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Proper damper maintenance is critical to your process and can have an impact on energy consumption.
Often dampers are neglected as they are roof mounted, not easily accessible for regular maintenance or not included in scheduled maintenance interventions.
Misadjusted, poorly maintained or damaged dampers allow additional air to escape from or be drawn into your process or ductwork system or provide less than adequate control of your process.
Maintenance of your damper actuators is equally as important.
The following tips can help you get the most out of your dampers and prevent unexpected down-time due to damper related issues:
- Depending on the age, service factor, and environmental conditions, dampers should be inspected and serviced at a minimum 6 month intervals.
- Damper linkage assemblies should be removed. All bushings, arms, couplings, bearings, pivot points, rod ends, pins and hardware should be checked for wear or damage.
- With the linkage removed, all damper shafts/blades should be manually moved through their range of operation to look for sticking, binding or tight spots.
- Mark or pin manual damper positions before removal to ensure they are returned to their correct position.
- Visually inspect the exterior of the damper and flanges for leaks, damage, hot spots or condensate, damage to cladding or insulation.
- If your dampers are equipped with an inspection port or clean-out door, remove and inspect the damper internals, blades and shafts for damage, wear or debris buildup. Clean or repair as necessary. Some dampers may be equipped with a “tadpole”-type gasket or spring steel seat, which should be inspected and replaced as needed. Other dampers may be equipped with an adjustable metal seat. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper set-up or replacement.
- Actuator motors should be checked for binding or misalignment. Mounting brackets and actuator bases should be secure.
- Ensure the hardware connecting the actuator to the damper linkage is tight. Mark the position of the connections so that quick reassembly can occur if a linkage does come loose.
- Lubricate bearings per manufacturer’s instructions. Bearings with non-metallic or carbon sleeve bearings may not require lubrication.
- Dampers should be set-up per manufacturer’s instruction to ensure tight shut-off is achieved where applicable.
Actuator tips:
- For pneumatic actuators, be sure the air stream is clean and dry to a dew point of minus 40 degrees F. (Many facilities do not have as standard air dryers capable of drying compressed air to minus 40 degrees F.) Moisture can freeze outdoors in cold weather, rendering the actuator inoperable. Moisture can also damage cylinders, seals and solenoids.
- Periodically drain drip legs, filters or system moisture traps.
- Ensure actuator limits are set properly to prevent over torque at the end of travel, potentially causing motor overheating or damage. These limit settings may drift over time due to wear and changes in temperatures.
- Set up your actuators to manufacturer’s specifications. Incorrectly positioned actuators can leave valves partially open (or closed) limiting process performance or un-necessarily waste energy.
- Operate the actuator through its normal range of motion while connected to the damper. This will ensure the damper is making full transition and the actuator is following the control signal accurately.
- When installing actuators outdoors, ensure all electrical openings or ports are closed or sealed per manufacturer’s specifications. Position any conduits or utilities in a manner to avoid water or fluids from entering the actuator.
- Ensure the actuator cover seals are intact; closures and hardware are secure and tightened.
- Many electric actuators are equipped with internal heaters to prevent condensation. The heaters will only provide protection against condensation when the equipment control power is on. Ensure supplied heaters are operable and replace if necessary.
- During routine equipment maintenance, inspect actuators internally, dry any noticeable moisture and lubricate according to manufacturer’s specifications, tighten terminals and wire connections.
- When installing actuators in areas of elevated temperatures, be sure to take the proper precautions not to exceed the actuator’s maximum rated temperature. Isolate or insulate the actuator from the source of heat.
- Repair or replace obsolete or problematic actuators.
As with any piece of industrial equipment, proper maintenance is required to keep an oxidizer, dryer or air handling equipment in good working order. MEGTEC Systems recommends customers follow all maintenance and safety guidelines in the product manual and vendor literature.
Call your local MEGTEC office or email to info@megtec.com to find out more about MEGTEC services such as their Preventive Maintenance Programs, Upgrade Kits, and Spare Parts programs.
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