IN THIS GUIDE
Factory records describe the tested fan configuration; site commissioning checks the fan after it has been installed with the project's actual ductwork, controls and accessories. A useful handover creates a repeatable baseline and records any agreed deviations. It is different from a pre-shipment inspection, which checks the equipment before dispatch.
01. Confirm the installation and approved documents
- Match the fan tag, model, rotation, motor and drive data with the approved submittal and nameplate.
- Review foundation, support, anchoring, coupling or belt arrangement, guards and access against the approved installation documents.
- Check that ducts, dampers, filters, screens, silencers and flexible connections match the agreed arrangement.
- Confirm that electrical connections, protection and control interfaces have been checked by qualified personnel.
- List outstanding items, approved deviations and any site restrictions before recording acceptance.
02. Verify controls and operating conditions
Record the selected control mode, VFD setting, damper position, process load and operating state. Confirm that the fan is evaluated at the agreed duty rather than at an unrelated test condition. Rotation and any operational checks must follow the manufacturer's instructions and the site's safe commissioning procedure.
Before anyone inspects or adjusts equipment, follow the site's energy-isolation, permit and access rules. Do not remove guards or enter a hazardous area while equipment is energized or operating.
03. Capture field readings at defined points
| Record | Include | Acceptance reference |
|---|---|---|
| Airflow | Measurement method, location, units and process state | Project duty or agreed test method |
| Pressure | Pressure type, tap locations, units and damper position | Applicable fan curve and project basis |
| Speed and control | RPM or VFD frequency, control mode and set point | Approved operating range |
| Motor load | Electrical readings, supply condition and nameplate reference | Motor and drive documentation |
| Mechanical condition | Vibration and bearing readings, locations and instruments | Equipment-specific instructions and site criteria |
Note the instrument, date, ambient or process condition and who took each reading. A fan curve and a field system curve describe related but different parts of the installed duty; document the measurement basis so later comparisons remain meaningful.
04. Resolve differences before handover
If a field reading differs from the expected point, first verify the instrument, measurement location, fan speed, damper position and process load. Then review filters, dampers, duct leakage, inlet and outlet clearances, added fittings and control logic. Do not assume the fan is defective or resize it from a single reading without checking the installed system.
Record any corrective action, retest condition, remaining limitation and responsible owner. If a trend such as unusual vibration, temperature, sound or motor load persists, follow the project escalation process and equipment-specific limits.
05. Handover package
- Approved submittal, general arrangement and final as-installed changes.
- Fan and motor nameplate records, operating instructions and maintenance documents.
- Commissioning readings with instruments, measurement points and process conditions.
- Control settings, agreed acceptance criteria, open items and corrective-action records.
- Recommended inspection intervals and the baseline for future trend comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Why can site airflow differ from the fan curve?
The field installation adds system resistance and may change inlet or outlet flow conditions. Confirm the measurement method, system arrangement and operating point before drawing a conclusion.
Is the pre-shipment inspection the same as commissioning?
No. Pre-shipment inspection reviews equipment before dispatch. Site commissioning records the installed fan and connected system under agreed operating conditions.
Can one generic vibration limit be used for every fan?
No. Use the machine-specific instructions, the project's acceptance basis and a consistent measurement method. Record the sensor point and instrument with each reading.
Related references
- Industrial fan pre-shipment inspection checklist
- How to read an industrial fan performance curve
- Static pressure vs. total pressure in industrial fans
- AMCA Publication 203: Field Performance Measurement of Fan Systems
- OSHA Control of Hazardous Energy (for applicable U.S. general-industry work)
Need commissioning data for a fan project? Share the duty point, drawings, fan curve and field readings with sales@qiyuefan.com for a project-specific review.