one-piece wheel design that improves durability and efficiency. Backed by over 100 years of expertise and a 5-year warranty, they deliver lasting value and peace of mind.

What Is a Scrubber System?

A scrubber system is an industrial air pollution and odor control device designed to clean contaminated air before it leaves a facility. You’ve likely seen them as tall towers or large vertical chambers connected to ductwork on the outside of plants. Inside, scrubbers contain spray nozzles, packing media, or liquid reservoirs that bring dirty air into contact with water or chemical solutions. Pollutants and odors are absorbed or neutralized, and the cleaned air is safely released into the atmosphere.

Scrubbers are widely used in chemical processing, wastewater treatment, food production, and other industries where emissions must meet strict environmental regulations. Without them, facilities risk releasing harmful gases, odors, and particulates into the surrounding community.

Why FRP Fans Are the Heart of Scrubber Applications

The scrubber itself doesn’t move air—the fan does. FRP fans either pull contaminated air into the scrubber or push it through the cleaning chamber, ensuring the system has the airflow it needs to capture pollutants and control odors.

If the fan fails, the scrubber fails. That can mean downtime, costly fines for environmental non-compliance, or the release of hazardous and odor-causing emissions into the air. In short, a reliable fan isn’t just a part of the scrubber system—it’s the driving force that makes the whole process work.

What Scrubber Fans Must Deliver

Scrubber fans face some of the harshest operating conditions in any facility. They must:

  • Resist Corrosion – Exhaust streams are often acidic, caustic, or moisture-laden, which quickly destroys standard metal fans.
  • Run Continuously – Scrubbers usually operate 24/7, so fans must deliver uninterrupted airflow without frequent maintenance.
  • Endure Harsh Environments – Abrasive particles, chemical vapors, and moisture demand robust construction to maintain efficiency and structural integrity.

Why Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Fans Are Ideal for Scrubber Applications

Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) fans are specifically engineered to handle the chemical-laden, high-moisture environments that scrubbers create.

Compared to traditional metal fans, FRP offers:

  • Superior Corrosion Resistance – FRP is inherently resistant to acids, alkalis, and moisture.
  • Long-Term Reliability – Built for continuous operation, FRP fans maintain performance over time with minimal downtime.
  • Cost Effectiveness – Lower lifecycle costs due to longer lifespan and reduced maintenance compared to metal alternatives.

The Hartzell FRP Difference

Hartzell Air Movement has been engineering industrial fans for over a century and has installed thousands of FRP fans across industries worldwide. Our FRP fans stand apart in scrubber applications thanks to:

  • A One-Piece Wheel Design – Unlike traditional multi-piece wheels, Hartzell’s one-piece FRP wheel eliminates weak points where corrosion or wear often starts. This means:
    • Greater durability in abrasive and chemical-laden airstreams.
    • Higher reliability with fewer failures and less downtime.
    • Improved efficiency and lower maintenance costs over the fan’s lifespan.
  • Proven Track Record – Thousands of installations across a multitude of industries demonstrate consistent performance in the harshest of applications.
  • Custom Engineering – We customize our fans to each facility’s specific airflow, chemical exposure, and operating environment to ensure maximum effectiveness.

The Bottom Line

Scrubber systems play a critical role in protecting communities and the environment by controlling odors and removing pollutants—but they can only function if the fan is up to the job. Our FRP fans provide the corrosion resistance, continuous reliability, and long-term cost savings scrubber applications demand.

When you choose Hartzell, you gain more than just a fan—you gain the assurance of over 100 years of engineering expertise, thousands of successful installations, and a 5-year warranty that backs every FRP fan we produce. It’s our way of giving you peace of mind and making your job a little easier!

By David Long, Hartzell Air Movement, Vice President Sales

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