ELFLOW INSPECTION PROCEDURE

MECHANICAL INSPECTION OF AN ACHE

The purpose of the mechanical inspection is to evaluate if all mechanical aspects are properly installed.

The tools & measurement equipment required for the mechanical inspection are as follows

a. Measure tape
b. Degree angle meter (inclinometer)
c. IR tension meter
d. Laser alignment device
e. Marker
f. Torch light (Ex-proof)
g. Caliper
h. Camera

In order to carry out a mechanical inspection, the fans need to be shut down.
A mechanical inspection will last for approximate 1-2 hours per fan. It is
absolutely necessary FOR YOUR SAFETY to have the fan electrically
isolated. Some end users also require a confined space permit for entry
inside plenum chamber. Please also note that most instruments are NOT Ex-
proof. Therefore a hot work permit could be required

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Measurements to be taken during a mechanical inspection

1. Identification of mechanical parts such as drives and fans. For this, it is important to carry out the following
things (please see Excel document entitled “Survey sheet complete Rev00 2016” where you can find standard
sheets of how to carry this out.

The main purpose of identifying mechanical parts is to be able to firstly verify if the installed equipment corresponds to
the design data and to be able to verify if everything is according to OEM specifications. What should be done is the
following:

Fan – fill in all data in Excel sheet entitled “Survey sheet complete Rev00 2016”

 Identify fan manufacturer (see appendix 2 for helping tool)

 Identify if the blades are made of FRP of aluminum
 Identify fan diameter and number of blades
 Measure blade width/length at certain given point as illustrated in Excel document entitled “Survey sheet
complete Rev00 2016”
 Measure hub or seal disc diameter
 Identify condition of blades (especially at the leading edge, trailing edge and neck of the blades)

For blade condition, please find below examples of possible problems with blades

Trailing edge split (can also be leading edge) FRP blades eroded by sun (epoxy or resin is eroded by UV)

Cracks anywhere (and especially on the

neck such as illustrated in pictures on the
left) should be marked and dated for
further monitoring/follow-up

Blade pitch angle

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Drive – fill in all data in Excel sheet entitled “Survey sheet complete Rev00 2016”

 Measure driven pulley diameter (if the specification of drive is not indicated on pulley as illustrated in picture
below)
 Measured diameter of driver pulley using a large caliper if V drive. If HTD drive, mark one groove and count
the number of grooves
 Measure shaft diameters using caliper (motor, driven pulley and fan shaft)
 Measure center line distance between motor and fan shaft
 Identify belt type and if individual V belts, count number of belts
 Measure how much motor can go forward and backward (for eventual new selection of drives)
 Identify condition of belts and drives

By using PDF files entitled “IPL GT 14M” for HTD drives and “IPL V belts” for V belts, one can identify the type of
pulleys by comparing pulley diameter to O.D. of pulley indicated in these documents.

Belt can mostly be identified by the description on the belt as illustrated in picture below

For V belt drives, one should look in particular at position of belt in pulley (especially with driver pulley) as illustrated
below

Wrong

Poor belt condition or belt positioning in pulley will reduce belt or pulley life. Furthermore, it will reduce drive
efficiency. A poor belt positioning will mostly result in belt slipping which in turn will reduce fan RPM and therefore
airflow. Reduced airflow mostly leads to reduced cooling capacity of ACHE.

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For HTD drives, one should especially look at tooth belt mashing in pulley groove and condition of belt tooth

Incorrect tooth belt mashing. Tooth should be right

in the middle of groove of pulley

TIP
One can also check tooth mashing by using a
stroboscope while fan is running. This will indicate
how well belt is positioned in groove and will allow
to check all fans without the need to stop fan

Correct tooth belt mashing. Tooth is right in the

middle of groove of pulley

Improper belt tension on HTD

drives will reduce belt life
significantly

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Fins of finned tube bundle (lower row)

Although this is not part of the mechanical inspection, you will need to carry out this visual inspection (on forced draft
units) as this is the only possibility to carry this out.

