Project managers often make this mistake when searching for an industrial ventilation fabrication company.

Many project managers find themselves in a predicament after hiring the lowest bidder over the most detailed. They may need another metal fabrication contractor to come in after the first and do it correctly, effectively doubling or tripling their budget.

This guide helps you avoid the all-too-common pitfalls.

Tip #1: Ask about history and metal fabrication experience

There is no way around it: To become a skilled metal fabricator; one needs years of experience.

A competent custom industrial ventilation fabrication company will have a dense portfolio of projects, a long history of being in business and an experienced team. When you put in an inquiry, this should be one of the first questions you ask.

Tip #2: For custom metal fabrication, solicit a transparent, detailed project scope

Too often, when project managers sign with a company that offers the lowest bid, they later find the contractor was not detailed enough in their scope of work. That often results in a flurry of change orders or project rework. One way to avoid this mistake is by asking for a bid sample up front. This will allow you to see the detail at which a project is scoped and to provide feedback in advance of the bid being sent.

Tip #3: Ask if the company offers more than metal fabrication services

Engineering and design are typically handled by separate organizations. When different organizations handle various parts of the same project, disconnects in communication, process and progress can result.

淫乱社区, on the other hand, is a full-service industrial ventilation design, engineering, manufacturing and installation company. That means the 淫乱社区 team oversees both engineering and design of your industrial ventilation system. This cuts the lags between handoffs lowering the risk of miscommunication. The result: Projects are more efficient and effective.

Ask the question up front, 鈥淚s your team capable of managing this project from start to finish? If not, what aspects are you willing to cover and how do you manage the transitions?鈥�

Tip #4: Confirm metal fabrication equipment upgrade schedules

Any custom industrial ventilation fabrication company will be regularly updating and upgrading equipment for two reasons:

• Poorly updated equipment creates subpar products
• Equipment failures cause delays in project progress

Be sure and ask any prospective industrial ventilation manufacturer about current equipment, planned upgrades and if they have contingencies in place to mitigate equipment failure.

Tip #5: Find out how and when their project managers will be communicating with you

Last but not least, set clear expectations around how and when you will hear from your project manager. At what points in the project will they be communicating with you? How and when will delays or scope changes be addressed? Creating clear guidelines for communications up front sets you and your new project manager up for a successful professional relationship.

Bonus tip: safety plan

Does your prospective industrial ventilation fabrication company have a safety plan in place? Because safety incidents on a jobsite can affect your productivity, it鈥檚 critical to ask about safety training, safety plans and safety record.

Industrial ventilation company selection

Gathering the information outlined above can help you ensure the industrial ventilation company you select is the partner you want.

淫乱社区 has proudly been in the metal fabrication business for over 30 years, uses the most up-to-date equipment, and offers start-to-finish industrial ventilation design, engineering, custom metal fabrication and installation services on all of our custom projects.

Are you looking for an industrial ventilation fabrication company that can bring your idea to life? Get a quote today.

The post 5 Tips for Evaluating Industrial Ventilation Fabrication Companies appeared first on 淫乱社区..

Thank you for considering 淫乱社区. for your ventilation project. Whether you need a full ventilation system engineered from the ground up or have a maintenance need, your goal can be accomplished with the right solution at a competitive cost.

This guide covers the details required to:

• Assess your needs
• Define goals
• Establish timelines
• Identify resources
• Address challenges
• Determine costs
• Specify deliverables and exclusions

滨痴滨鈥檚 experienced team is here to help you along the way, and we look forward to serving you from start to finish.

The Value of Proficient Planning

A detailed project scope sets you up for a smooth, successful ventilation project.

This initial phase of gathering critical information reduces your risk and helps provide the best outcome. With sufficient planning and complete information, you鈥檒l avoid surprise costs and unexpected downtime. The scope can also be referred to throughout the project to keep contractors on task.

Why Does This Matter to You?

