Maintenance of industrial ventilation systems: duct systems, damper control and air quality monitoring

Technical analysis: Industrial ventilation system maintenance: ductwork inspection, damper operation, and air quality mo

Wartung von industriellen Lüftungssystemen: Kanalsysteme, Klappensteuerung und Luftqualitätsüberwachung - UNITEC-D Industrial MRO
Dieses Handbuch bietet eine präzise Anleitung zur Wartung industrieller Lüftungssysteme, einschließlich der Inspektion von Kanalsystemen, der Schmierung von Klappensteuerungen und der Kalibrierung von

1. Scope and purpose

This manual describes the standardized maintenance of industrial ventilation systems in production environments. The focus is on the integrity of the duct system, the functionality of the throttle and butterfly valves, and the calibration of the air quality monitoring. Proper maintenance is critical to comply with workplace limits, to avoid fire risks due to dust deposits and to optimize energy efficiency in accordance with DIN EN 13779 and VDI 6022.

2. Safety instructions

DANGER: Before starting any work on the ventilation system, the system must be completely switched off and secured against being switched on again (Lockout/Tagout - LOTO). Make sure that there is no stored energy (e.g. rotating fan wheels with overrun, electrical capacitors in frequency converters). Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) - consisting of S3 safety shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection and respiratory protection (min. FFP3) when working in contaminated areas - is mandatory.

3. Tools and materials

Tools/materialSpecificationquantity
Torque wrench5 - 50 Nm1
Differential pressure gauge0 - 5000 Pa1
Laser escape toolFor shaft alignment1
Industrial vacuum cleanerH class (for hazardous dust)1
multimeterTrue RMS Value (TRMS)1
sealantSilicone-free, temperature-resistant1

4. Pre-maintenance checklist

ElementExamcriterionRemark
Canal systemVisually inspect for corrosion/leaksNo cracks or material removalCheck at connection points
Flap driveManual operationMovement without resistanceCheck lubrication status
Filter mediaDifferential pressure measurementValues within manufacturer specificationsExchange at > 250 Pa
SensorsZero point checkValues plausibleCarry out reference measurement

5. Step-by-step maintenance procedures

  1. Backup and Preparation: Perform LOTO. Disconnect all electrical connections to the damper actuators and fan motors. Error: Neglecting the residual energy in the fan wheel.
  2. Inspection of the sewer system: Open inspection openings. Remove deposits with the industrial vacuum cleaner. Check flange connections. Tighten screws (M8) to 20 Nm. Error: Over-tightening causes deformation of the flange gaskets.
  3. Maintenance of the damper control: Clean the damper blades and axle bearings. Lubricate bearing points with high-temperature-resistant grease (e.g. based on lithium complex). Check the fit of the flap in the closed position (gap size max. 0.5 mm).
  4. Calibration of air quality monitoring: Clean the sensor surfaces with compressed air (max. 2 bar). Carry out a zero point adjustment for CO2 sensors (reference value: fresh air ~400 ppm). Error: Using cleaning agents containing solvents damages the sensor membrane.

6. Verification after maintenance

testExpected resultActuallyPass/Fail
Leak testNo audible leaks at nominal pressure--
Flap running timeOpen/close within < 30 seconds--
CO2 valueStabilization at setpoint--

7. Troubleshooting

SymptomProbable causeCorrective action
The flap is stuckDirt or bearing defectClean and re-grease
High differential pressureFilter addedReplace filters
Fluctuating CO2 levelsSensor dirtyClean or replace sensor

8. Maintenance schedule

taskFrequencyDurationQualification
Filter inspectionMonthly30 minsTechnician
Flap lubricationSemi-annually60 minsTechnician
Sensor calibrationAnnually120 minsTechnician/specialist

9. Spare parts reference

DescriptionSpecificationUNITEC category
Damper actuator24V AC/DC, 10 NmVentilation technology/drives
sealing tapeEPDM, self-adhesiveVentilation technology/accessories
CO2 sensor module0-2000ppm, 0-10VSensors/monitoring

Order the spare parts you need directly via our UNITEC-D e-catalog.

10. References

  • DIN EN 1505: Ventilation of buildings – sheet metal air ducts
  • VDI 6022: Indoor air technology, indoor air quality
  • DIN EN 13779: Ventilation of non-residential buildings

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