Precautions for Installing Centrifugal Fans
When installing a centrifugal fan, it is essential to strictly follow standardized procedures to ensure stable, efficient, and safe operation. Below are detailed installation precautions, listed in sequential order:
1. Pre-Installation Inspection and Preparation
Verify equipment specifications: Confirm that the centrifugal fan model, airflow, pressure, power, and other parameters meet design requirements to avoid performance mismatches after installation.
Check equipment integrity: Inspect the centrifugal fan impeller, housing, motor, and other components for any transport damage. Ensure all accessories (bolts, gaskets, vibration dampers, etc.) are complete.
Plan the installation location: Ensure sufficient space for future maintenance and optimize inlet/outlet duct layout to minimize bends and reduce airflow resistance.
2. Foundation Construction and Mounting
Foundation strength requirements: If using a concrete foundation, ensure adequate strength and pre-drill anchor bolt holes.
Vibration isolation measures:
Small centrifugal fan can use rubber vibration pads, while large centrifugal fan should use spring vibration isolators.
If installed on floors or steel structures, verify load-bearing capacity and
reinforce as needed to prevent resonance.
Leveling adjustment: Use a spirit level to ensure the centrifugal fan base is perfectly horizontal, preventing bearing wear or excessive vibration due to misalignment.
3. Fan Positioning and Duct Connection
Safe hoisting: When using lifting equipment, ensure smooth handling to avoid impeller or motor damage from collisions.
Flange sealing:
Install sealing gaskets (e.g., rubber or high-temperature gaskets) at inlet/outlet flanges to prevent air leakage.
Tighten bolts diagonally and evenly to avoid flange deformation from uneven force distribution.
Flexible connections (if applicable): Install fabric flexible connectors between the centrifugal fan and ductwork to reduce vibration transmission and noise.
4. Electrical Installation and Safety Measures
Motor wiring:
Follow the motor nameplate for wiring and ensure voltage/frequency compatibility.
Use high-temperature or explosion-proof cables in special environments.
Grounding protection: The motor casing must be reliably grounded to prevent electrical hazards.
Rotation direction test: Conduct a brief test run to confirm the impeller rotates in the same direction as indicated on the housing (reverse rotation reduces airflow).
5. Commissioning and Performance Verification
No-load test run:
Remove the belt (if applicable) or disconnect the coupling to test the motor separately.
If no abnormalities are found, reconnect the centrifugal fan and run it for 10–30 minutes to check vibration, noise, and temperature rise within acceptable limits.
Load operation test:
Gradually increase the load while monitoring current, pressure, airflow, and other parameters against design values.
Use an anemometer or pressure gauge to verify system performance.
6. Maintenance and Long-Term Usage Recommendations
Regular inspections:
Every 3–6 months, check bolt tightness, bearing lubrication (apply high-temperature grease), and belt tension (if applicable).
Clean impeller dust buildup to prevent imbalance.
Special environment adaptations:
High-temperature applications: Use heat-resistant bearings and ensure cooling systems (air/water cooling) function properly.
Corrosive gases: Opt for stainless steel or anti-corrosion-coated fans.
Additional Notes
Explosion-proof requirements: In chemical plants, mines, or similar environments, use explosion-proof motors with Ex-compliant junction boxes.
Noise control: Install silencers or acoustic enclosures if necessary to comply with noise regulations.
Conclusion: Centrifugal fan installation requires attention to mechanical mounting, electrical safety, and operational testing. Professional installation teams are recommended, and detailed records should be kept for future maintenance.