After our initial investigation we established that the root of the problem were the movements of the fan housing originating from a weak steel foundation, and so, we conducted a supplementary torsion analysis to demonstrate this to the client. We considered the pros and cons of repair versus a complete replacement and, after some deliberation, we finally recommended to change the steel foundation as well as the fan to prevent future vibrations. The solution entailed new fan housing and Variax rotor, a steel foundation and vibration springs, a combined oil unit, two hubs and oil-filled blade bearings, a high pressure blade profile in aluminium material, coupling and a stall warning and alarm system.
When we, at Howden, take on a project, we strive for the best possible outcome. Therefore, we will only offer a lasting solution and thus eliminate the inheritance of problems from quick fixes. This is one of the main factors that led the client to trust Howden over the OEM despite entailing a larger investment at the time.
Even though there was a tight schedule to deliver this service, we were certain that this was the best solution for the client and, therefore, we put it at the top of our priority list. Moreover, the FD fan was located on a foundation at 71m above the boiler, making the project much more challenging than normal.
Howden not only demonstrated an ability to plan and execute a full operation efficiently, but the exercise restored confidence in the reliability of the fan. Despite all odds, we exceeded Uniper's expectations by delivering the project in six months instead of the usual ten.