6
TCF&B ES-52
WARNING
1. This equipment must not be operated without proper guarding of all
moving parts. While performing maintenance be sure remote power
switches are locked off. See AMCA Publication 410 for recommended
safety practices.
2. Before starting: Check all setscrews for tightness, and rotate wheel by
hand to make sure it has not moved in transit.
*Suggested initial greasing interval: Remove bearing cap and observe con-
dition of used grease after lubricating. Adjust lubrication frequency as
needed. Hours of operation, temperature, and surrounding conditions will
affect the relubrication frequency required. Clean and repack bearings
annually. Remove old grease, pack bearing full and fill housing reservoirs
on both sides of bearing to bottom of shaft.
1. Lubricate with a multipurpose roller bearing NLGI No. 2 having rust
inhibitors and antioxidant additives, and a minimum oil viscosity of 500
SSU at 100ºF. Some greases having these properties are:
Shell - Alvania No. 2
Mobil - Mobilith AW2/Mobilith SHC100
Texaco - Premium RB2
American - Rykon Premium 2
2. Lubricate bearings prior to extended shutdown or storage and rotate
shaft monthly to aid corrosion protection.
Static Oil Lubrication
1. Use only highest quality mineral oil with a minimum viscosity of 100
SSU at the oil’s operating temperature. The oil’s operating temperature
is approximately 10º greater than the bearing’s housing. SAE values
having this viscosity at the following operating temperature are:
150º - SAE 20
160º - SAE 30
180º - SAE 40
2. Static oil level should be at the center of the lowermost roller (Do not
overfill).
3. Complete lubrication change should be made annually.
Relubrication Schedule (Months)*
Spherical Roller Bearing - Split Pillow Blocks
Speed (RPM)
500
750
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
Shaft DIA
1
7
⁄
16
" thru 1
15
⁄
16
"
6
4
1
⁄
2
4
4
3
1
⁄
2
2
1
⁄
2
2
1
⁄
2
1
1
0.50 oz.
2
3
⁄
16
" thru 2
11
⁄
16
"
5
4
1
⁄
2
4
2
1
⁄
2
2
1
⁄
2
1
1
⁄
2
1
⁄
2
1
⁄
4
1
⁄
4
0.75 oz.
2
15
⁄
16
" thru 3
15
⁄
16
" 4
1
⁄
2
4
3
1
⁄
2
2
1
⁄
2
1
1
⁄
2
1
1
⁄
2
2.00 oz.
4
7
⁄
16
" thru 4
15
⁄
16
"
4
4
2
1
⁄
2
1
1
⁄
2
4.00 oz.
5
7
⁄
16
" thru 5
15
⁄
16
"
4
2
1
⁄
2
1
1
⁄
2
1
7.00 oz.
Figure 10. Safety & Lubrication Instructions for Fans
with Split Roller Bearings
Grease to
be added
at each
interval
Experience has shown that airborne moisture and heavy
dust will dramatically reduce the life of the bearing lubricant.
If any of these adverse conditions exist, it is recommended
that bearings be regreased after several days of operation.
Lubrication intervals can then be adjusted based on the
condition of the purged grease.
Figure 8 illustrates the decal for ball bearings, Figure 9
the decal for solid pillow block spherical roller bearings, and
Figure 10 shows the decal for split pillow block spherical
roller bearings. Observation of the condition of the grease
expelled from the bearings at the time of relubrication is the
best guide as to whether regreasing intervals and the
amount of grease added should be altered. This observation
is particularly important when bearings operate continuous-
ly over 160°F.
Greases are made with different bases. There are syn-
thetic base greases, lithium base, sodium base, etc. Avoid
mixing greases with different bases. They could be incom-
patible and result in rapid deterioration or breakdown of the
grease.
All bearings are filled with grease before leaving the fac-
tory. When the fans are started, the bearings may discharge
excess grease through the seals for a short period of time.
Do not replace the initial discharge because leakage will
cease when the excess grease has worked out. Sometimes
the bearing has a tendency to run hotter during this period
and one should not get alarmed unless it lasts over 48 hours
or gets above 220ºF. When relubricating, use a sufficient
amount of grease to purge the seals. Rotate bearings during
relubrication where good safety practice permits.
For bearings with oil lubrication, sight gauges are installed
so that a proper level can be reviewed and maintained. Sight
gauges should be read with bearings not rotating.
Wheel and Shaft Maintenance
Periodically inspect the shaft and wheel for dirt buildup, cor-
rosion, and signs of excess stress or fatigue. Clean the com-
ponents and, when appropriate, apply new coatings. (Any
addition of coatings or weld can create an imbalance.)
Check the balance of the assembly.
Structural Maintenance
All structural components or devices used to support or
attach the fan to a structure should be checked at regular
intervals. Vibration isolators, bolts, foundations, etc., are
subject to failure from corrosion, erosion, and other causes.
Improper mounting can lead to poor operation characteris-
tics or fan fatigue and failure.
Check metallic components for corrosion, cracks, or
other signs of stress. Concrete should be checked to insure
the structural integrity of the foundation.
Troubleshooting Guidelines
Use current safety practices when investigating fan or sys-
tem performance problems. General safe practices and per-
formance troubleshooting guidelines can be found in AMCA
Publications 410 and 202, respectively. Fan application and
field measurement procedures can be found in AMCA
Publications 201 and 203.
Troubleshooting Performance Problems
The lists below indicate possible areas to check when air or
sound values do not match expectations. Most fan prob-
lems can be pinpointed to one of these common causes.
Air Capacity Problems:
1. Resistance of system not at design rating. If resistance is
lower than expected, both airflow and horsepower may
be up. If resistance is higher than anticipated, air volume
will be down.
2. Fan speed is not at design speed.
3. Air density not at design values. Also check air perfor-
mance measurement techniques/procedures.
4. Devices for air modulation are closed or plugged. Also
check filters.
5. Wheel mounted improperly or is rotating in reverse.
6. Parts of system or fan have been damaged or need
cleaning.
Noise Problems:
1. Air performance is incorrect and fan is not at design point
of operation. Fan forced to operate in an unstable flow
region.
2. Bearing failure. Check bearings (lubrication).
3. Supply voltage high or inconsistent supply frequency.
Adjustable frequency controllers can generate motor
noise.
4. Objects which are installed in a high velocity airstream
can generate noise. This includes flow sensors, turning
vanes, etc.
