February 07, 2008
Balancing Tip
When balancing fans, it is always better to use an outer section of the fan for a reference. This gives great results for balance due to refined placement accuracy of weight, but that is not always a usable choice.
Many times fans have too many surface irregularities that interfere with the reference strobe causing 2, 3, and 4 times running speeds to show up on the balance equipment.
Most often the best luck is found on the shaft, since this environment is more easily controlled. When this occurs, your actual placement of weights is often slightly off from where the balancing equipment expects placement. After initial test weight has been applied, interrupt the balancing equipment.
Your trim weight has now been calculated for you, and you have seen the fan wheel reaction to the additional weight during the trial run. You can then add trim weight according to what you feel is optimal placement. After a few runs the learning curve becomes easier.
This provides much better results and is often faster. Following final weight placements, the balancing equipment should have recorded the results allowing any follow up to be done as in the past.
Reader tip provided by Jake Schley
Vibration Analyst
Chiller Systems Service, Inc.
Lakewood Colorado
Thanks Jake - your stainless steel, diamond plate, Reliabilityweb.com coffee mug is on the way!
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February 07, 2008
Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) Tip
Begin with the end in mind. Many organizations fail to reap the benefits available from RCM projects because they do not have a good plan for implementing the equipment maintenance plan that is generated. Your RCM effort will be more successful if you build a plan for how your are going to implement the equipment maintenance plan at the very beginning of the project.
Tip provided by Allied Reliability
843-414-5760
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