Texas Pneumatic Tornado Blowers
Electrically powered confined-space blowers in heavy-gauge rolled and welded steel, in totally enclosed or explosion-proof form. The 12 in explosion-proof unit is approved and certified by the American Bureau of Shipping.
The short version
Tornado blowers are ducted electric blowers for ventilating manholes, tanks, vaults and holds. Housings are heavy-gauge steel, rolled and welded rather than cast, with a rugged steel outlet adapter and welded guide vanes so the unit does not rattle itself apart. Three sizes: Tornado 8 (2,090 CFM, 72 lb), Tornado 12 (up to 5,064 CFM, 80 lb) and Tornado 16 (6,950 CFM, 170 lb), each in TEFC or explosion-proof form. The 8, 12 and 16 in EXP units carry NEMA Class 1 Div. 1 Group D and Class II Groups E, F and G motors, and the Tornado 12 EXP is ABS approved and certified. Pair with SAC-N-GO ducting to reach the work. All-brands: tornado blowers.
Three sizes, six motor configurations
Tornado 8 · 1 hp · 72 lb
2,090 CFM · 115V or 220V · TEFC or EXP
Manholes and small vaults where an 8 in duct run is enough.
Tornado 12 · 1 hp · 80 lb
Up to 5,064 CFM · 115V or 220V · ABS certified EXP
The workhorse size, and the only one in the range with American Bureau of Shipping approval.
Tornado 16 · 2 hp · 170 lb
6,950 CFM · 115V, 220V or 220V 3-phase
Large tanks and long duct runs where volume beats portability.
Tornado blower specifications
Air flow figures are the manufacturer’s published ratings for the configuration shown.
| Model | Motor | Air flow | Weight | Voltages | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tornado 8 TEFC | 1 hp | 2,090 CFM | 72 lb | 115V, 220V 1-ph | $2,985 |
| Tornado 8 EXP | 1 hp | 2,090 CFM | 72 lb | 115V, 220V 1-ph | $3,750 |
| Tornado 12 TEFC | 1 hp | 5,064 CFM | 80 lb | 115V, 220V 1-ph | $4,250 |
| Tornado 12 EXP | 1 hp | 2,980 CFM | 80 lb | 115V, 220V 1-ph | $4,750 |
| Tornado 16 TEFC | 2 hp | 6,950 CFM | 170 lb | 115V, 220V 1-ph, 220V 3-ph | $5,275 |
| Tornado 16 EXP | 2 hp | 6,950 CFM | 170 lb | 115V, 220V 1-ph, 220V 3-ph | $5,750 |
Swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Accessories and alternatives
Tornado blower questions, answered
What is a tornado blower used for?
Ventilating confined spaces: manholes, tanks, vaults, holds and underground rooms. The blower sits outside the space in clean air and pushes fresh air in through a duct run, or draws contaminated air out, depending on your entry procedure. It is the electric counterpart to a compressed-air ventilator, and it makes sense whenever you have power at the opening.
Which model is ABS certified?
The Tornado 12 EXP units are approved and certified by the American Bureau of Shipping. That is what marine and shipyard work usually asks for. The 8, 12 and 16 in explosion-proof units all carry motors rated NEMA Class 1 Division 1 Group D and Class II Groups E, F and G, with explosion-proof junction boxes, cords and plugs.
How much air do they move?
The Tornado 8 is rated 2,090 CFM. The Tornado 12 is rated 5,064 CFM in TEFC form and 2,980 CFM in explosion-proof form. The Tornado 16 is rated 6,950 CFM. Remember that a long or kinked duct run costs you a large fraction of the rated flow — size the duct generously.
What voltage do they run on?
115v or 230v single phase at 50/60 Hz as standard, with the voltage changed by a single switch on the rear of the motor housing on most units. Higher voltages and three-phase motors are available, and the Tornado 16 is offered in 220v three phase.
What ducting fits?
SAC-N-GO ducting in 8, 12 and 16 in matches the three blower sizes. The storage bag stays attached to the duct, no extra parts are needed to link units together, and electrically conductive (groundable) duct is available in black where static is a concern. See air ducting.
What accessories are available?
A dual inlet adapter, a tote cart with straps, an air mover stand, and SAC-N-GO ducting in 8, 12 or 16 in diameter, conductive or non-conductive. The cart and adapter are quote items — call 1-888-883-5144 to add them.
Tornado blower or venturi air mover?
If you have power at the opening, the tornado blower gives you more CFM per dollar and does not consume compressor capacity. If the opening is classified, remote, or you simply have air and no power, a venturi air mover has no motor at all.
Ventilating a confined space?
Tell us the volume, the duct run and whether the area is classified. We will size the blower and the duct together.