Bearings are crucial for industrial centrifugal fans, supporting the fan shaft and minimizing friction. Proper bearing selection ensures efficiency, longevity, and reliability in high-performance ventilation systems.

The Role of Bearings in Centrifugal Fans

Bearings hold the shaft in place as a fan rotates. In overhung applications, they are placed in close proximity to the wheel, placed together on the drive side of the fan housing, supporting the wheel mounted on the end of the shaft. In center-hung applications, one bearing is placed on the drive side and the other is placed on the inlet side of the fan as the wheel rotates on the shaft between the bearings.

Common Types of Industrial Fan Bearings

  1. Ball Bearings – Ideal for potentially high-speed applications where the shaft has minimal radial loading (like a belt pull or heavy hanging wheel.
  2. Roller Bearings – Suitable for use in demanding applications where the radial load against the shaft is high.

Key Selection Factors for Industrial Fan Bearings

  • Load Capacity: Match radial and axial loads to the right bearing type for centrifugal fans.
  • Operating Speed: Bearings must handle required fan operating speeds without exceeding the bearing manufacturer’s limitations.
  • Lubrication: Proper bearing lubrication with grease or oil reduces friction in the metal parts, keeping the bearing from excessive wear and overheating.
  • Environmental Factors: Dust, moisture, and temperature impact bearing life.
  • Misalignment Tolerance: Important for ensuring the bearings will support the potential shaft movement necessary for operation.

Best Practices for Industrial Fan Bearing Maintenance

  • Install Bearings Well: Install within alignment tolerance, keep level, tighten fasteners properly.
  • Lubricate Bearings Properly: Follow manufacturer-recommended lubrication types and schedules.
  • Check Alignment Regularly: Prevent excessive wear, vibration, and energy loss.
  • Monitor Temperature & Vibration: Address signs of overheating or abnormal bearing vibrations.
  • Prevent Contamination: Keep fan bearings free from dust, dirt, and moisture to avoid premature wear.

Choosing the right bearings for centrifugal fans and maintaining them properly ensures maximum efficiency, reliability, and cost savings. Proper bearing care enhances fan longevity, reduces maintenance expenses, and minimizes downtime in industrial ventilation systems.

Hear it from Chet

Chet White, Senior Application Engineer, shows details of each of the most common types of fan bearings in this less-than-three-minute video.

Related Content

Here are related posts that might be of interest as you think about your application.