 Check for bent fins (bottom row of fins). Try and estimate % of bent fins in relation to total number of fins. See
below examples of bent fins (bottom row)

No bent fins

 Scratch with metal device (tools or caliper) slightly lower row of fins and estimate (in mm) rotten part of lower
fin. You will see that if you scratch fins, a part of the fin will deteriorate and fall down (if older bundle). Measure
the part that is “rotten”.
A small portion of the top fin (1st row)
can be deteriorated in such a way that is
simply falls of when scratched with
metal object. Measure how many mm
this is

 Identify degree of external fouling

In order to identify degree of external fouling, one must shine a torch light in the triangular path of the tubes in order to
assess the external fouling.
Please note that external fouling will always be in the bottom 2 rows of the bundle. External fouling will never be on top
of finned tube bundle (or for another reasons such as insects, birds, spills, isolation material, etc.)

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By shining the torch light vertically on the 1st and 2nd

row, one can clearly see where the dirt is accumulated. If
the dirt is only accumulated in the 2nd row (see picture
below), then we say fouling is MEDIUM to BAD. If the
external fouling is also accumulated on the first row, we
say the external fouling is BAD to VERY BAD.

We also try with our bare eyes to see the light through
the finned tube bundle. This will give a better indication of
external fouling and if the air can still pass through (as
light means passage for air). No day light means finned
tube bundle is completely clogged. Please take into
consideration direction of sun when trying to see day light
through bundle!!!!

Please find some illustration of external fouling. Please note that this is not a precise scale but just an illustration for
your assistance/guidance

Clogged Very Dirty Dirty

Medium/Dirty Medium Medium/Light

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In order to carry out a mechanical inspection and identification of parts, you

will need to open drive and fan guard. This will require tools to remove bolts
and nuts. You will also be required to be 2 for this. Also a scaffold could be
necessary for safety purposes. Please check with end user first in order to
make sure all is prepared before your arrival!

2. A certain number of measurements need to be carried out during the mechanical inspection

The following instruments are required to carry out these measurements. Operation manuals can be found in
corresponding files.

 FIXTURLASER PAT (BELT DRIVE ALIGNMENT DEVICE)

 DVR FIXTURLASER SET TND TIPS (COMPLETE WITH INSERTS FOR HTD BELTS)
 OPT TT OPTICAL FREQUENCY METER
 BOSCH DNM 60 L INCLINOMETER FOR NORMAL CHORD BLADES
 BOSCH DNM 120 L INCLINOMETER FOR WIDE CHORD BLADES

a. Drive system

For the drive system, it is important to carry out the following measurements (values should be filled in in the Excel
Sheet entitled “Survey sheet complete Rev00 2016”)

i. Pulley alignment. It is important that pulleys are aligned properly from each other as indicated with
device below.

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There are 2 types of misalignment, namely :

Parallel misalignment

Angular misalignment

The manufacturer tolerances for misalignment can be indicated as follows

For V belt drives, the pulley misalignment should not exceed 1/2 ° or 5 mm per 500 mm of drive centre
distance.
For HTD drives, the pulley misalignment should not exceed 1/4 ° or 2.5 mm per 500 mm of drive centre
distance.

Improper pulley alignment can cause loss in efficiency of drive system and will reduce drive lifespan. Especially on
HTD drive, the belt life can be reduce significantly and will cause the belt to rise or lower as indicated in picture below
(belt broken due to improper alignment)

Typical HTD belt

broken/worn down
due to poor
alignment of pulleys

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Belt tension

Belt tension is recorded by using a IR digital tension meter. Values can then be compared to specified values by using
drive selection programs supplied by drive manufacturers such as Gates, Optibelt, Goodyear, etc.

Values of tension is indicated in Hz.

