IDC INDUCED DRAFT EVAPORATIVE CONDENSERS
INSTALLATION
S140-500 IOM (FEB 08)
Page 8
Section 2.0 Installation Procedures
Installation of an IDC unit involves constructing heavy foun-
dations and/or structural steel supports as well as erecting
and anchoring the unit. Imeco strongly recommends that a
qualifi ed, bonded, and insured mechanical general contractor
be used to perform this heavy structural work.
As a crane is generally required, it is advisable to clear the
access area a day in advance to ensure smooth and safe op-
erations the day of the lift. Once the IDC unit is set in position
and the crane drops its hook, it is the client’s responsibility to
ensure that the IDC is made safe with permanent anchoring
to a solid foundation.
The project site should be surveyed periodically to ensure
that no unattended IDC components or contractor materi-
als/tools remain unsecured. Electrical work should also be
made safe against unauthorized site visitors, vandalism, or
weather.
2.1 Installation
Tools
To complete the installation of Induced Draft Condenser (IDC)
evaporative cooling unit/s, the following tools are needed at
a minimum:
•
Drift pins
•
8-foot straight edge
•
Level
•
Assorted open-end wrenches
•
Socket set
•
Belt tension gage
•
Tape measure
2.2 Foundation
Information
IDC units are shipped in two pieces, a pan section and the
fan/coil section. As the unit’s base, the pan section must fi rst
be anchored to suitable “footings”: concrete pads; concrete
piers; or structural steel capable of supporting the total unit
operating
weight
plus
a signifi cant
safety margin
as de-
termined by a qualifi ed structural engineer. Support “footing”
requirements will vary with live loads (expected snow/ice
buildup) as will related anchoring requirements for resisting
seismic and wind loads.
Two IDC units support “foundation footings” are required,
one located under each end of the unit with both running
the full width of the unit - reference
Figure 2-1. Foundation
Layout
.
If the support “footings” are in the form of two steel beams,
each should be sized in accordance with standard engineer-
ing practices. Structural design should account for 55% of the
operating weight of the unit as a uniform load on the beam,
allowing for a maximum defl ection of 1/360 of the length, not
to exceed 1/2 inch.
All units have holes for the use of appropriate beam “footing”
anchors/connections such as epoxy-bolts, metal concrete
fasteners, or direct welds to structural steel beams. Structural
beams need to be shimmed level before fi nal anchoring.
NOTE: Shims between the beams and the unit should not
be used, as this will not provide adequate support.