Greenheck VAB Installation Manual
Document 452954
Vane Axial
®
Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
Please read and save these instructions for future reference. Read carefully before attempting to assemble,
install, operate or maintain the product described. Protect yourself and others by observing all safety
information. Failure to comply with instructions could result in personal injury and/or property damage!
Models VAB and VABS - Belt Drive
Models VAD and VADS - Direct Drive
Table of Contents
General Safety Information ....................1
General Information
Receiving ...............................2
Unpacking ...............................2
Handling ................................2
Storage - Indoor / Outdoor ..................2
Inspection and Maintenance during Storage . . 2-3
Installation .................................3
Electrical Connection ........................3
Controlling Vibration
Vibration Isolators .........................4
Flexible Duct Connectors ...................4
Effects of Installation on Performance ......... 4-5
Unit Start-Up ..............................6
Routine Maintenance
Motors ..................................6
Variable Frequency Drives ..................6
Shaft Bearings ...........................7
V-Belt Drives
Belt Tension .............................7
V-Belt Replacement .......................8
Blade Pitch Adjustment for Belt and Direct Drive . . 8
Troubleshooting ......................... 9-10
Maintenance Log ..........................11
Our Commitment ................... Backcover
General Safety Information
Only qualified personnel should install this fan. Personnel
should have a clear understanding of these instructions
and should be aware of general safety precautions.
Improper installation can result in electric shock, possible
injury due to coming in contact with moving parts, as
well as other potential hazards. Other considerations
may be required if high winds or seismic activity are
present. If more information is needed, contact a licensed
professional engineer before moving forward.
1. Follow all local electrical and safety codes, as well as
the National Electrical Code (NEC), the National Fire
Protection Agency (NFPA), where applicable. Follow
the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) in Canada.
2. The rotation of the impeller is critical. It must be free
to rotate without striking or rubbing any stationary
objects.
3. Motor must be securely and adequately grounded.
4. Do not spin fan impeller faster than max cataloged
fan rpm. Adjustments to fan speed significantly
effects motor load. If the fan RPM is changed, the
motor current should be checked to make sure it is
not exceeding the motor nameplate amps.
5. Do not allow the power cable to kink or come in
contact with oil, grease, hot surfaces or chemicals.
Replace cord immediately if damaged.
6. Verify that the power source is compatible with the
equipment.
7. Never open access doors to a duct while the fan is
running.
DANGER
Always disconnect power before working on or near a
fan. Lock and tag the disconnect switch or breaker to
prevent accidental power up.
CAUTION
When servicing the fan, motor may be hot enough
to cause pain or injury. Allow motor to cool before
servicing.
CAUTION
Precaution should be taken in explosive atmospheres.
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Vane Axial Fans
1
Receiving
Upon receiving the product check to make sure all items
are accounted for by referencing the bill of lading to
ensure all items were received. Inspect each crate for
shipping damage before accepting delivery. Notify the
carrier if any damage is noticed. The carrier will make
notification on the delivery receipt acknowledging any
damage to the product. All damage should be noted on
all the copies of the bill of lading which is countersigned
by the delivering carrier. A Carrier Inspection Report
should be filled out by the carrier upon arrival and the
Traffic Department. If damaged upon arrival, file claim
with carrier. Any physical damage to the unit after
acceptance is not the responsibility of Greenheck Fan
Corporation.
Unpacking
Verify that all required parts and the correct quantity
of each item have been received. If any items are
missing, report shortages to your local representative to
arrange for obtaining missing parts. Sometimes it is not
possible that all items for the unit be shipped together
due to availability of transportation and truck space.
Confirmation of shipment(s) must be limited to only
items on the bill of lading.
Manually rotate the impeller to detect any interference
between the impeller blades and the fan housing.
Handling
The fan should not be removed from its shipping crate
before being moved to its final location.
Vane axial fans should be lifted by
installing a clevis in the top hole
of each flange (Fig. 1), or by the
wooden skid if a forklift is used.
Handle in such a manner to avoid
scratching or chipping. Special
care must be taken to avoid
causing damage from stress or shock. Damaged finish
may reduce ability of the fan to resist corrosion.
Fans should never be lifted by the fan housing, motor or
accessories.
