The primary purpose of an industrial air blower is to provide a sizable flow of air or gas to the various industrial processes. Industrial blower fans are electric fans with wheels and blades that can move a precise amount of gas or air from one location to another. It is essential to properly maintain the centrifugal fans to adhere to their long life and easy application. For predictable performance and trouble-free operation of industrial blower fans, listed below are 5 significant ways to main a centrifugal fan in an industrial setup.

1. Industrial fan installation: There are specific instructions to install an industrial fan in the factory setting. Any irregularities in the installation different from the set parameters can hinder the machine’s performance. Restricted or unstable incoming air from the fan’s inlet can cause pre-rotation of the fan that can lead to significant system losses. Similarly, unstable air from the outlet duct can cause system losses. Follow the given instructions below for installing the industrial blower fan.

2. Safety measures to be followed: Make sure to follow the proper lockout and tag-out procedures before any maintenance or service on the fan. Verify that all guards and access doors are firmly in place before operating the machinery. Never open access doors, screens, or guards while using the machinery. Screens are strongly advised in areas where inlets and outputs are not ducted. Never operate machinery above the recommended speed or temperature range. These restrictions are listed on the drawing that came with your fan. A licence electrician must complete all wiring. Some equipment surfaces may get warm, especially those used in high-temperature applications. Before beginning maintenance, ensure that the surfaces have cooled.

Check the rotor closely for wear, damage, and cracks. Any Rotor that is broken or exhibits severe wear needs to be replaced. Equipment with damaged rotors should not be used. When doing a rotor inspection, adhere to all lockout requirements.

3. Proper handling of centrifugal fans: The industrial fan should only be lifted using the base, mounting supports, or lifting eyes provided on the fan assembly. Never lift a fan by its wheel, shaft, motor, motor bracket, housing inlet, housing outlet, or any other fan portion not made for lifting. Training personnel must make all lifting decisions. Verify the lifting capacity of the forklift or crane. Worker should handle fan wheels and housings with protective coatings, such as rubber, phenolic enamel, or other materials carefully. These coatings are brittle and can chip or crack easily. It reduces the coating’s value as a protective layer for the metal.

4. Proper storage environment for centrifugal fans: Industrial fan kept in storage for a while has to be shielded from dust and moisture. The device will stay clean and dry if a tarp is used to cover it. A dark plastic tarp should not be used since it will encourage moisture. The bearings should be cleaned weekly with fresh grease to prevent long-term or outdoor storage moisture. Rotate the fan wheel by hand at least once every two weeks to spread the grease on the bearing parts. Idling motors should be stored in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Any nearby vibrations must be shielded from the fan. The fan and motor bearings can be damaged by high vibration in the fan storage area.

5. Mounting the industrial fans: Fans need to be mounted on sturdy, level foundations. Most installations employ reinforced concrete, which offers a great base, though one may also utilise many steel frame supports. The base’s mass must preserve the fan and driver and dampen natural vibration. The slab’s weight must be at least five times that of the fan/motor assembly. The steel structure needs to be correctly constructed to sustain the static and dynamic loads if the fan is to be put on it. The alignment of fan components may be impacted by a manufactured steel base that is insufficiently rigid.

The above-stated points can significantly help maintain the industrial fan for long service life.

Article Courtesy: Usha Die Casting Industries - a manufacturer and exporter of industrial equipment such as air washer unit, centrifugal blower, heat exchanger, pressure vessel, etc.