Improper belt tension can cause a loss of

efficiency of drive system. It also causes
reduced drive system lifespan,
A too tight belt can cause early bearing
failure and other mechanical problems to
the system.

b. Fan system

For the fan, it is important to carry out the following measurements (values should be filled in in the Excel Sheet
entitled “Survey sheet complete Rev00 2016”)

i. Pitch angle of all blades

Please note that blade pitch angle should always

be taken at the SAME point (so select same
reference on fan ring) and should always be
measured at 25 mm of tip of blade (except for
Moore & Aerex fans – see further). Inclinometer
should always first be calibrated to fan hub before
measuring fan blade angle.

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Moore fans should be measured at center of fan (as indicated in picture below left) and Aerex fans should be
measured at 400 mm of tip of blade (see picture below right) and it is mostly marked on blade.

Inclinometer should
be placed here
Inclinometer should
be placed here

Fan manufacturers recommend blades should be set with a margin of +/- 0.5o between each blade. A too large pitch
angle will indicate stalling of fan (see further in report for explanation of stalling) and too much difference from one
blade to the other can cause fan imbalance and turbulent airflow. ELFLOW BV recommends even setting blades within
+/- 0.2o of each other. This can be done by using our digital inclinometer.

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ii. Tip clearance

Tip clearance is the distance between the tip of blade and the fan ring or housing.

Tip clearances are critical to the efficiency of a fan system. Too much distance at the tip will cause
air re-circulation problems; too little distance at the tip can cause rubbing, or tipping, during high winds. Note that the
blade performs most of the work in the outer portion of the airfoil (as the radius is the largest at the tip of the blade). If
a leakage path (or tip clearance) exists, the air will seek the path of least resistance and by-pass the tip, causing a
vortex leading in a loss of performance.

Too high tip clearance can be caused by the following

 Fan ring is too large

 Fan ring is oval
 Fan shaft is out of centre
 Fan ring is not circular

API recommended tip clearances for smaller (16ft and less) diameter fans. Also included in this
figure are the nominal tip clearances for larger diameter fans.

Fan Diameter Minimum Maximum

3ft through 9ft ¼” ½”
>9ft through 11ft ¼” 5/8”
>11ft through 16ft ¼” ¾”
18ft through 40ft ½” 1”

Please note that tip clearance of a fan should be measured at 4 distinct points of the fan ring using a measuring tape.
This will then allow you to determine what the situation is (fan ring oval, shaft out of center, etc.) and how much
material is required to fix the tip clearance problem on site. This means that on a fan ring inspected, please mark 4
values per fan ring as indicated below.

T.C. 1
values
T.C. 1 (mm)
T.C. 2 (mm)
T.C. 3 (mm)
T.C. 4 (mm) T.C. 2
T.C. 4
Average (mm)

T.C. 3

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iii. Blade tracking

Blade tracking should be done at the same time as pitch angle measurements and should be done at the same point
(same for pitch angle measurements).

Blade tracking is checking whether all blades are all within the same horizontal plane of each other. The difference
between lowest and highest blade (in horizontal plane) should not exceed more than 1”.

Blade tracking is done by putting marker on each blade and check whether

Record in mm
difference in height
between highest and
lowest plane (in
horizontal plane)

A larger blade tracking then 1” can cause fan imbalance.

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GENERAL INSPECTION OF AN ACHE

General inspection are all inspections and measurements that are included in mechanical of fan performance
measurements. There are a few aspects that need to be checked such as

 Hot Air Recirculation (HAR)

 Certain aspects of datasheet (static equipment and motor)
 Air seals
 Process temperatures
 Piping layout
 Any other issues that could influence ACHE performance

The tools & measurement equipment required for the general inspection are as follows

a. Measure tape
b. IR Thermometer
c. Special non reflective paint marker
d. Torch light (Ex-proof)
e. Caliper
f. Camera

Finned tube bundle – fill in all data in Excel sheet entitled “Survey sheet complete Rev00 2016”

