Fan Maintenance & Inspection

FAN MANTENANCE

To obtain maximum service life of your fans, it is recommended the following maintenance be implemented and recorded in a plant log book

1. Ensure air intake space is unobstructed to avoid overheating the motors.
2. On a weekly basis use an air hose to ensure all airways are clear and free of dust if the fans are not used.
3. Do not wash the fan motor down unless the motor is IP66 rated.
4. On a quarterly basis

• Check motor terminals for tightness and contact.
• If terminal lugs are discolored, re-terminate.
• Check the operation of starting equipment, ensuring all terminations are tight.
• Check operation of space heaters (if fitted).

5. On a six (6) monthly basis, in addition to the above item 4

• Check stator resistance (compare to original and enter in log book).
• Check supply voltage at motor terminals.
• Check bearings for noise / overheating.
• Check the tightness of fastening.

6. On an annual basis, in addition to items 4 and 5

• ·Strip motor out and clean thoroughly. • Check bearings for wear / damage – Replace as necessary.
• ·Check all fastenings and impeller blades for cracks or damage – Replace as necessary.
• ·After re-assembly, check and record: !”Full load Current !”Full load Voltages !”Full load speed

7. Ensure plant logbook records commissioning data and compare maintenance data to original.

8. Contact your nearest Fans Direct office for any part replacement.

Note:

Before proceeding with routine maintenance ensure that:

• The fan and speed control, if fitted, are electrically isolated.
• Sufficient time is allowed for impeller to stop completely

FAN INSPECTION

Satisfactory applications occur when all aspects of the installation are in harmony with each other. Proper operation, constant monitoring and maintenance are also part of the equation.

The following checklist from AMCA 202 contains the items to be inspected:

1. All fan parts and accessories should be installed, aligned and operational.
2. Check all tie down bolts so that the fan is firmly held in place on its foundation.
3. Check all ductwork connections so that flexible material does not “suck in”, leak or become short circuited by having the fan support ductwork or other parts of the system.
4. Check that all fan components such as bearings, couplings, v-belts, motors etc. are aligned and properly tensioned. Make sure all v-belts are matched and that bearings have been tightened to the base and to the shaft. Check that bearings are properly lubricated with the proper type and amount of grease.
5. Check that the fan wheel is properly aligned with the inlet bell and housing, is free to turn and that when momentarily energized it will turn in the right direction.
6. Check the fan and system for any obstructions, build-up, leaks, missing parts etc.
7. Run the fan at full speed. Verify that the fan is running close to the design speed. Determine whether the fan is running smooth and that the bearings are not running hot. Obtain a power measurement to make sure the fan is not overloading the motor.
8. Let the fan run for twenty-four hours. Recheck all of the items listed above once again, particularly the v-belt tension.
9. Scheduled inspection of fans is recommended. Items checked should include:

• Bearings for over heating (lubricate or replace as required).
• Belt drives for proper tension to prevent slipping.
• Fan wheel for proper rotation.
• Dust accumulations on fan blades, housings, and shutters.
• Weeds and shrubs growing outside the greenhouse that block the centrifugal fans.

The results of this initial inspection should be kept on record for future reference. If a problem does occur later on, it will serve as a beginning point of any evaluation.

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