Fig. 1
Storage
Fans are protected against damage during shipment. If
the unit cannot be installed and operated immediately,
precautions need to be taken to prevent deterioration of
the unit during storage. The user assumes responsibility
of the fan and accessories while in storage. The
manufacturer will not be responsible for damage during
storage. These suggestions are provided solely as a
convenience to the user.
All accessories must be stored indoors in a clean, dry
atmosphere. Belts are to be stored flat to keep them
from warping and stretching. Fans—stored indoors or
outdoors—are to be placed in a vibration-free location.
The impeller should be blocked to prevent free-spinning.
During the storage period, rotate the impeller monthly
and energize the motor every three months. If storage
will be in a clean environment and will extend beyond
three months, purge grease prior to storage and every
three months thereafter. If fan is stored in a humid, dusty
or corrosive atmosphere, purge the grease prior to
storage and monthly during the storage period.
INDOOR - The ideal environment for the storage of
fans and accessories is indoors, above grade, in a
low humidity atmosphere which is sealed to prevent
the entry of blowing dust, rain, or snow. Temperatures
should be evenly maintained between 30°F
110°F
(43°C)
(wide temperature swings may cause
condensation and “sweating” of metal parts). All
accessories must be stored indoors in a clean, dry
atmosphere.
Remove any accumulations of dirt, water, ice or snow
and wipe dry before moving to indoor storage. To avoid
“sweating” of metal parts, allow cold parts to reach
room temperature. To dry parts and packages use a
portable electric heater to get rid of any moisture build
up. Leave coverings loose to permit air circulation and
to allow for periodic inspection.
The unit should be stored at least 3½ in. (89 mm) off the
floor on wooden blocks covered with moisture proof
paper or polyethylene sheathing. Aisles between parts
and along all walls should be provided to permit air
circulation and space for inspection.
(-1°C)
and
OUTDOOR - Roads or aisles for portable cranes and
hauling equipment are needed.
The fan should be placed on a level surface to prevent
water from leaking into the fan. The fan should be
elevated on an adequate number of wooden blocks so
that it is above water and snow levels and has enough
blocking to prevent it from settling into soft ground.
Locate parts far enough apart to permit air circulation,
sunlight, and space for periodic inspection. To minimize
water accumulation, place all fan parts on blocking
supports so that rain water will run off.
Do not cover parts with plastic film or tarps as these
cause condensation of moisture from the air passing
through heating and cooling cycles.
Improper storage which results in damage to the fan will
void the warranty.
Inspection & Maintenance during Storage
While in storage, inspect fans once per month. Keep a
record of inspection and maintenance performed.
If moisture or dirt accumulations are found on parts,
the source should be located and eliminated. At each
inspection, rotate the impeller by hand ten to fifteen
revolutions to distribute lubricant on motor. If paint
deterioration begins, consideration should be given to
touch-up or repainting. Fans with special coatings may
require special techniques for touch-up or repair.
Machined parts coated with rust preventive should be
restored to good condition promptly if signs of rust occur.
Immediately remove the original rust preventive coating
with petroleum solvent and clean with lint-free cloths. Polish
any remaining rust from surface with crocus cloth or fine
Vane Axial Fans
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emery paper and oil. Do not destroy the continuity of the
surfaces. Wipe clean thoroughly with Tectyl® 506 (Ashland
Inc.) or the equivalent. For hard to reach internal surfaces
or for occasional use, consider using Tectyl® 511M Rust
Preventive or WD-40
® or the equivalent.
Removing from Storage
As fans are moved from storage to be installed in their
final location, they should be protected and maintained
in a similar fashion until the fan equipment goes into
operation. Purge grease before putting fan into service.
Installation
Service Access - Greenheck recommends all vane axial
installations be provided
with a means for service
access. This access may
be in the form of access
doors in the duct system,
removable duct sections,
inlet and outlet cones or
an optional inspection
section (Fig. 2).
Service access is necessary to inspect and repair
internal fan components, both at the inlet and outlet
ends of the fan. Fans installed without consideration
for service access can result in time consuming and
expensive removal of connected ductwork.
Airflow Direction - Airflow through a vane axial fan
enters at the impeller end and is exhausted out the end
of the fan containing the motor (direct drive) or drive
components (belt drive). Additionally, an arrow decal is
affixed to the fan indicating direction of airflow.
