High-Speed Blowers Market

Market Overview

High-speed blowers, also known as high-pressure blowers, are used in industrial applications that demand high energy efficiency. They are likely to be favoured in place of traditional blowers owing to superior energy efficiency and relatively lower maintenance costs. Characteristics such as a wide operating range, temperature control, and higher speed make them an ideal option in an era where rapid industrial growth demands high performing machines.

High-speed blowers’ primary areas of application include wastewater treatment, chemical, marine, and oil and gas industries. The need for rapid aeration in the oil and gas sector is expected to drive the demand for high-speed blowers in the coming years. These blowers are extensively used in treatment systems, pressurization systems, air circulation, and in cracking of oil and gas in explosion-proof areas. Inert gas blending and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) re-gasification plants in the oil and gas sector are expected to be responsible for the burgeoning demand in this market.

The market, as of now, is in the growth stage. Although the technology has been around for quite some time, its adoption has been slow, especially in industries of emerging economies. However, the considerable amount of advantages that it offers are projected to result in higher adoption from various industries and end-users.

Manufacturers involved in the production of high-speed blowers are increasingly focussing on building blowers that are compact, require lesser installation time and can be used in higher temperatures, in order to increase their market penetration. These developments are expected to propel this market as it addresses the concerns of various end-users that are looking to install high-speed blowers while incurring minimum switching costs.

Segmental Analysis

Growth of Oil and Gas Industry despite the Steady Search for Alternatives

Despite the world looking out for and even encouraging the use of alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, nuclear energy sources, among others, exists considerable demand for oil and gas commodities. Several projects have gained government approval to commence commercial production at new drilling sites. For instance, in November 2019, the U.S. government approved a plan that could possibly open around 1.2 million acres across nine counties in California’s Central Valley for new oil and gas drilling projects. Considerable developments in emerging economies have spurred the demand for oil and gas in these economies. Countries such as India, Thailand, Brazil, and Argentina have been consistently trying to expand their global business footprint, which is expected to surge the demand for oil and gas in a bid to spur economic expansion.

There has also been an increase in the demand for automobiles, owing to the emerging middle class with a higher disposable income. Although there have been considerable advancements in using alternative sources to power industries and vehicles, manufacturers of automobile, automotive parts, and industrial and commercial machineries are yet to fully upgrade to an infrastructure that will commercially produce equipment capable of running without the use of petrol, diesel, and other products derived from oil and gas. Furthermore, the demand for these fuels is inelastic in nature, which means that an increase or a decrease in price will not result in any change in the demand. However, the number of consumers has increased, leading to an overall increase in the consumption of oil and gas.

Multitude of Applications in the Chemical Industry

High-speed blowers are also used in various chemical industries, primarily for supplying gas at relatively lower pressures, owing to their use in air handling and movement systems. The chemical industry has played an important role in the global economic landscape. This sector has been catering to an array of other industrial segments, which is one of the reasons why the rise in demand for various chemicals will lead to a surge in demand for high-speed blowers. Furthermore, a significant number of chemical manufacturers and producers are focussing on achieving reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets by using machinery and equipment that align with the sustainable development goals set by the U.N. in 2017. In addition to this, chemicals have been playing an important role in manufacturing pesticides, fertilizers, paints, coatings, and LED lighting, which is aiding agricultural growth, increasing insulation levels to combat climate change effects and increasing substantial power savings, respectively. The advantages offered and the collective conscience of the millennial population is expected to propel the demand for high-speed blowers.

Emerging Economies — Potential Markets for Manufacturers and Suppliers of High-Speed Blowers

Manufacturers and suppliers of high-speed blowers are projected to expand their presence in emerging economies. Economies such as India, Brazil, Malaysia, South Africa, and Nigeria are rapidly turning into favourable destinations for various industries that use high-speed blowers. Liberalization of economy, the establishment of trade routes, and signing trade agreements have fostered an era of increased international trades, which has been one of the primary reasons for the rise of these economies as manufacturing hubs. These aspects are projected to have a positive impact on the procurement of high-speed blowers from these regions, owing to their ability to function in extreme conditions. However, high setup and switching costs are projected to restrict the growth of this market. However, tax benefits and incentives to industries on machine upgradation is expected to help in overcoming this restriction in the coming years.

Ever Growing Demand for Water & Subsequent Need for Wastewater Treatment

‘Day Zero’ is a term used for a city when its taps run dry, and its people have to stand in line to receive their ration of water. Rapid urbanization and rampant, unchecked industrialization have given way to water crises. The chemicals which have been dumped into freshwater sources for years have now wreaked havoc owing to the decreasing number of available sources for potable water. Furthermore, global warming has also been one of the reasons for the reduction in the availability of freshwater. For instance, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), January 2019 had mentioned that there is approximately 70% chance that there will be a warmer-than-average winter across the U.S. This is likely to result in lesser snowfall, the melting of which results in generating of fresh drinking water. The Global Water Forum states that global water demand is anticipated to peak by 55% between 2000–2050. These factors are projected to result in an increase in the procurement of high-speed blowers for wastewater treatment, in order to recycle the water and to mitigate the effects of lowering water levels.

In addition to this, the demand for high-speed blowers with airfoil bearings is likely to witness a considerable hike owing to their use in continuous speed and light load applications. Manufacturers are also making considerable improvements with regard to certain aspects of high-speed blowers to enhance performance. For instance, companies such as Mechanical Technology, Hamilton Standard, and Honeywell are making significant improvements such as anti-friction foil coatings, enhanced stability for shock loads, and increasing load capacity, among others

Regional Analysis

Growing Environment Consciousness and Stringent Government Norms in Europe

Europe has always been a pioneer in the development and adoption of new technology. Stringent regulations and the rapid use of eco-friendly technology in this region have been at the forefront of almost every technological innovation. This is one of the reasons why Europe is likely to hold a dominant share in this market. Furthermore, the formation of the European Union is likely to foster easier trade and exchange of research ideas with regards to the technological innovation and adaptability of this machine. European economies have been leading in the production of various commodities, the players of which require the use of high-speed blowers. For instance, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA), Russia, Norway, and the U.S. are producing over 190,000 barrels of crude oil per day since 2018. The presence of a robust oil and gas sector, which is one of the major end-users of high-speed blowers, is expected to hold a dominant market share of Europe. However, the looming uncertainty over Brexit is projected to affect the growth of this market, thereby persuading players to turn their attention towards developing markets in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America.

High-Speed Blowers Market Segmentation

By Technology

• Magnetic bearings
• Airfoil bearings

By End-Use

• Chemical
• Oil and gas
• Wastewater treatment
• Marine

By Region

North America

• U.S.
• Canada
• Mexico

Europe

• Germany
• U.K.
• Italy
• France
• Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific

• China
• South Korea
• Taiwan
• India
• Singapore
• Japan
• Malaysia
• Indonesia
• Rest of Asia-Pacific

Latin America

• Brazil
• Argentina
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East and Africa (MEA)

• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• Rest of Middle East