The fan is the central component of any extraction or ventilation system. When it stops, dust remains on the shop floor and fumes remain in the lab. Most fan failures develop slowly and give early warning, which is why preventive maintenance costs far less than an emergency repair.
Scope of a maintenance visit
- Vibration. Rising vibration is usually the first sign of trouble: an unbalanced impeller, material building up on the blades, a worn bearing or a loose base.
- Bearings. Temperature and noise checks, and lubrication to the manufacturer's instructions. Over-greasing does as much harm as under-greasing.
- Belts and pulleys. Tension, wear, cracking and alignment. A slack belt slips, overheats and cuts airflow.
- Impeller and housing. Removing built-up dust, grease or process material, and checking for wear and corrosion.
- Motor. Running current, temperature, electrical connections and the motor's cooling fan.
- Mounts and isolators. Bolts, base and flexible connections to the ductwork.
Inspection intervals
Intervals depend on the manufacturer's instructions, running hours and operating conditions. A fan running around the clock in dusty or greasy air needs closer attention than one running a few hours a day in clean air. A quick look-and-listen check can be done often; a full service, including belt tensioning and lubrication, is set in the maintenance plan.
Early indicators of failure
- A new noise: squealing, knocking or humming.
- Vibration you can feel in the structure or the ducts.
- Reduced suction at workstations.
- A motor running hotter than usual, or a tripping breaker.
- A smell of burning rubber from the belt drive.
Periodic maintenance contract
A scheduled visit catches a worn bearing before it seizes, and a cracked belt before it snaps mid-shift. A record of every visit shows how the fan's condition changes over time.
Read about our maintenance contract or book a site survey.