Blower Market

A blower is a mechanical device that utilizes an impeller to move air or gas in a particular direction. These devices are commonly used in a wide range of industries, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), industrial processing, and chemical processing. Blowers are designed to generate high volumes of air or gas flow, with various sizes and configurations available to suit different applications.

One of the most common types of blowers is the centrifugal blower, which works by drawing air into the device's housing and accelerating it with a rotating impeller. As the air moves outward from the impeller, it is directed into a diffuser, which slows the air down and converts its kinetic energy into pressure. This pressure generates a flow of air or gas, which can be directed through ductwork to various parts of a building or industrial facility.

Another type of blower is the axial blower, which utilizes a series of rotating blades to move air or gas parallel to the axis of the device. Axial blowers are commonly used in applications that require high flow rates and low pressure, such as cooling electronic components or ventilating large spaces.

Blowers can also be categorized according to their power source, with electric blowers being the most common. Electric blowers are typically more energy-efficient and easier to control than other types of blowers, such as those powered by internal combustion engines. However, in certain applications where electricity is not readily available, gas-powered blowers may be preferred.

Dynamics of Blower Market

Drivers in Blower Market

The blower market is witnessing growth due to increasing investments and capacity expansions, driven by the rapid industrialization and manufacturing activities. The blower equipment is widely used for air and gas flow in several applications, such as fermentation, pneumatic conveying, cooling, and heating, among others. The market is spread across industries, including cement, steel, mining, power, chemicals & petrochemicals, pulp & paper, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, and water & wastewater treatment. Around 70% of manufacturers use compressed air systems.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) reported that global greenfield project investments in manufacturing industries amounted to USD 237 billion in 2023, with developing economies accounting for USD 135 billion. This growth is primarily due to the boost in industrial and economic developments in emerging economies in Asia Pacific and Africa. Additionally, the emphasis on industrial automation and government initiatives to promote it is driving the demand for blowers.

According to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) report on global energy investment, published in July 2021, global energy investment rebounded strongly in 2020, reaching $1.9 trillion, following a sharp decline in 2019.

Some key statistics from the report include:

• Investment in renewable energy capacity increased by 2% in 2020, reaching a record high of $303.5 billion.
• Solar power attracted the largest share of renewable energy investment in 2020, accounting for 57% of total investment in renewable energy.
• Investment in energy efficiency fell by 9% in 2020, primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the buildings sector.
• Fossil fuel investments declined by 8% in 2020, with the majority of the decrease occurring in upstream oil and gas.
• China remained the largest market for energy investment in 2020, accounting for one-third of global investment, followed by the United States and the European Union.
• Investment in energy research and development (R&D) remained flat in 2020, with government and corporate R&D spending each accounting for about half of total R&D investment.

The chemical and petrochemical industries require blowers for processing and operating mechanisms, and a total investment of USD 50 billion will be made in coke and refined petroleum projects during the forecast period. With rapid industrialization and increasing manufacturing activities across emerging economies, the demand for the blower market is on the rise. Additionally, several sectors have made air and gas movement, filtration, and cleaning essential to their production processes, which is further driving market growth.

The growing demand for higher power, small size, and better performing applications is driving the advancement in thermal technologies, leading to an increase in demand for hotspot cooling blowers. Companies like BOYD corporation have launched customized blowers with innovative ducting and airflow management, heat pipes, and vapor chambers to meet consumer requirements. Such factors are expected to drive the market further.

Restraints in Blower Market

The high total cost of ownership is a major restraint for the aeration blower industry. The cost is generally calculated by taking into account three factors, namely, initial investment, lifetime maintenance costs, and lifetime energy costs. Energy consumption accounts for a significant portion of a blower's lifespan cost, almost 80-85% during its 10-year lifespan. In the water and wastewater treatment industry, aeration blower systems can consume as much as 70% of a plant's total energy consumption, making energy cost and consumption the primary drivers behind the development of more efficient aeration blower systems.

Advancements in aeration blower technology are offering new options for reducing energy consumption. However, proper understanding of the overall system and operating conditions is crucial to achieving a positive return on investment and reducing the total cost of ownership. Incorrect use of blower technology can prevent the expected cost benefits from being realized. Factors such as daily and seasonal variations in oxygen demand, fouling and aging of diffusers, air flow control and turndown capabilities, total blower efficiency, energy consumption over time, mode of operation, blower accessories, and plant setup play a significant role in choosing the right blower for water and wastewater treatment.