Imagine that a customer receives four quotes with a vast pricing range for an industrial ventilation system. They select the least expensive option, but don鈥檛 realize why the quote is so much cheaper. Because important details about their unique building layout are missing from the scope, they soon find out that the lower-cost 鈥渙ne-size-fits-all鈥� system doesn鈥檛 fit. Frustrations build as additional quotes and change orders are needed to address the issues, the project gets behind schedule and ends up over budget.

Now picture a customer who needs a dust collector. Their project goals and deliverables aren鈥檛 clearly stated when they initiate the project. Trouble soon arises when the customer realizes their moist contaminant with heavy loading, which they didn鈥檛 mention in the scope, plugs the undersized cartridge collector they received. Due to the reduced system performance, targets aren鈥檛 met, resulting in costly fines and health risks to the employees. The relationship with the vendor becomes strained, time is consumed and costs rise as they work to correct the issue.

Having a well-developed scope can help avoid these types of costly and time-consuming issues.

The Basics

The information you initially provide helps build the foundation for an accurate quote, the best solution and maximum cost savings. Your industry, goals and other details will be considered to develop a thorough understanding of your project, which allows your needs to be met. Let鈥檚 begin with an overview of your business and industry.

Preferred Contacts

• Who is the main point of contact for this project scope?
• What is your preferred method of contact? Phone / Email / Text / Video Conferencing
• Who else needs to be involved? e.g., EH&S, operations, engineering, project management, etc.

Work Site Details

• Where is the location of the work site?
• Will local labor be utilized?

Industry Details

• What is your industry?
• Which materials are involved?
• What special requirements come with your industry? (e.g., duct work material type, restrictions on finish and joint quality, high wear)

Define Your Goal

• What do you need to accomplish?

Project Scope Guide

Past and Present Challenges

Past challenges help provide a full picture of today鈥檚 project needs.

• What issues have you dealt with in the past?
• How have past issues been solved?
• How long has the issue been a problem?
• What is the current need?
• What issues do you foresee with your upcoming project or maintenance?
• What are the special requirements for your project?

Establishing a Timeline

It鈥檚 important to stay on track with minimal interruptions to your operations. By documenting your needs, a thorough plan will be devised to reduce downtime and keep you on schedule.

• What shifts do you operate?
• Do you have existing planned downtime for maintenance?
• Can installation take place during all shifts without interruption to production?
• When is your desired completion date?
• Is there flexibility with your desired completion date?

Existing Equipment Information

If your project involves existing equipment, a ventilation solution will be developed for the best fit and results.

• Provide existing equipment manufacturer data if possible.
• Provide equipment serial numbers if possible.
• Provide pictures if possible.
• Provide any known issues with current equipment or changes that have been made since original installation date.

Space Constraints

Spacing plays an important role in determining the right ventilation solution.

• What space constraints exist at your facility?
• Provide measurements if possible, using Imperial measurements.
• Provide pictures if possible.

Surface Preparation and Paint

The proper surface treatments will be determined for your industry. What are your surface preparation requirements?

• Galvanized
• Passivation
• Paint
• Other

On-Site Visit

Observing your production process in person allows a comprehensive and accurate assessment of your ventilation.

• Ideally, it鈥檚 best to assess your production and ventilation operations in action. Is this possible? Or must production be shut down?
• If possible, have operators, a foreman and the project contact on-site for the assessment.
• Air readings will be taken, and space constraints will be measured.
• Your processes will be observed, and you may receive recommendations to improve efficiency.
• The best solution will be determined for long-term results.
• Site constraints, unknown to the customer, may be identified with 滨痴滨鈥檚 experienced teams extensive installation expertise.

What’s Next

Once you submit your project scope, your needs will be evaluated and additional questions may follow as needed. You鈥檒l receive recommendations and a competitive quote to meet our ventilation needs.

Thank you for the opportunity to earn your business.

