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.

        


































					
					
					
					
					
					
					
					
					
					
					
					
					
					
					
					
					
					
					
					
