Maintenance Of Centrifugal Fan For Trouble Free Operation

Maintenance Of Centrifugal Fan For Trouble Free Operation

Neel Rao Writes on Centrifugal Fan & Centrifugal blower technologies for Reitz India

Routine maintenance and health check-up of the rotating equipment is essential for trouble free operation of the plant. This would also reduce the down time of the plant. It is recommended to refer the operation and maintenance manual of equipment manufacturer for any preventive measure. In case of any abnormal symptom monitored through sensors, should be attended immediately before the problem gets aggravated.

While using Centrifugal fans in industrial applications it is important to perform certain common maintenance tasks to have a trouble free operation. The typical maintenance schedule includes periodic inspection of the following components:

Impeller

Centrifugal fans that specifically operate in dust environments can build-up dirt deposits in fan housing and inside the impeller causing imbalance, vibration and partial damage to the equipment. Excessive wear can also cause damage to other parts like fan blades, bearings, backplate and belt drive. A periodic inspection on fan housing & impeller is necessary to remove dust particles and keep the equipment clean, particularly if it is operating in abrasive, sticky or wet conditions.

In general, wearing surfaces of the fan system require repair or replacement. If damaged impeller of the centrifugal fan cannot be fixed through repair, there is a need to replace the part with a new one to ensure proper working of the fan.

Bearings

Fan shaft bearings that are not lubricated well suffer with higher noise levels and improper functioning. It is necessary to keep the bearings free from dust & moisture and lubricate well with oil or grease in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Balance should be maintained while lubricating the bearings otherwise it may affect the efficiency of the equipment resulting in higher operating costs.

Checking the lubricant quality and quantity is necessary to avoid the possible damages of overheating and equipment downtime. High speed centrifugal fans working in severe operating conditions of industrial applications may require lubrication more often than those that are running under normal industrial environments.

Belt Drive

One of the main reasons for belt drive failure is improper belt tension.

Insufficient belt tension or improper alignment may result in excessive noise and performance loss. As belts wear with age, make sure to keep a check on it for any degradation. If belts are in bad condition i.e worn out state then make sure to replace it with a new one and adjust the tightness to minimize the risk of uneven loading. It is also necessary to check the sheave that is holding the belt for misalignment. If fan sheaves are damaged, then it may result in improper belt tension and energy loss.

Motor

Centrifugal fan motors need to be kept clean and properly lubricated to keep them from over heating and ensure optimal performance. As with all equipment, even motors lower its efficiency and break down with age due to various problems. A motor life can be extended if it is operated within 10% of the recommended voltage. To achieve normal lifespan of motor winding, it is also essential to keep the exterior of the motor free from debris and build-up.

While keeping a periodic inspection on the above components is essential for maintaining fan operation in good condition, it is also important to remove airborne contaminants to improve fan efficiency and reduce higher operating costs.

About REITZINDIA

Reitz India has set a benchmark to deliver high quality fans for heavy duty industries which can work at precise operating conditions like high temperatures and pressures. Reitz offer idealistic Centrifugal Fan and Centrifugal blower design that can be used in all large scale process industries like cement, iron & steel, power plants, fertilizers/ chemicals and more.

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