Single-Stage vs. Two-Stage Regenerative (RC) Blowers: Which One Is Right for You?

Regenerative blowers (RC blowers) come in single-stage and two-stage designs. Choosing the right one depends on your application’s requirements for pressure, vacuum, and airflow.

How They Differ

Feature

Single-Stage RC Blower

Two-Stage RC Blower

Air Path

Air passes through one impeller stage

Air passes through two impeller stages

Pressure/Vacuum

Lower pressure/vacuum

Higher pressure/vacuum

Airflow (CFM)

Higher flow rate

Lower flow rate at same motor power

Complexity

Simpler design

Slightly more complex; still low maintenance

Efficiency

More efficient at low pressure/vacuum

More efficient at higher pressure/vacuum

When to Choose a Single-Stage Blower

Ideal for:

  • High airflow, low-pressure applications
  • Air knives, cooling, drying, and aeration
  • Systems where pressure does not exceed ~3–4 psi or vacuum stays above ~10 inHg

Benefits:

  • Higher CFM output
  • More energy-efficient at lower differential pressures
  • Often lower cost and simpler to install

When to Choose a Two-Stage Blower

Ideal for:

  • Higher pressure or vacuum requirements
  • Vacuum lifting, dense pneumatic conveying, wastewater backflushing
  • Systems needing up to ~7 psi or -14 inHg vacuum

Benefits:

  • Greater pressure differential without oversizing the motor
  • Stable operation under load
  • Compact alternative to multiple single-stage units in series

Quick Selection Tip:

  • If your process needs volume (CFM) more than pressure, choose single-stage.
  • If your process needs pressure or suction more than volume, choose two-stage.

Application Examples

Application

Recommended Blower Type

Tank aeration

Single-stage

CNC vacuum hold-down

Two-stage

Packaging suction pick-and-place

Two-stage

Air knife drying on conveyor

Single-stage

Wastewater filter backflush

Two-stage

Pneumatic transport (light materials)

Single-stage

Need Help Choosing?

Many manufacturers provide performance curves for each model. Always compare against your system’s operating pressure, flow rate, and duty cycle to make the best choice.

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