As a rule of thumb, slab foundations should weigh at least three times more than the weight of your fan assembly to achieve a rigid mounting surface. In cases where a slab mount is not practical, the elevated or structural steel platform should be able to support the fan assembly’s weight while also preventing side sway.

Fans and blowers can be mounted on either a rigid or flexible support. To be considered a rigid mount, the fan and support system should have a fundamental (lowest) natural frequency above the running speed. A flexibly mounted fan requires additional mounting considerations and will have a support system with a fundamental frequency below the running speed.

As with most generic advice, the previous information is based on general assumptions. If you are unsure which mounting characteristics are required for your specific application, it is best to consult with and/or use a fan and blower installation professional well versed in the dynamics of balance, alignment, and vibration analysis. Indventech provides these professional installation services to compliment our premier air movement products. Please contact our sales department at sales@indventech.com or (888) 864-4344.

OSHA\’s top ten lists

Here are some general questions for your designer, contractor, or supplier when considering how to install fans:

1 – Foundation: what characteristics does the structural support need to support my equipment?

2 – What are the major contributors to smooth operation and long life?

3 – How will duct work, transitions, and accessories be mounted and installed?

4 – What maintenance considerations should be addressed?

5 – What safety concerns should be considered?

While the above list is not comprehensive, it points you in the right direction. An installer aware of critical details required to have a successful installation will ask questions designed to lead in the direction of best practices. While best practice may not be achievable due to unchangeable variables, you should be aware of all possible details as you assess the feasibility of your industrial fan or blower installation project. Based on the answers you are provided, this will help you determine competence and trust going forward in this very important subject.

Indventech supplies industrial fans, blowers, and appurtenances with a twist – application assistance with fan centric perspective. Tell us your industrial fan or blower goals, and we’ll help you achieve them.

We are starting to see equipment price increases related to the steel market…

Contact Indventech now for your ventilation equipment needs and beat the market. Quote turnaround time is typically 24 hours or less. Engineered quotes may take longer.

There are generally three methods to control your industrial fan’s volume output. Each has its advantage, however when thinking in terms of pure energy efficiency, there is a clear pecking order.

The first and typically cheapest to implement is an outlet damper, actuated manually, electrically, or pneumatically. While this usually represents the lowest capital cost of air volume control, it is also least efficient.

The second method involves the use of a damper on the intake side of the industrial fan. This can be done directly on the intake opening with an internal or external variable inlet vane (VIV) designed to pre-spin the air in the direction of wheel rotation, or through the use of an inlet box where a damper is mounted to the intake of this box with vanes set to pre-spin the air similarly to the VIV. These can also be actuated manually, electrically, or pneumatically. While this method has greater capital cost as compared to the discharge damper, the advantages include better system control and lower energy costs.

The third method of volume control – operate the industrial fan motor with a variable frequency drive (VFD). With the cost of VFD’s becoming more reasonable, return on investment has improved. This method is the most energy efficient way to control your fan’s volume. It gives you full control of your fan’s potential.

To discuss which fan or volume control method is best suited for your application, contact Indventech at 888-864-4344 or email sales@indventech.com.

So, when you measure the fan’s performance, why isn’t it producing a volume, pressure and horsepower consistent with the fan curve you’ve been provided? Some possible reasons are as follows:

1. Incorrect fan rotation direction. While this should always be checked at installation, you would be surprised how often it is not. The fan is typically supplied with an arrow indicating correct wheel rotation. If it isn’t, you can easily determine this by looking at the fan from the drive side.
2. There may be a system effect. Fans are tested and rated at fixed conditions when they leave the factory. Duct may have been applied incorrectly (true “system effect” – causing non-uniform airflow), devices upstream/downstream may not be accounted for, or perhaps changes to the system have occurred since initial install.
3. The fan wheel and shaft should be inspected to determine –
   1. Correct installation
   2. Structural integrity
   3. Actual RPM

These are starting points that may lead to answering why your fan is not performing on its curve. If you still have questions – contact Indventech at 888-864-4344 or email us at sales@indventech.com.

Your comments are welcomed and encouraged – as a community we can grow!