[Amps] 3-500Z and Cooling Requirements

[Steven Cook]

Team,

I picked up a Henry 2K-4 which runs a pair of 3-500Z fire bottles.  It uses 
recessed ceramic sockets and glass chimneys to direct air at the anode cap 
and seal.  The Eimac spec sheet indicates something like 12 CFM each at 500 
watts of plate dissipation for cooling -- looses in ducting, etc., must be 
added to this minimum value.  As part of my Christmas upgrade activities, I 
was thinking of putting in a new blower and in looking at the various 
offerings, there is quite a range of blowers that would fit the available 
space.  I realize that "mo" is "mo bedda" -- to a point.  Once you start 
pushing the tubes out of their sockets, shattering chimneys, and bowing 
sheet metal -- well, you've gone too far.

Can anyone recommend a good CFM value consistent with reasonable noise, but 
that would keep the amp cool under all reasonable conditions of use. 
Perhaps someone has been down this path before.  I was thinking of using one 
of the Papst aluminum type squirrel cage units in the 100 to 150 CFM range, 
but wanted to review your opinions before I shell out my hard earned money.

Thanks to all who may wish to opine...

Steve - WG7K