 Identify type of header box, number of rows

 Identify type of fins and No of fins per inch. This can be done by rubbing a pen over a paper that is lying on
fins. Once you have the marks, you can measure with 1 inch measurements how many fins you count (see
picture below as an illustration)
 Identify where the inlet piping comes from (if possible) such as head of column, from shell & tube, etc.)
 Measure transverse pitch of tubes by using caliper
 Check how many fins are bent (estimate in percentage)
 Check if some tubes are bent/warped
 Check if unit has louvers or not
 Check if some of the fans are auto variable type (and working!) and check with operators/electricians if there
are any VSD’s (variable speed drives) installed on certain or all of the fans
 Check if fan rings are equipped with inlet bells and identify which type of bells they have (elliptical, rounded or
conical)

Rub pencil over piece of paper along

finned tube. Using a caliper, you can
then count fins per inch

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ACHE PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT

The purpose of the performance measurement is to evaluate ACHE performance.

The tools & measurement equipment required for the performance measurement are as follows

a. Measure tape
b. Vane anemometer or hot wire anemometer
c. Differential pressure measurement device
d. Pitot tube
e. Thermometer with RH measurement
f. IR thermometer
g. Stroboscope
h. Camera
i. IR camera as an option

In order to carry out a performance measurement, the fans need to be

running at 100%. Most measurement equipment is NOT EX proof (battery
operated). This means that in most cases, a so called hot work permit is
required. In most cases, you will also be required to wear gas detector while
on the unit.

As you might also carry out survey in winter period, it is important to simulate summer conditions as much as possible
when all fans are running at full load. There, we recommend the following

 All fans measured equipped with VSD’s or auto variable hubs should always run at 100% capacity.
 Louvers should be opened during measurements

Please also take this into consideration as much as possible on site

Scenarios

C E IF fan C is measured, THEN

a. Fans A, D & E running as well
b. Fan C running 100%
c. Wi Louvers covering fans C & D open
IF fan A is measured, THEN
Fans B & C running as well
Fan A running at 100%
Louvers covering fans A & B open

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Fan performance measurements

A. Forced draft measurements

Airflow measurements
Air velocity measurements should be taken in a plane parallel to the fan. The inlet of the fan is divided into 2
perpendicular halves or 4 quadrants with a number of equal area bands per quadrant depending on fan size and
obstructions on the mechanical/structural elements of the air cooler. Airflow measurements is made at the centroid of
each equal area band for a total average of x measurements. At each traverse point, two (2) 16-second average air
velocity readings are measured. If the readings differ of 0.5 m/s from each other, a new reading should be made until
readings are within 0.5 m/s of each other.

= Mst. point in middle of each

centroid of area band

For a forced draught unit, this plane should be below the fan, as close as possible to the fan ring or inlet bell to negate
the effects of ambient wind as illustrated below.

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Step # 1

Determine location of your airflow measurement planes. Based on air cooler mechanical & structural configuration and
obstructions, you will decide to choose 2 perpendicular halves or 4 quadrants. The choice must be based on the
choice to have the most steady measurement readings.

Step # 2

Based on the mechanical inspection (fan ring diameter, fan guard position with regard to inlet bells and seal disc or
hub diameter), you can input fan diameter, seal disc or hub diameter and number of measurement points in Excel
sheet entitled “Fan performance sheet_Template_2016_Rev05” taking into consideration the following

Number of measurement readings per fan size

Fan diameter (ft) Number of measurement points
Fan diameter < 9 ft 5
Fan diameter >9 ft < 12 ft 6-7
Fan diameter > 12ft < 16ft 7-8
Fan diameter > 16ft < 20 ft 8-10
Fan diameter > 20 ft 10

Fan diameter – it is important to take into consideration on Forced draft unit where you will measure airflow as the
diameter to input could differ from fan diameter as illustrated below (fan sizes are examples!!!)

Fan guard under fan ring Fan guard under inlet bells with 12 ft
with 12 ft fan so input 12ft fan so input 13ft in Excel sheet if
in Excel sheet diameter with inlet bells is 13ft

12 ft 12 ft

Position of 13 ft
anemometer during
measurements

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The Excel program entitled “Fan performance sheet_Template_2016_Rev05” will then indicate measurement points
as illustrated below.