Opportunities in Blower Market

The adoption of energy-efficient blowers presents significant opportunities in the wake of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Energy-efficient air solutions are gaining attention as a means to lower energy costs and reduce emissions. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), approximately 50% of industrial plant air systems offer significant opportunities for energy savings at relatively low costs. For this reason, proper maintenance and high-level monitoring are necessary to enhance the life cycle of pneumatic devices and ensure the reliability of air systems.

Air compressors that generate low-pressure compressed air between 0.3-1.5 bar (4-22 psi) can be replaced by air blowers to make applications more energy-efficient. About 7% of energy is wasted when the air is compressed above the actual demand. The operational cost of a blower is determined by its energy consumption, but modern blowers are capable of achieving long-term savings and a cleaner environment. They require less fuel and generate less noise. Moreover, modern blowers come with a heat recovery feature, which helps recover up to 90% of the heat generated by compressors. The recovered energy can be utilized for pre-heating of feedwater or air, which is a significant advancement for power generation industries. High-speed turbo blowers are renowned for their highly efficient operation, resulting in low energy consumption and total cost of ownership. Modern compressed air systems recommend the use of IE4-compliant motors, which help in reducing electricity consumption. All these factors provide better growth opportunities for the blower market.

Wastewater treatment plants consume up to 70% of energy in aeration, and the energy consumption of the units often exceeds five to ten times the purchase price of a blower. Manufacturers are developing blowers with variable speed drives to reduce energy consumption. For example, Atlas Copco provides blowers with variable speed drives, which lower energy consumption by an average of 30% compared to other technologies.

Challenges in Blower Market

The blower market is highly competitive, with both local and international players. To stand out in this market, product quality is a crucial factor. The organized sector typically caters to industrial buyers and adheres to industry standards to maintain superior product quality. Conversely, the unorganized sector offers cheaper alternatives to the market. Local manufacturers often target the unorganized sector and pose a strong competition to global suppliers in their respective markets. This has created a challenge for leading market players who face tough competition from new entrants in the gray market that offer low-quality and inexpensive products. These gray market players are more price-competitive and have a better local distribution network, thereby posing a major challenge to the established players in the blower market.

In addition, the high maintenance and operating costs of industrial air blowers, combined with limited alternatives, can restrict the growth of the market. High fuel consumption is another factor that adds to operational costs. The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on the market. The outbreak led to the temporary shutdown or restricted operations of manufacturing, construction, hotel, and tourism industries on a global scale, which, in turn, resulted in a decline in the production of air blowers. Nonetheless, some industries, such as food and beverage, wastewater treatment plants, and pharmaceuticals, continued to operate at full capacity, leading to a stable service business type in the industrial air blower market. As industries gradually resume their regular manufacturing and services, the market is expected to recover.

Ecosystem of Blower Market

The blower market has been categorized into different product types including positive displacement, centrifugal, high-speed turbo blower, and regenerative. The high-speed turbo blower segment is expected to grow the fastest during the forecast period due to its high efficiency and ability to achieve high velocity for various operations.

The market has also been segmented based on pressure, including up to 15 psi, 15-20 psi, and above 20 psi. The up to 15 psi segment is projected to be the largest and fastest growing segment during the forecast period, driven by the demand for blowers in aeration, gas treatment, dust collection, soot removal, and pneumatic transfer applications.

In terms of end-use industry, the blower market has been segmented into cement, steel, mining, power, chemical & petrochemicals, pulp & paper, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, water & wastewater treatment, and others. The food & beverage segment is expected to be the second largest market during the forecast period.

The Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the blower market during the forecast period, followed by North America. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness faster growth over the forecast period due to the rising investments in chemical, wastewater treatment, and mining projects across countries like China, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Japan. Indonesia is also considered the largest country for coal production and consumption for electricity generation, creating a huge demand for blowers in the power sector. Additionally, the growing commercial and manufacturing sectors are expected to drive demand for blowers over the forecast period.

The positive displacement blower category is projected to experience the highest compound annual growth rate during the forecast period. This is because of its consistent velocity and affordable maintenance cost. It also enables the transportation of a significant quantity of gas, liquid, or particles with its steady air movement at sufficient air pressure, which is critical for the movement of food, agricultural, and pharmaceutical products.

Furthermore, positive displacement has a significant demand in the packaging industry as it inflates packaging bags to their full capacity, preventing spillage and ensuring that products are not underweight, resulting in an efficient process. These factors contribute to the expansion of the market.

The high-speed turbo blower is also expected to see growth over the forecast period due to its superior efficiency and reliability. The demand for high-speed turbo is also increasing because it accomplishes more work with less energy consumption, supporting market growth. It is also utilized in industries such as pulp & paper, chemical, cement, and mining due to its high endurance operation, driving market growth.

