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Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-09-09 Origin: Site
The surface of the fan blades is prone to accumulate dust, scale, oil stains and microbial films, especially in open cooling towers. Fouling not only increases the load on the fan blades and reduces the air volume, but also disrupts the dynamic balance, causing vibration and noise. It is recommended to check the cleanliness of the fan blade surface at least once a month. If any dirt is found, it should be cleaned up in time. When cleaning, the machine should be stopped and the power cut off. Use a soft brush, a low-pressure water gun or a neutral cleaning agent. Avoid using a high-pressure water gun or hard objects to scrape, as this may damage the surface coating of the fan blades or cause deformation. For stubborn dirt, you can soak it in an eco-friendly cleaning agent and then gently scrub.
The materials of fan blades are mostly fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), aluminum alloy or stainless steel. After long-term operation, problems such as corrosion, cracking and edge damage may occur. A comprehensive inspection should be carried out once every quarter, with a focus on the leaf roots, leaf tips and bolt connections. If blisters, delamination, cracks or abnormal color are found on the surface, immediate treatment should be carried out. Small area damages can be repaired with epoxy resin or special repair glue. If the crack is long or the corrosion is severe, the fan blades should be replaced to prevent breakage during operation and avoid safety accidents.
If abnormal vibration occurs during the operation of the fan blades, it is often a signal of dynamic balance imbalance. Dynamic balance imbalance may be caused by uneven fouling, fan blade deformation, loose bolts or blade wear. It is recommended to conduct dynamic balance calibration at least once a year. If necessary, remove the fan blades for professional dynamic balance testing and adjustment. Meanwhile, vibration sensors can be installed on the cooling tower to monitor the operating status of the fan blades in real time, set alarm thresholds, and detect abnormalities in advance.
The fan blades are connected to the motor shaft through components such as the hub, bolts, and flanges. During long-term operation, the bolts may become loose due to vibration and thermal expansion and contraction. Every month, the tightness of the bolts should be checked. Use a torque wrench to re-tighten them according to the torque specified by the manufacturer. If bolts are found to be rusted, stripped or gaskets are aged, they should be replaced in time. The contact surface between the blade root and the hub should be free of gap and rust to ensure smooth transmission.
For the connection parts of metal fan blades or hubs, the lubrication condition should be checked regularly to prevent rust and dry grinding. Anti-rust grease can be applied once a year or anti-corrosion coating can be sprayed. Although FRP fan blades are corrosion-resistant, if the surface gel coat layer is damaged, water will seep in and cause internal delamination. They should be repaired in time and coated with ultraviolet protective paint to extend their service life.
During the off-season of the cooling tower (such as winter), a comprehensive inspection and maintenance of the fan blades should be carried out. After cleaning the surface dirt, apply protective wax or cover with a dust-proof cloth to prevent ultraviolet aging and dust accumulation. If the cooling tower is located in a high-humidity or acidic or alkaline environment, it is recommended to carry out professional anti-corrosion treatment on the fan blades every two years, such as re-spraying gel coat or replacing the surface coating.
Each cooling tower should establish a fan blade maintenance file, recording the time of each inspection, the problems found, the handling measures and the replacement records. Based on the material of the fan blades and the operating environment, a reasonable replacement cycle (generally 5 to 8 years) should be established to avoid sudden malfunctions caused by over-service.
The maintenance of cooling tower fan blades is not only the key to ensuring the efficient operation of the equipment, but also an important means to prevent safety accidents and reduce energy consumption. By adopting a four-in-one maintenance strategy of "regular cleaning, meticulous inspection, dynamic balance calibration, and timely repair", the service life of the fan blades can be significantly prolonged and the overall performance of the cooling tower can be enhanced. Enterprises should incorporate fan blade maintenance into their equipment management systems, train professional personnel, and implement responsibility systems to truly achieve "preventing problems before they occur".
