In any industrial setup, maintaining proper ventilation and air quality is essential for safety, efficiency, and comfort. Air Handling Units (AHUs) serve as the backbone of HVAC systems, controlling temperature, humidity, and air cleanliness. Refcon Engineering, a trusted name in industrial HVAC solutions, offers a wide range of air handling units designed to meet specific environmental and operational needs across various industries.
Understanding the Role of Air Handling Units in Industry
Industrial processes generate large amounts of heat, dust, and pollutants. Without proper air handling systems, these conditions can affect production quality and even pose health risks. An AHU ensures a continuous supply of conditioned air by performing several key functions such as:
- Air filtration: Removing dust, debris, and pollutants.
- Temperature control: Heating or cooling the air as required.
- Humidity regulation: Adding or removing moisture to maintain balance.
- Air circulation: Ensuring constant air movement across the facility.
These functions are essential for industries like pharmaceuticals, textiles, food processing, chemicals, and electronics manufacturing, where maintaining clean and stable air conditions directly impacts production quality.
Core Components of an Air Handling Unit
While the design of AHUs may vary, the essential components remain similar:
- Blower or Fan: Circulates the air through ducts and filters.
- Cooling and Heating Coils: Control temperature using chilled or hot water.
- Air Filters: Capture dust, allergens, and contaminants.
- Dampers: Regulate airflow and maintain pressure.
- Humidifier/Dehumidifier: Manage moisture content for comfort and product safety.
- Casing and Insulation: Protect internal parts and reduce noise levels.
Types of Industrial Air Handling Units
1. Single-Skin Air Handling Unit
A Single-Skin AHU features a single-layer body construction. It’s the most basic form of AHU, offering a lightweight and cost-effective solution for ventilation and moderate conditioning needs.
Features
- Single metal sheet casing (typically galvanized or aluminum)
- Coact and lightweight design
- Easy installation and low maintenance cost
- Suitable for basic air handling operations
Advantages
- Economical option for general-purpose air systems
- Occupies less space
- Simple structure with easy cleaning and servicing
Applications
Used in commercial buildings, small-scale industries, and warehouses where insulation is not critical, and air conditioning loads are moderate.
2. Double-Skin Air Handling Unit
The Double-Skin AHU is the most popular and efficient model for industrial use. It has two metal sheets with an insulating layer (polyurethane or rock wool) between them, offering superior energy efficiency and thermal insulation.
Features
- Double-layer panel construction with insulation
- Heavy-duty frame and structure
- Corrosion-resistant and noise-reducing design
- Can handle large air volumes
Advantages
- Excellent insulation for temperature stability
- Reduced heat loss and sound transmission
- Higher durability and reliability
- Suitable for cleanroom and precision-controlled environments
Applications
Widely used in pharmaceutical, food processing, textile, and chemical industries where air cleanliness and temperature consistency are vital.
3. Modular Air Handling Unit
A Modular AHU is built in multiple detachable sections or modules, which can be easily transported, installed, and maintained. These are perfect for projects with space constraints or where future expansion may be required.
Features
- Modular section design (fan section, coil section, filter section, etc.)
- Pre-insulated or double-skin construction
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- High flexibility in design layout
Advantages
- Quick installation at site
- Easy customization and scalability
- Reduces downtime during servicing or component replacement
Applications
Ideal for large industrial facilities, hospitals, IT parks, and commercial complexes requiring flexible HVAC setups.
4. Floor-Mounted Air Handling Unit
Floor-Mounted AHUs are heavy-duty systems installed directly on the ground or on support frames. They can handle large airflow volumes and are built to perform under tough industrial conditions.
Features
- Mounted on base frame or anti-vibration mounts
- High-capacity blowers and motor systems
- Rigid casing structure
- Accessible design for easy maintenance
Advantages
- Handles high static pressure
- Ideal for centralized air conditioning
- Durable and long-lasting
Applications
Used in power plants, steel industries, chemical factories, and other large-scale production areas where airflow demand is high.
5. Rooftop Air Handling Unit
As the name suggests, Rooftop AHUs are installed on the building’s roof. They are weather-resistant and designed for easy outdoor maintenance while saving valuable indoor space.
Features
- Weatherproof casing with UV-resistant coating
- Built-in cooling/heating coils
- Integrated filtration and control systems
- Space-saving outdoor design
Advantages
- Frees up indoor space
- Easier outdoor air intake
- Simplifies ductwork layout
- Easy accessibility for service and maintenance
Applications
Commonly used in factories, warehouses, malls, and office buildings, where large air volume handling is required without occupying floor space.
6. Packaged Air Handling Unit
A Packaged AHU combines all essential air handling components in a single casing — making it a ready-to-install solution for medium-scale applications.
Features
- All-in-one design (filter, coil, fan, and control)
- Factory-assembled and tested before delivery
- Compact and enclosed unit design
- Low installation time
Advantages
- Easy to install and operate
- Low maintenance requirements
- Suitable for retrofitting and space-limited sites
Applications
Perfect for medium-sized industries, hotels, restaurants, and educational institutions where compactness and efficiency are priorities.
7. Hygienic Air Handling Unit
Hygienic AHUs are specialized systems designed for environments requiring sterile and contamination-free air. They use high-grade materials and coatings that prevent microbial growth and allow easy cleaning.
Features
- Stainless steel internal panels and smooth surfaces
- Antibacterial coating on casing
- HEPA/ULPA filters for ultra-clean air
- Drain pans and easy-washable components
Advantages
- Maintains strict air hygiene standards
- Prevents cross-contamination
- Easy to clean and disinfect
- Ensures compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
Applications
Used in pharmaceutical plants, food and beverage industries, hospitals, laboratories, and cleanrooms.
8. Energy Recovery Air Handling Unit (ERU)
The Energy Recovery AHU, also known as ERU, is a modern and energy-efficient system that recovers heat or cooling energy from exhaust air and transfers it to incoming fresh air.
Features
- Equipped with heat exchangers (plate or rotary wheel type)
- Recovers 60–80% of thermal energy
- Integrated filtration and control modules
- Reduces load on cooling/heating systems
Advantages
- Significant energy savings
- Reduced operating costs
- Improved indoor air quality with minimal energy loss
- Supports sustainable and eco-friendly operations
Applications
Ideal for green buildings, pharmaceutical plants, and industries focusing on sustainability.
Refcon Engineering – Your Trusted Partner for AHUs
Refcon Engineering stands out as one of the trusted names in the AHU manufacturing industry. We build robust, energy efficient solutions for small to large scale industries. With years of experience and technical expertise, we delivers:
- Custom-built AHU designs tailored to client needs
- High energy efficiency through advanced fans and motors
- Robust, corrosion-resistant materials for long life
- Low vibration and noise operation
- Easy installation and service access
- Compliance with international HVAC standards
Our AHUs are designed for performance, reliability, and durability, making them a preferred choice across
- Textiles and paper industries
- Datcenters and electronics production
- Hospitals and research laboratories
Air Handling Units are the heart of any industrial HVAC system, ensuring fresh, filtered, and temperature-controlled air across facilities. Each type of AHU — from basic single-skin models to advanced energy recovery units — serves a unique purpose depending on the application and environment.
By choosing the right AHU, industries can improve air quality, reduce energy costs, and enhance operational efficiency.
Refcon Engineering, with its advanced design capabilities and commitment to quality, continues to lead as a top manufacturer of industrial air handling units in India, offering customized, efficient, and long-lasting solutions for every industrial requirement.
