Ram Fans

Every foot of flexible ducting and each directional bend introduces mechanical resistance (static friction), which systematically drops your real-world airflow volume compared to "Free Air" performance. For the standard 115V AC Ramfan UB20 (ED7002), the performance values scale as follows:

• Free Air (No Duct Attached): Delivers a maximum nominal output of 980 CFM (1,666 m³/hr).
• With 15-foot Standard Duct (One 90° Turn): Real-world volume drops to 789 CFM (1,341 m³/hr).
• With 15-foot Standard Duct (Two 90° Turns): Performance drops further to 666 CFM (1,132 m³/hr).
• With 25-foot Standard Duct (One 90° Turn): Real-world output measures 722 CFM (1,227 m³/hr).

To offset friction losses on long, complex ducting setups, utilizing the specialized Turbo-Couple™ adapter allows you to connect two UB20 blowers in series, boosting inline pressure and increasing air volume by up to 50%.

For a ventilator to be certified for hazardous locations under ATEX, IECEx, and OSHA Class I, Divisions 1 and 2, Groups C and D standards, it must prevent both electrical and mechanical spark ignition. Ramfan EX models (like the UB20xx) incorporate several key engineering safety features:

• Anti-Static Housing: The outer casing is molded from carbon-infused PC/ABS polymer, which naturally conducts static electricity to a ground point, preventing high-voltage static sparks on the housing surface.
• Explosion-Proof Motor: The electric motor is totally enclosed inside an aluminum flame-proof housing, ensuring any internal electrical arcing or heat buildup cannot contact the surrounding environment.
• Cast Aluminum/Flame-Retardant Impeller: Non-sparking blades prevent mechanical sparks if debris strikes the rotating fan blade.
• Hermetically Sealed Switch: The power switch is enclosed in an IP55 or IP66 dust-and-moisture-proof housing to prevent open electrical arcs during startup.

Traditional PPV fans discharge air in a wide, cone-shaped pattern. While effective for close setbacks, this cone disperses quickly, requiring the fan to sit close to the entrance (typically 4 to 8 feet), which blocks access for emergency personnel. Ramfan's patented PowerStream® technology utilizes state-of-the-art air straighteners—highly specialized stator vanes positioned behind the impeller—to collect the spinning, turbulent air and realign it into a focused, high-velocity column of air. This tight column maintains its velocity over longer distances, allowing the fan to be positioned up to 16 to 20 feet away from the entry point while maintaining the same pressure seal across the doorway.

The Manhole Entry Device (M.E.D.™) is a specialized, heavy-duty ventilation adapter designed to resolve a critical safety conflict: providing continuous fresh air to a subterranean worker without completely blocking the manhole entrance.

• Structural Clearance: The M.E.D. converts standard circular 8-inch ducting into a highly compressed, flat vertical profile that slides flat against the wall of the manhole opening.
• Access: This flat profile occupies a minimal portion of the opening, leaving ample clearance for technicians wearing full safety harnesses and fall-arrest gear to climb in and out of the vault easily.
• Air Delivery: Built from high-impact polyethylene, the internal curved transitions maintain a steady, high-velocity airflow stream from your UB20 blower, delivering clean air to the work zone without sacrificing volume.

Tactical battery-powered ventilators (like the Ramfan EX50Li) utilize an advanced, auto-sensing power management system built to ensure continuous operation across changing power grids:

• Direct AC Operation: When connected to standard 115V AC utility power or generator lines, the internal power supply bypasses the battery to run the fan at maximum capacity while simultaneously charging the installed battery packs at a steady rate.
• DC Battery Power: When disconnected from AC power, the fan automatically draws current from high-capacity 40V Lithium-Ion battery packs, running for up to 4 to 10 hours depending on the variable speed settings.

Uncertified ventilation claims are often based on free-air displacement metrics calculated at the fan blade face, which do not reflect actual performance when pushing air through a structural opening. AMCA (Air Movement and Control Association) Standard 240 is the internationally recognized, independent laboratory testing standard for evaluating positive pressure ventilators. A fan certified under AMCA 240 (like the EX500 or G3) is tested in real-world scenarios—measuring actual pressurized airflow through a standard single door opening at various setback distances and tilt angles. Sourcing AMCA-certified equipment ensures your safety calculations are based on verified, reproducible physical data rather than estimated metrics.

The Quick-Couple™ Canister houses and protects flexible ventilation ducting from physical punctures and dirt during transport. Because the canister must seal tightly to the blower body to prevent air leakage, keep these parameters in mind:

• Latch Inspections: Periodically verify that the heavy-duty quick-release steel latches maintain tight mechanical tension on the collar rings. Loose latches allow pressurized air to escape, dropping down-line CFM.
• Debris Cleansing: Regularly inspect the coupling rim for caked mud, grit, or concrete dust. Wipe clean with a damp cloth to prevent seal damage.
• Duct Care: Never retract wet ducting into the canister for extended storage. Pull the ducting out completely and allow it to air-dry to prevent mold buildup and preserve the flame-retardant fabric coatings.

As an authorized stocking commercial trade distributor and certified safety equipment supplier, Ohio Power Tool stocks a comprehensive portfolio of industrial ventilation assets. We maintain a deep regional field stock of Ramfan UB20 standard and EX blowers, Quick-Couple™ canisters with 15-foot and 25-foot ducts, heavy-duty EFi-series high-volume axial fans, portable battery-powered PPV smoke ejectors, and manhole entry configurations to keep your utility, electrical, and rescue crews operating safely.