Installation, Operation & Maintenance Manual
IM-166
6
Unit Storage
Store the unit in an environmentally stable and protected area. During storage, the fan should not be subjected to vibration from
external sources or bearing damage may occur. The unit should be reasonably protected from any accidental impacts. Cover the fan
to protect coatings and to prevent any foreign material or moisture from entering the bearings, motor, inlet or discharge. Take care to
protect the motor, drives and bearings.
Extended storage requires monthly inspections. Check for corrosion or damage to the unit and for debris within the fan.
Bearings tend to take on moisture if the atmosphere in which they are stored is not at a constant temperature. To avoid corrosion, it is
necessary to keep the bearings full of grease and to rotate them periodically. Even when full of grease, bearings will take on moisture,
so it is necessary to purge the bearings with new grease to expel moisture every thirty days. It is recommended that the bearings
be purged with grease while being rotated by hand. Do not use high pressure greasers as they may ruin the bearing seals. Spherical
roller bearings with split pillow block housings must be opened up and grease removed before start-up. Remove old/excess grease
and regrease the bearing in accordance with the bearing manufacturer's instructions.
The drives and belts should be removed if the fan is to be stored for a prolonged period. The drives should be labeled for service and
stored in a dry place. Belts should be removed, coiled without kinks, placed in a heavy carton and stored in a dry, well-ventilated place.
To prevent belt deterioration storage conditions should not exceed 85°F and 70% humidity. If belts show signs of deterioration, they
should be replaced prior to startup.
Motors should be stored in a clean, dry and vibration-free location. The packaging should be opened up enough to allow air circulation
around the motor. The winding temperature should be kept slightly above that of the surroundings to prevent condensation. This can
be accomplished by energizing the internal heaters, if the motor is so equipped, or by using space heaters. If it is impossible to heat
the windings, the motor should be wrapped tightly with a waterproof material that also encloses several bags of desiccant. Replace
the desiccant regularly to prevent moisture problems. The motor rotor should also be rotated regularly (monthly) to assure the
bearing parts are well greased. Shafts on motors equipped with shaft grounding rings must remain rust free. Failure to do so renders
the grounding feature inoperative and may result in bearing failure under VFD operation. Consult the motor manufacturer for further
detail on motor storage and start up after longer periods of storage. It may be necessary to regrease the bearings. If the fan's bearings
or motor bearings have extended lubrication lines, it will be necessary to replace the grease by detaching from the motor/bearing
and purging the line with new grease.