STA 1. =
0 Measurements point
closest to tip of blade

AT MEASUREMENT PLANE STA 1.= 7,1

Measurements
Ft m STA 2.= 22,2 points calculated
STACK ID (FT): 11,5 3,51 STA 3.= 38,9 by Excel sheet
EFF HUB OD (FT): 2,62 0,80 STA 4.= 58,1
# STA 5.= 81,0
NO OF EQ. AREA BAND: 6 STA 6.= 111,8
Ft2 m2 STA 7.=
GROSS AREA (sq.FT): 103,9 9,6 STA 8.=
NET AREA (sq.FT): 98,5 9,1 STA 9.=
AREA/BAND (sq. FT): 16,4 1,5 STA 10.=

Step # 3

Mark measurement points on special metallic rod with hooks that can directly be hooked to fan guard and start
measuring fan velocities using vane anemometer.

Vane anemometer

Mst points

Metallic rod with mst

points hooked to fan guard

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Illustration of fan performance measurements on forced draft units with vane anemometer

Because the anemometer does NOT record negative values, it is important to have the anemometer go up
and down at the tip of the blade (first 2 measurements) in order to check if there is no recirculation of air of
even negative airflow at the tip of the blade. This should ALWAYS be carried out prior to measuring airflow.
Airflow measurements should always be carried out with 2 persons. One holding the anemometer and the
other taking the readings.
Air temperature & relative humidity should be recorded before the measurement of every fan performance
measurement (per fan)
Date and time of measurement should also always be recorded for each fan measured
Wind velocity should be measured & recorded at the start and end of the airflow test using a rotating vane
anemometer. This measurement should be taken at a location that is upwind and unobstructed. If wind
velocity is greater than 16 km/h, the test should not be conducted
If precipitation (very high rains) is occurring, the test should not be conducted

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Static pressure measurements on Forced draft unit

The static pressure (= ΔPairside) is the Sum of all the system resistances against which the fan must work,
expressed in inches of H2O. This is the useful work required from the fan. (Velocity
pressure excluded).

In order to ONLY measure static pressure(=Sp), a static tube is inserted in the four (4) lower corners of the plenum
chamber as we assume that there is no velocity pressure available there. This can be done in 2 ways. The traditional
way is to stick a standard pitot tube through a draining hole (or drilled hole) in the corners as illustrated below. If there
is no access due to the fact that scaffold is not possible), one can always use the second method which is to insert the
specially fabricated through the finned tube bundle to reach (the best we can) the corners of plenum chamber.

If possible, the static pressure readings should be taken at every corner of the plenum chamber

= 4 static pressure measurements in 4 lower corners of

plenum chamber

Illustration of traditional way to measure static pressure

Pitot tube

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Illustration of alternative way to measure static pressure

This method is used when there is no access to the corners of the plenum chamber but there is a walkways at the
header of the ACHE. The idea is to stick a specially fabricated pitot tube through the finned tube bundle (as almost all
tube bundles have triangular pitch and therefore, it is possible to stick this pitot tube through the bundle as illustrated
below

Pitot tube

Example of path of pitot tube inside bundle

Pitot tube no yet inserted through bundle Pitot tube inserted through bundle reaching lower corner

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A. induced draft measurements

Method 1 – traditional method

Air velocity measurements should be taken in a plane parallel to the fan. The inlet of the fan is divided into 2
perpendicular halves or 4 quadrants with a number of equal area bands per quadrant depending on fan size and
obstructions on the mechanical/structural elements of the air cooler. Airflow measurements is made at the centroid of
each equal area band for a total average of x measurements. At each traverse point, two (2) 16-second average air
velocity readings are measured. If the readings differ of 0.5 m/s from each other, a new reading should be made until
readings are within 0.5 m/s of each other.