What Sets 淫乱社区 Apart

Dedicated from Start to Finish

淫乱社区 designs, builds and installs custom dust collection systems and maintains other dust collection systems, ductwork and industrial HVAC systems around the country. 淫乱社区 not only works on the engineering piece of your project, but also performs fabrication and installation as a dedicated partner from start to finish. This ensures a cohesive solution with a full perspective of the ventilation design and operations.

淫乱社区 has a rigorous safety program and follows protocols for each individual industry. Many 淫乱社区 staff members in the field are trained in cranes, rigging, a multitude of lifts and material moving equipment. 滨痴滨鈥檚 extensive experience and vast number of nationwide collection systems ensures the knowledge and resources to get the job done right.

滨痴滨鈥檚 mission is to get the job done safely and efficiently鈥攗ltimately resulting in a successful and more cost-effective project for you.

The post Project Scope Guide | Industrial Ventilation Requirements appeared first on 淫乱社区..

Types of industrial exhaust fans

Axial fans

Axial fans, sometimes called 鈥渋n-line鈥� fans transfer large amounts of air with a lower rate of resistance by drawing air straight through the fan. Axial fans are generally not used for industrial ventilation systems with air cleaning devices because they do not generate a lot of static pressure.

Types of axial fans

• Propeller fans: Most commonly used fan for general ventilation such as dilution ventilation or cooling.
• Tubeaxial fans or duct fans: Also a propeller fan made to fit in ductwork with cylindrical housing, usually without any type of straightening vanes and transfer air against moderate static pressure (up to 4鈥漺g). They are best used for clean-air applications, such as exhaust ducts going through the roof.
• Vaneaxial fans: Share similar characteristics to a propeller fan. In contrast to tubeaxial fans, vaneaxial fans have a hub and airfoil blades mounted in cylindrical housings usually with straightening vanes on the discharge side of the impeller. Vaneaxial fans also handle larger static pressure (up to 10鈥漺g). Like tubeaxial fans, vaneaxial fans are best used for clean-air applications.

Centrifugal fans

Centrifugal fans are said to look like 鈥渟quirrel cages.鈥� They transfer small amounts of air with a higher rate of resistance by drawing air through the center of the fan. The air is then released through the exhaust at a 90-degree angle. The fan blade determines the three centrifugal fan types.

Types of centrifugal fan blades

• Forward inclined blades: The blades curve toward the rotation direction and are quiet during operation. Due to the short curved blades, these fans are not recommended for dust or particulate.
• Radial blades: The blades are straight from the hub. They are shaped to resist material buildup, allowing them to be used for a variety of exhaust systems handling clean or dirty air.
• Backward inclined blades: The blades curve opposite the rotation direction, are quiet during operation, and have the highest mechanical efficiency of all fan blades. Because they are prone to buildup, fans with these blades are best for light dust or clean-air environments.

Fan selection considerations

Referencing the original equipment manufacturer is best when selecting the right fan for an industrial dust collection system. However, here are general guidelines to consider:

• Capacity, such as flow rate and pressure requirements
• Airstream, including materials handled through the fan
• Physical limitations
• Drive arrangements/power source
• Noise
• Safety and accessories
• Flow control

These considerations are explained in greater detail in 鈥�Industrial Ventilation Fan Selection 鈥� Part 2.鈥�

滨痴滨鈥檚 engineering and design team provides start-to-finish, air quality control solutions keeping costs affordable and efficiency high. Contact 淫乱社区 today for assistance in selecting a fan for an industrial dust collection system or for any industrial ventilation need.

The post Industrial Ventilation Fan Selection 鈥� Part 1 appeared first on 淫乱社区..

However, as recommended in the , 鈥渢he exact performance and limitations of a particular fan should be obtained from the original equipment manufacturer.鈥�

Considerations for selecting a fan

Selecting a fan for an industrial dust collection system requires more than selecting the fan type. Other characteristics such as the airstream, operating temperature, drive arrangements and mounting, as well as those listed below, should also be considered.

