Industrial fans are essential mechanical assets in any industry. You will find industrial fans in manufacturing, processing, and packaging warehouses. Many people do not often give industrial fans a thought until they become faulty. What are industrial fans? Are they critical to the business, or are they an unnecessary business liability?
Warehouse industrial fans are mandatory to ensure maximum ventilation and quality air circulation for optimum employee performance. Further, industrial fans keep food products clean and safe from contamination. Read through to learn more about industrial fans, benefits, maintenance, and more.
Why are industrial fans necessary?
Industrial fans cater to various production needs. Therefore, their functions differ depending on where they have been installed and the requirements of the warehouse. Here are some leading benefits of installing industrial fans.
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Cleans the air
Perhaps, cleaning the air and improving circulation are one of the most critical benefits of industrial fans. Free air circulation removes toxins from the air, eliminating all the hazardous gases that can harm employees and occupants. Hazardous gases are common in manufacturing plants where dangerous chemicals combine during production and processing.
Industrial fans help to remove all toxins from the trapped air in the room and replace it with fresh air. It cleans oxygen from the surroundings. Moreover, industrial fans remove debris and dust that may be unhealthy for your employees.
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Reduces energy and brings down your bills
Modern industrial fans work best to nullify the need to invest in HVAC. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning consume significant energy in maintaining cool temperatures in a room. Investing in a high-quality industrial fan ensures the entire room gets a continuous burst of fresh air. Improved industrial fans work twice as much on less energy, eliminating the need to pay high energy bills to maintain HVAC systems. You conserve energy and save your hard-earned cash.
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Reduce moisture content
Moisture refers to the condensation cycle when warm air settles on a cool surface. Moisture concentration in a production room leads to corrosion. Machines become ineffective when moisture corrodes surfaces. However, when fans produce volumes of continuous fresh air, they reduce the intensity of warm air settling on industrial machines. Industrial fans also ensure the room is evenly cool, reducing the rate of condensation in the space.
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Promotes a conducive working environment
Manufacturing plants install industrial fans for various reasons. The fans are used to cool down the many machines running continuously, therefore, preventing employees from suffering from heat stroke. Industrial fans promote a safe working environment, safeguarding workers’ health and wellness.
Working in a moisture-laden environment can cause breathing health conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and sinus problems. Consequently, your employee can demand better health insurance coverage to cater to their medical issues related to poor working conditions. Installing high-quality industrial fans ensures that your workers give their best to realize your financial goals.
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Promotes the longevity of machines
An industry without proper fans promotes the accumulation of dust, debris, and moisture on the machines. Heat levels are always high and unbearable for employees and machines. Consequently, the poor working environment leads to frequent breakdowns. Repair and maintenance become the order of the day, therefore compromising your production. Finally, you run the plant into losses, a problem you can quickly fix by installing industrial fans.
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Protects raw materials
Industrial fans are invaluable in the food processing industries. Raw materials require optimum temperature for proper handling during production, processing, and storage. Industrial fans help maintain the room temperature required to prevent the growth of mold, bacteria, and pathogens. When you expose raw materials to poor air quality, you encourage the spread of diseases.
Further, you risk running a loss because your food products will not meet the required moisture content set by the health agencies and consumer safety authorities. Industrial fans are critical in maintaining food materials fresh for the market.
How to maintain your fans
Industrial fans are significant assets for your firm. However, they can fail to perform if they are left dirty and unserviced for a long time. Therefore, industrial fans require regular servicing and cleaning. Frequent cleaning and servicing ensure the fans do not break down.
Industrial fans can fail if they develop a slight mechanical problem. The rule of thumb is to call a technician when you notice the first signs.
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pre-installation storage
Your industrial fan maintenance begins before the installation process. Your fan’s features are critical to its performance. Some features that facilitate its performance include:
- Flush-mounted access door
- Differentiated housing for shaft and wheel access
- Protruding lubrication lines for bearing ports and the running motor (engine)
- Lubrication access ports in the shaft guard
- Sealed seams to prevent corrosion
- Fine finishing to facilitate gases in the airstream
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Pre-installation storage
To ensure ultimate performance, you should keep fans properly maintained before installation. Here’s how to avoid compromising your fans and blowers.
- Store the blower/ fan in a clean, dry place
- Rotate the fan regularly to distribute the bearing grease and prevent the shaft from assuming a set
- Release belt tensions from the blower when storing the fans for a prolonged period
- Isolate the fan from any vibrations to protect the motor bearings and fans from premature damage
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Proper installation
Industrial fan maintenance starts with proper installation. The fan does not hold up well when installed incorrectly. Hire a knowledgeable technician to install the blower appropriately. Some of the things to check are:
- A firm fan foundation to support the blower’s dead weight
- The fan’s support should be rigid to reduce the strongest vibration levels
- Separate the wings with vibration isolators if the vibration levels are too high
- Fix flexible connections between the fan’s inlet, outlet, and ducting
- Confirm that you follow all the manufacturer’s alignments instructions
Conclusion
Industrial fans are essential in any manufacturing, processing, holding, or storage warehouse. Blowers and fans are ideal because they move large volumes of air to replace stale air with fresh air. Consequently, your plant performs better because the machines run continuously, employees feel motivated, and your products remain fresh for the market. You can prolong their service life by handling industrial fans appropriately before, during, and after installation.
