Chapter 3

Operating Instructions

3.1 Prior to start-up operations

1. Before running the fan be aware that the fastening blocks [17] [18] are anchored
to the hub, if there is gap check the screw torque of the screws [8] and [10] (Fig.
2.6).
2. Identify blade static deflection δs (fan at rest) and the blade dynamic deflection
δd (fan running) from the fan rating sheet. In the case where the static deflection
is higher than dynamic one rotate manually the fan for one entire revolution and
check that the distance between the blade’s lower point and closest obstacle (δ)
is greater than distance δmin given on table 3.1 (δmin depends on fan diameter).
If static deflection is smaller than dynamic one rotate manually the fan for one
entire revolution and check that the distance between the blade’s lower point and
closest obstacle (δ) satisfy the following equation:

δ ≥ δmin (T able 3.1) + [δd − δs ]

Fan Diameter (mm)

Hub Type δmin
From to

0 4000 B1 150
0 3999 B3 150
4000 4881 B3 200
0 5490 B6 200
5491 6200 B6 250

Table 3.1: Minimum allowed distance blade - closest obstacle (δmin )

AXIAL FANS FOR THE WORLD COFIMCO B/BR-Series Fans

3.1 Prior to start-up operations 12

ATTENTION: the distance between the blade’s lower point and closest
obstacle (δ) is valid for wind speed up to 45 m/s.
3. Rotate manually the fan to check that the gap between the blade tip and the fan
ring (x) is within the design ratio x/D, where D is the fan diameter. The gap
between the blade tip and the fan ring has to be measured along the blade main
axis. ATTENTION: the gap measurement between the blade tip and the fan
ring has to be done taking into consideration the difference between the static and
the dynamic deflection; if the static deflection is bigger than that dynamic, the
blade has to be lifted up of a distance equal to δs − δd ; if the static deflection is
smaller than that dynamic, the blade has to be moved down of a distance equal
to δd − δs .
NOTE: the static and dynamic deflections are indicated in the fan rating data
sheet.
In the case where the gap between the blade tip and the fan ring (x) is not that
expected, the fan diameter could be reduced acting on fastening blocks [17] and
[18] between blade and hub, as shown on figure 3.1, unscrewing bolts [16].

16 Flexy 16 Flexy
Element 17 Element
17 16 16

16 16
17 17
18 18

Figure 3.1: Fan-diameter-change scheme.

ATTENTION: once bolts [16] are unscrewed it necessary to fasten them back
at the proper screw torque, for standard bolts use screw torques given on table
3.2 making use exclusively manual tools; therefore the use of any automatic tool
is forbidden.
ATTENTION: the diameter change has to be the same to all blades and the
fastening blocks alignment has to be that showed on figure 3.2.
ATTENTION: the data regarding the bolts type is reported in the documenta-
tion’s part list.
4. Check that blade axes agree with those defined on section 2.3.
5. Check gear box oil level and belt tension to be as indicated by the manufacturer.
6. Remove all tools from area.
7. Connect motor to power supply.

AXIAL FANS FOR THE WORLD COFIMCO B/BR-Series Fans

3.1 Prior to start-up operations 13

Blocks 16
Lateral
Surface
17

18

Slotted Block

Figure 3.2: Fastening blocks alignment

Screw Torque
Bolt Type
(Hub) 8.8 Class 10.9 Class A4/80
N·m Lb · ft N·m Lb · ft N·m Lb · ft

M10 (B1) - - 74.4 54.9 - -

M12 (B3) - - 124.3 91.7 - -
M16 (B6) 241.7 178.2 296.3 218.4 151.4 111.7

Table 3.2: Screw torque, bolts [16] fastening blocks - flexy element (standard bolts)

8. Start the fan for few second and then switch it off. While the fan is still turning,
check that the direction of the blade rotation is correct as defined on section 2.2.

AXIAL FANS FOR THE WORLD COFIMCO B/BR-Series Fans

3.2 Post start-up operations 14

3.2 Post start-up operations

1. Check the power absorption, if excessive, reduce gradually the blade pitch angle
until the desired power absorption is reached. If lower than expected, increase
gradually the blade pitch angle until the desired power absorption is reached.
Update the new pitching angle on the fans of the same structure.
NOTE: a pitch angle trim of few degrees, respect to that of design, has to be
considered normal.
ATTENTION: the power absorption varies inversely to air temperature.
2. Check that vibration level, as in the positions shown on figure 3.3, does not exceed
the most restrictive amplitude values between the limits imposed by the normative
of the structure where the fan is installed and the limit of 7 mm/s RMS (overall)
measured in the frequency range 0 : 50Hz; above 50Hz and until a frequency
range that include all the structure forcing frequencies, the limit decrease to 0.5
mm/s RMS (overall). In the case one of the two limits is exceeded, shut the fan
down and trace the cause of such an excessive vibration by referring to section
4.3.
ATTENTION: the vibration-limit is valid for vibrations that occur along or-
thogonal axis, hence vibration that remains constant along those axis (it is not
valid for rotational vibrations).

Figure 3.3: Vibrations inspection positions

3. After one working hour check the hub bolts [8] [10] screw torque.
4. Repeat the bolts [8] [10] screw torque check after 24 working hours from the
start-up.

AXIAL FANS FOR THE WORLD COFIMCO B/BR-Series Fans