Capacity

• Flow rate: The flow rate is based on system requirements. The flow rate should be specified as ACFM or SCFM. The air temperature, fan elevation, moisture content and other air density factors need to be provided to the fan manufacturer.
• Pressure requirements: The Fan Static Pressure (SP) or Fan Total Pressure (TP) based on the system pressure requirements. A system pressure drop calculation should be completed to determine the SP and TP values.

Airstream

• Material handled: If there is particulate or moisture in the air stream, the right fan wheel or blade needs to be carefully selected and depends on what is being conveyed.  Build up or corrosion of fan wheels can lead to safety concerns, decreased performance and bearing failure due to imbalance.
• Explosive or flammable material: Always refer to the standards of the and other governmental regulations when dealing with explosive or flammable materials. If there is a risk of explosion or flammability, non-sparking wheel material and special bearings and controls should be considered.
• Corrosive applications: A protective coating or special material, such as stainless steel, fiberglass or plastic may be required if used for corrosive applications.
• Elevated airstream temperature: An awareness of the maximum airstream temperature is required because the temperature affects the strength of fan materials.

Physical limitations

• Inlet size and location
• Outlet size and location
• Fan arrangement/ orientation
• Weight of the fan
• Ease of maintaining the fan
• The physical space available

Drive arrangements

• Power source: All industrial fans require a power source. If electric motors are utilized, a variable frequency drive (VFD) can be used to control fan speed.
• Direct drive: Direct drive ensures a consistent fan speed while offering a more compact assembly.
• Belt drive: The drive ratio allows for adjusting the speed of the fan. The system capacity or pressure requirements may require changes if there are modifications to the process, the hood design, the location of equipment or the air cleaning equipment. With belt driven fans, the motor can be located in a variety of locations/arrangements.

Noise

• Noise: All fans produce a 鈥渘oise.鈥�
• Sound power & sound pressure: Noise level is measured in units called decibels (db). The noise level will vary depending on the speed, interconnected ductwork and point of operation. The sound pressure is a measurement affected by the fan鈥檚 location and other environmental factors.

Contributors to noise:

• The type of fan, flow rate, pressure and fan efficiency contribute to the noise generated by a fan.
• The quietest fans are usually those with a backward impeller design.
• The fans noise level can be increased on any type of fan if the airflow at the fan outlet or inlet is non-uniform.
• Silencers or noise enclosures can be added to fans to reduce noise.

For more information about noise, reference the 鈥�.鈥�

Safety and accessories

• Guarding: In order to comply with governmental safety requirements, guarding must be included. Danger points to be considered include inlet, outlet, shaft, drive, belts and cleanout doors.
• Accessories: Accessories such as drains, cleanout doors, split housings, inlet boxes and shaft seals can provide assistance in the installation and maintenance of industrial dust collection systems.

Flow control

• Fan accessories: Dampers, variable pitch blades and speed control (VFDs) are three primary fan accessories and assist in managing an industrial dust collection systems flow rate.
• Flow rates: Properly controlled flow rates provide several benefits, including reduced energy demands.

These guidelines are defined in greater detail in the 鈥淚ndustrial Ventilation: A Manual of Recommended Practice for Design.鈥� Additionally, extended information on flow rates and reducing energy demands will be detailed in the blog 鈥淩educe Your Energy Demands with the Right Fan.鈥�

Learn more about 滨痴滨鈥檚 industry solutions. Contact us today for more information or to start planning your industrial dust collection system.

Resources:

“7.3.1.” Industrial Ventilation: A Manual of Recommended Practice for Design. 26th ed. Cincinnati, OH: ACGIH Signature Publications, 2007. 7-6 – 7-13. Print.

The post Industrial Ventilation Fan Selection 鈥� Part 2 appeared first on 淫乱社区..