= Mst. point in middle of each

centroid of area band

For an induced draught unit, this plane should be above the fan and as close to the fan as
possible to negate the effects of ambient wind. The anemometer is held parallel to the plane of the fan during the
reading. The velocity reading can be affected by the yaw of the fan. That is why it is absolutely essential to use a level
meter on your anemometer

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Step # 1

Determine location of your airflow measurement planes. Based on air cooler mechanical & structural configuration and
obstructions, you will decide to choose 2 perpendicular halves or 4 quadrants. The choice must be based on the
choice to have the most steady measurement readings.

Step # 2

Based on the mechanical inspection (fan ring diameter, fan guard position with regard to inlet bells and seal disc or
hub diameter), you can input fan diameter, seal disc or hub diameter and number of measurement points in Excel
sheet entitled “Fan performance sheet_Template_2016_Rev05” taking into consideration the following

Number of measurement readings per fan size

Fan diameter (ft) Number of measurement points
Fan diameter < 9 ft 5
Fan diameter >9 ft < 12 ft 6-7
Fan diameter > 12ft < 16ft 7-8
Fan diameter > 16ft < 20 ft 8-10
Fan diameter > 20 ft 10

The Excel program entitled “Fan performance sheet_Template_2016_Rev05” will then indicate measurement points
as illustrated below.

STA 1. =
0 Measurements point
closest to tip of blade

AT MEASUREMENT PLANE STA 1.= 7,1

Measurements
Ft m STA 2.= 22,2 points calculated
STACK ID (FT): 11,5 3,51 STA 3.= 38,9 by Excel sheet
EFF HUB OD (FT): 2,62 0,80 STA 4.= 58,1
# STA 5.= 81,0
NO OF EQ. AREA BAND: 6 STA 6.= 111,8
Ft2 m2 STA 7.=
GROSS AREA (sq.FT): 103,9 9,6 STA 8.=
NET AREA (sq.FT): 98,5 9,1 STA 9.=
AREA/BAND (sq. FT): 16,4 1,5 STA 10.=

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Step # 3

Mark measurement points on anemometer rod using electrical tape. Start measuring fan velocities using vane
anemometer.

Measurement points
Anemometer with
level

Anemometer rod

Method 2 – Alternative method

The alternative method is carried out when access at height of fan is prohibited (for HSE or economic reasons that have
to do with scaffolds). With the alternative method, one will measure face velocities under the finned tube bundle
as illustrated below. Please note that using a hot wire anemometer for this method is more preferred then using a vane
anemometer due to the fact that hot wire anemometers are more precise at mower air velocities (ranging from 0-3
m/s). It is also recommendable to make a cylinder (10x diameter of anemometer to create laminar flow inside cylinder)
as illustrated in picture on next page. The cylinder (shield) is also necessary to minimize error due to wind effect. The
position of cylinder of anemometer should be located at least five prime tube diameters from extremities of the fins to
prevent error due to restriction effect of the tubes.
The measurement plane chosen shall be divided into imaginary rectangular areas (at least 20 or one per m 2,
whichever is greater)

= imaginary rectangular areas with

measurement point

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Illustration of alternative method with hot wire anemometer and self-made cylinder under finned tube bundle

The airflow is then calculated by multiplying measured face velocity (m/s) by surface of bundles (-/- covered surface
which can mostly be assumed between 85 & 95% due to structural obstructions such as beams, motor support, etc.)

Airflow measurements should always be carried out with 2 persons. One holding the anemometer
and the other taking the readings.
Air temperature & relative humidity should be recorded before the measurement of every fan
performance measurement (per fan)
Date and time of measurement should also always be recorded for each fan measured
Wind velocity should be measured & recorded at the start and end of the airflow test using a
rotating vane
anemometer. This measurement should be taken at a location that is upwind and unobstructed. If
wind velocity is greater than 12 km/h, the test should not be conducted
If precipitation (very high rains) is occurring, the test should not be conducted

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Static pressure measurements on Induced draft unit

Just like forced draft units, there are 2 ways to measure static pressure on an induced draft unit. The traditional way is
to stick a standard pitot tube through a draining hole (or drilled hole) in the corners as illustrated below. If there is no
access due to the fact that scaffold is not possible), one can always use the second method which is to insert the
specially fabricated through the finned tube bundle to reach (the best we can) the corners of plenum chamber.