The water and wastewater treatment industry is projected to witness a significant surge in demand over the coming years. To facilitate aeration to activated sludge and stimulate aerobic digestion, blowers are employed, which can then be used for further usage or returned to the water cycle after being treated. Moreover, positive displacement blowers are an essential component in the second stage of the treatment process, aiding in creating air bubbles for proper agitation and aeration. Integrating these blowers in treatment plants is an energy and cost-effective solution, fueling the growth of this industry segment.

The food and beverage industry is poised to be the second-largest contributor to the market growth. The shift towards ready-to-eat foods and evolving consumer eating habits is expected to drive market growth. Additionally, blowers are used in various stages of the food and beverage industry, including product slippage, dust removal, conveying and handling of products, tray cleaning, drying excess products, and storing and packaging. This usage is expected to have a positive impact on the market growth in the forecast period.

Dominating Companies in Blower Market

• ATLAS COPCO
• INGERSOLL RAND
• KAESER KOMPRESSOREN
• AERZEN
• XYLEM
• SHANDONG ZHANGQIU BLOWER CO. LTD
• MANVAC
• REITZ GROUP
• EVEREST BLOWERS
• MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES
• SOFASCO
• PILLER BLOWERS & COMPRESSORS
• ATLANTIC BLOWERS
• HOWDEN GROUP
• DICHENG
• KAY INTERNATIONAL
• SAVIO S.R.L
• SHANDONG HUADONG BLOWER CO., LTD
• THE NEW YORK BLOWER COMPANY
• EBARA CORPORATION
• Air Control Industries Ltd.
• Airtech Blower Industries
• Atlamtic Blower
• New York Blower Company
• GP Motors
• HSI Blower

Recent Developments in Blower Market

• In 2021, Atlas Copco, a leading provider of sustainable productivity solutions, acquired MEDGAS-Technik GmbH, a German-based company specializing in medical air and medical vacuum systems. This acquisition expands Atlas Copco's offerings in the medical gas equipment market, including a range of medical blowers.
• In 2020, Gardner Denver Holdings, Inc. merged with Ingersoll Rand's Industrial segment to create a new company called Ingersoll Rand Inc. The merger brings together two leading industrial companies, with a combined portfolio that includes air compressors, blowers, pumps, and more.
• In 2019, Howden, a leading manufacturer of air and gas handling equipment, acquired Peter Brotherhood Ltd, a UK-based engineering company specializing in steam turbines, generators, and blowers. The acquisition enhances Howden's portfolio of products and services, particularly in the power generation and marine industries.
• In 2018, Xylem Inc., a leading global water technology company, acquired EmNet LLC, a provider of smart solutions for water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. EmNet's offerings include a range of blowers and compressors used in water treatment and management, which complement Xylem's existing portfolio of products and services.
• In 2018, SPX Flow, a global supplier of process equipment and solutions, acquired Copes-Vulcan, a valve and control solutions provider. The acquisition expands SPX Flow's offerings in the power generation, oil and gas, and industrial markets, including a range of air blowers used in power plant applications.
• In August 2021, Airtech Vacuum announced the acquisition of Republic Manufacturing, a US-based manufacturer of regenerative blowers and vacuum pumps. The acquisition will help Airtech Vacuum to expand its product portfolio and strengthen its position in the North American market.
• In November 2020, Ingersoll Rand completed the acquisition of Precision Flow Systems, a manufacturer of engineered centrifugal and blower technologies for industrial compressed air, gas and vacuum systems. The acquisition will enable Ingersoll Rand to expand its product offerings in the industrial compressed air systems market.
• In January 2020, Atlas Copco announced the acquisition of Eurochiller, an Italian manufacturer of industrial cooling systems, including blowers, for various applications. The acquisition will help Atlas Copco to expand its portfolio of industrial cooling solutions and increase its presence in the European market.
• In December 2019, Gardner Denver Holdings completed the merger with Ingersoll-Rand's Industrial segment, which included the centrifugal and positive displacement blower businesses. The merger created a new company named Ingersoll Rand Inc., which offers a wide range of industrial equipment and services, including blowers.
• In October 2019, Xylem Inc. announced a partnership with Esri, a global leader in geographic information system (GIS) technology. The partnership aims to provide advanced analytics and insights for water utilities using Xylem's Flygt Asset Management and Analytics (AMA) software and Esri's ArcGIS platform. The software utilizes sensors and data analytics to optimize the performance of water and wastewater treatment systems, including blower systems.

In conclusion, blowers are an essential tool for many different industries and applications. They can help move air or gas efficiently and effectively, making them an indispensable part of HVAC systems, industrial processing facilities, and chemical plants. With their wide range of sizes, configurations, and power sources, blowers can be tailored to meet the needs of any application.