Industrial fans are the workhorses of many dust collection systems, tirelessly pushing dust-laden air through filters to keep manufacturing operations running smoothly. But like any other piece of equipment, they need regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

1. BEST MAINTENANCE PRACTICES FOR ID
AND FD FANS
Neel Rao
Writes on Reitzindia industrial fan manufacturers and
Induced draft fans and forced draft fans from Reitz
india.

2. Industrial fans are the workhorses of many dust collection systems, tirelessly pushing
dust-laden air through filters to keep manufacturing operations running smoothly.
But like any other piece of equipment, they need regular maintenance to ensure
optimal performance and longevity. This blog will delve into the best practices for
maintaining both Induced Draft (ID) and Forced Draft (FD) fans, common issues a
manufacturing unit might encounter, and troubleshooting tips to keep the fans
running like new.
Understanding ID and FD Fans
Before diving into maintenance, let’s understand the fundamental differences
between ID and FD fans:

3. ID Fans (Induced Draft): Located at the exit of the dust collection system, ID fans
operate under negative pressure, drawing dust-laden air through the filters and out
into the atmosphere. They’re typically found between the dust collector and the
chimney, removing hot flue gases from furnaces.
FD Fans (Forced Draft): Situated at the inlet of the system, FD fans create positive
pressure by forcing fresh air into the furnace. This air is essential for the smooth and
uniform combustion of fuel.
Common issues faced by ID and FD fans:
Let’s address some common issues a manufacturing unit might face with its ID and
FD fans:

4. Blade Maintenance: ID fans may require more frequent cleaning due to the forward
lean of the blades, which can capture sticky solids, leading to reduced efficiency,
capacity, and balance problems.
Air Leakage: FD fans can lead to air leakage, which, if upstream of a heater firebox,
can cause leaks of high-temperature combustion gas, potentially damaging
equipment. On the other hand, ID fans can lead to inward leaks of air, decreasing the
efficiency of fired heaters.
Clinker Formation: Both FD and ID fans can face increased consumption and
reduced heat transfer area due to clinker formation in steam boilers, leading to
increased wear and tear.
Corrosion and Erosion: FD and ID fans in steam boilers are prone to frequent
corrosion and erosion, affecting their efficiency and performance.

5. Vibration and Noise: ID fans, especially large ones, can be very noisy and may
produce more vibration due to their design, potentially leading to balance and
structural issues.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, so here are some preventive
maintenance tips to keep your ID and FD fans running smoothly:
• Regular Inspections: Conduct visual inspections weekly and detailed inspections
monthly. Look for loose parts, wear and tear, and any signs of damage.
• Cleaning: Regularly clean fan blades, filters, and housings to remove dust build-up
that can hinder airflow and performance.

6. • Lubrication: Periodical replacement of lubrication and maintenance of the same
• Belt Maintenance: Inspect belts for wear and tear, and adjust tension as needed if
the application is belt driven
• Vibration Monitoring: Monitor vibration levels regularly to identify any developing
issues early on. If vibration trends are high, check for balance and alignment issues,
especially in ID fans, which can lead to increased vibration and wear.
• Schedule Maintenance: Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance
schedule for your specific fan models.
By following these steps and considering the potential causes, you can effectively
troubleshoot common issues in ID and FD fans and maintain optimal performance.

7. Additional Tips:
• Use lubricants of high quality and proper viscosity as recommended by the
manufacturer.
• Store spare parts like bearings, couplings, housings, belts and filters to avoid
downtime during emergencies.
• Invest in training for your maintenance staff to ensure proper handling and
procedures.
• Consider predictive maintenance techniques like vibration analysis to identify
potential issues before they become critical.
By following these best practices, you can ensure the ID and FD fans run smoothly,
efficiently, and for a long time, keeping the dust collection system operating at its
peak and contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment. Remember, taking
care of the fans today saves time, money, and headaches in the long run.

8. About REITZINDIA
Reitz India has set a benchmark to deliver high quality fans for heavy duty industries
which can work at precise operating conditions like high temperatures and
pressures. Reitz offer idealistic Centrifugal Fan and Centrifugal blower design that
can be used in all large scale process industries like cement, iron & steel, power
plants, fertilizers/ chemicals and more.
Thank you for spending your precious time in reading this article!