Balancing may be sufficient if imbalance is the primary cause and the impeller, shaft, bearings, and mounting are mechanically sound. If, however, cracks, deformations, worn seats, or damage to the bearings or shaft are present, the underlying cause must be corrected before balancing. We therefore first inspect the mechanical condition and the vibration profile. Only then do we determine whether balancing is sufficient.

Recurring vibrations can be caused by deposits on the impeller, changes in the process, misalignment, loose foundations, bearing problems, or resonance. Simply correcting the imbalance does not permanently eliminate these causes. We therefore include operating conditions, the frequency spectrum, bearings, installation, and flow influences in our analysis. This transforms a single measurement into a reliable hypothesis regarding the cause of the damage.

We compare the actual flow rate, pressure, power requirements, and operating point with the system’s specifications. In doing so, we also examine the control system, throttling losses, impeller condition, and possible changes in process conditions. Depending on the results, operational adjustments, a redesign of existing components, or a complete re-engineering may be appropriate. The measure must be technically compatible with the system and economically viable over the expected operating life.

We compare airflow, pressure, and power consumption with the intended operating point while simultaneously checking the impeller, bearings, speed, and drive. In addition, we examine dampers, filters, ducts, leaks, and changes in flow resistance. Mechanical and system-related causes can influence one another. Therefore, airflow performance can only be reliably assessed in conjunction with the condition of the entire system.

Re-engineering is particularly relevant when original parts or documentation are missing, but the existing fan is tied to existing connections and processes. We document the geometry, operating point, materials, drive system, and current process requirements. We then determine whether a functionally equivalent replica, a targeted modification, or a new design is the most technically sound solution.

The following information is helpful: nameplate, model, speed, motor power, flow rate, pressure, and details about the fluid being pumped. In addition, we need vibration or temperature readings, a description of the noise, photos, and information regarding deposits, process changes, and previous repairs. This allows us to plan the diagnosis of the machine, drive, and system more effectively.