Pitot tube
traditional way

Pitot tube
alternative way

Drilling of 8 mm hole

The second way is to stick the pitot (specially fabricated for this purpose) through the finned tube bundle. This will
however be carried in the reverse way as with Forced draft units due to the fact that plenum chamber is on top of tube
bundle and not under. See page 31 for explanation.

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Process temperature measurements
Process temperatures readings is also an important part of an ACHE survey. This is important as it can tell if a
condenser is not balanced properly or the cooler is suffering from internal fouling. Please also note that points of
measurements should ALWAYS be marked as indicated in pictures below. This will allow same reflection for each
readings and can be useful for future comparison.

C 801

55,2 55,5 58 59,3 60,9 60,7 61,1 60,7 60,9 61,2

5,3 5,3 5,7 5,9 11 14,3 16,8 17,4 13 14

112,6 113,3 113 112,6 115 115 113,1 112,5

812 D 812 C 812 B 812 A

92.8

61 61,1 64 64,3 61,7 62,7 63,6

116.4

V 802

13
V 803

Example of complete process temperature readings including shell & tubes

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ALL fans should be running during the process temperature readings. If a fan is NOT running, one
should note this
Date & time of measurement is essential
Air temperature & relative humidity should be recorded
All fans should be running at 100%
If precipitation (very high rains) is occurring, the test should not be postponed

Cover plate headers are mostly installed for fouling services (internally). Therefore, it is very probable
that you can detect internal fouling (difference in outlet temperature between 1 bundle to the other)
b y measuring different process outlet temperatures
Bent/warped tubes will mostly be a cause of internal fouling as the internally fouled tubes will have
less product running through the not fouled tubes. This will create a difference in temperature
between tubes and therefore different thermal expansion between tubes which will create some
tubes to bend
Pure condensers can be isothermal so no difference in outlet temperature can be measured. Also
partial condensers will also therefore indicate less difference in outlet temperatures compared to
coolers when bundle is working better than the other
Lower process temperatures on 1 bundle compared to the other (on a cooler) will indicate that that
particular bundle is fouling internally (airflow being equal for all bays). This is because there is less
product flowing through the bundle and therefore the medium gets cooled more
Always check on condensers if the inlet piping is symmetrical. If not, there could be an imbalance
between each bundle due to difference in process ΔP
If internal fouling is suspected, a IR scan using IR thermal camera could be a good idea

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Special Note :

1. Site Requirements

 Site electrician available to measure amperage in MCC (motor control centre)

 Any special safety gear, training or orientation required prior to working on the unit(s)
 Four (4) access holes of 10 mm diameter are required 90 degrees apart from each other in the four lower
corners of the plenum chamber in order to measure static pressure with special pitot tube. If the holes are not
present, we will drill them ourselves or use a special thin pitot tube that passes through the finned tube bundle
(see illustration below). These holes have no effect at all on the performance of the ACHE. On the contrary
they are a draining hole for water.
 In most cases a scaffold is required to have access to the lower part (Forced draft units) or upper part (Induced
draft) of the fan ring where measurements are carried out (to be furnished by end user). IN CASE OF
SCAFFOLD, PLEASE MAKE SURE THE SCAFFOLD DOES NOT OBSTRUCT THE AIRFLOW

2. Special remarks

 Our instruments or NOT Ex proof. They are battery operated

 Fans should be running at 100% speed when measurements are carried out
 Fans next to measured fan should be running as well
 No measurements can be taken during high winds. This will be determined once on site
 With wind speeds exceeding 3-5 m/s, fan performance measurements could be cancelled due to accuracy
measurements

TURBO MECHIN 2018