Fig. 2 Inspection section
for service access
Electrical Connection
Electrical connections are made to wires located in
the junction box located on the fan housing for direct
drive fans or in the junction box located on the motor
for belt drive fans. The electrical supply must be
compatible with the motor with regard to voltage, phase
and amperage capacity. The electrical supply must be
provided with a lockable disconnect switch, proper
fusing and comply with local and national electric
codes.
Greenheck recommends a vibration switch be installed
in the electrical circuit to disable the fan in event of
abnormal vibration. These switches are available
through your nearest Greenheck representative.
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Vane Axial Fans
3
Controlling Vibration
Vibration Isolators
Although vane axial fans are typically very smooth
running fans, any residual vibration will be transmitted
and amplified through flooring, ceilings and ductwork.
To prevent a small amount of vibration from becoming
a large amount of noise, vibration isolators are
recommended for floor mount or ceiling hung
installations.
The most common isolators are:
Isolator Type Application
Free-Standing Spring Permits radial and axial vibration
dampening.
Housed Spring Permits radial and axial vibration
dampening where less motion can
be tolerated.
Restrained Spring Used where large weight changes
or high wind loads occur. Upward
vertical movement is prevented by
mechanical restraints.
Seismic Control Restricts movement of supported
equipment during earthquakes
while providing isolation.
Spring Hanging Provides vibration isolation of
suspended equipment. Threaded
suspension rods typically are
supplied by the installer.
Rubber-in-Shear Neoprene isolators are highly
effective for relatively small fans
with speed of 1800 RPM and over.
Flexible Duct Connectors
Flexible duct connectors should be taut between the fan
inlet and the connecting duct. Loose flexible connectors
will cause “necking” of the airstream when installed
on the negative pressure side of the fan. This will
create non-uniform airflow into the fan inlet and starve
the impeller blade tips of air. Therefore, the flexible
connector should not be loose and should be just long
enough for mechanical isolation. See Fig. 3 for flexible
connectors.
Poor
Effects of Installation on
Performance
System Effect - Inlet and outlet conditions greatly
affect the air performance of a vane axial fan. The Air
Movement and Control Association (AMCA) defines
system effect as “a pressure loss which recognizes the
effect of fan inlet restrictions, fan outlet restrictions,
or other conditions influencing fan performance when
installed in the system”.
System effect is very difficult to quantify and correct.
Frequently, the only means to correct the resulting poor
performance is to increase fan speed or blade pitch in
the hope of overcoming the additional pressure loss.
This may result in overloading the motor and require
motor replacement. In extreme cases, the entire fan may
need to be replaced if the system effect is severe.
The following diagrams show common inlet and outlet
conditions. Minimum recommended distances are
shown to minimize system effect on the ducted and
non-ducted installations.
Non-Ducted Inlets - Greenheck recommends inlet bells
on all non-ducted inlets. An inlet bell smooths airflow
into the impeller blade tips providing uniform impeller
blade loading. An inlet without an inlet bell creates nonuniform airflow resulting in poor performance, vibration
and noise.
Inlets in Proximity to Walls - Vane axial installations
with a non-ducted inlet too close to a wall or other
obstruction may create reduced fan performance.
Greenheck recommends a minimum of one fan diameter
between a wall and the fan inlet.
Ducted Inlets - Inlet ducts must provide smooth non
turbulent airflow into the impeller blades. Any elbows,
transitions, dampers or other disruptions close to
the fan inlet will create system effect and reduce fan
performance.
Non-Ducted Outlets - Greenheck recommends an
outlet cone be attached to all non-ducted outlets. An
outlet cone reduces velocity pressure losses resulting in
lower brake horsepower and higher efficiency.
Outlets in Proximity to Walls - Vane axial outlets
should be no closer than two fan diameters from any
wall. Fans with less than this distance will experience
significant performance losses.
Ducted Outlets - Ducted outlets require a straight,
uniform diameter length of ductwork immediately
after the fan outlet. Sharp turns or elbows close to
the outlet will create system effect losses and poor air
performance. Greenheck recommends a minimum of
three fan diameters between the fan outlet and any duct
turn.
Good
Fig. 3 Flexible Duct Connectors
Vane Axial Fans
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