How To Keep a Ventilation System Clean

Maintaining clean industrial ventilation systems is crucial to promoting optimal operations and workplace health and safety standards. Efficient ventilation guarantees that contaminants and particulates do not accumulate in manufacturing and warehouse environments. It can negatively impact airflow efficiency, equipment performance, and indoor air quality over time if not addressed through a rigorous ventilation system cleaning regimen.

However, establishing thorough ventilation system cleaning protocols can seem daunting to facility managers overseeing multiple production lines and distribution centers. Fortunately, we have practical strategies for developing customized cleaning schedules, selecting the proper equipment and techniques for different ventilation component types, and verifying that cleaning objectives are met through periodic inspections to keep your ventilation system running at optimal levels.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance of Your Industrial Ventilation Systems

Regular maintenance is the key to the effective operation of your facility’s ventilation system. Neglecting maintenance can lead to expensive costs due to unnecessary repairs or replacements, which could have been easily avoided. For example, clogged filters and dust accumulation in the ventilation system can cause restricted airflow and air movement, which promotes the growth of bacteria and fungi.

Another problem commonly occurring in an air ventilation system that hasn’t been adequately maintained is the corrosion, wear, and tear of its parts and components. Some ventilation ducts in welding shops are exposed to fumes, causing them to rust over time. It could lead to leaks, decreased efficiency, and even structural damage. Lack of lubrication can also cause friction between moving parts, reducing lifespan and causing breakdowns.

What Kind of Maintenance Does an Air Ventilation System Need?

Although you have a full comprehension of the significance of regular ventilation system cleaning, you might not be aware of the type of service your system needs to keep it in top shape. Therefore, understanding the various kinds of services will help you create a concrete maintenance program.

The main elements of a comprehensive program include:

• Inspections: Regular inspections are imperative because they allow experts to find any potential system issues before they become a real problem. Signs of damage indicate that excessive energy will be needed to operate the system, causing system breakdowns faster.
• Cleaning: As mentioned before, proper cleaning is necessary to maintain a running ventilation system. Dust and debris can build up not only in the filters and ductwork, but the blades and other components may also experience buildup that can cause the fans to become unbalanced.
• Service: Lubrication of moving parts, tightening of bolts, and other minor adjustments should be done regularly. Regular service will keep these components in good working condition, prolonging their lifespan.
• Repairs and replacements: When a component of your ventilation system is damaged, timely repairs are essential to stop further damage. If it’s beyond repair, it must be replaced promptly to avoid any downtime in your production.

Recommended Maintenance for Common Components and Equipment

Different parts and equipment that require regular maintenance are often exposed to contaminants and particulates. Hence, ventilation experts and specialists highly advise frequent maintenance.

These include:

• Fans and Blowers: Maintenance for fans and blowers should be done monthly. Signs of wear and tear, excessive vibration, and other issues are some things the ventilation specialist should check.
• Louvers: Although louvers are considered low-maintenance, they shouldn’t be ignored since they also get clogged with dirt and debris, leading to poor airflow. Mild detergent once every quarter is recommended to prevent these from happening.
• Dust collectors: Dust collectors are a separate unit that many industrial ventilation systems have. Checking it bi-weekly is essential to ensure it’s working correctly. A monthly inspection is also required to inspect its air pressure, hopper, valves, hoses, gaskets, and seals.
• Ducts: Air ducts can become distorted, dirty, and damaged over time. You’ll also want the specialist to check it once every quarter to see signs of damage or air leaks.

Maintenance for Healthy Industrial Ventilation Systems

At Markair, we’re ready to ensure that your air ventilation system runs reliably. With our team of experts, we can implement a comprehensive maintenance program that covers all the necessary steps for maintaining a healthy industrial ventilation system.

If you want to know more about our services and products, don’t hesitate to contact us today. You can speak with one of our experts, and they’ll help you with all your ventilation system cleaning needs!

Types of Ventilation Systems

Maintaining a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for your employees and patrons is crucial. One of the key components of creating a safe, productive, and efficient space is having a reliable ventilation system in place. 

Ventilation systems play a significant role in circulating fresh air, removing pollutants, controlling humidity levels, and regulating temperature. But with so many different types of ventilation systems available on the market, how do you know which is best for your specific facility needs?

Let’s explore the various types of ventilation systems, their benefits, and considerations for choosing the right system for your facility. So, whether you are looking to upgrade your current system or are designing a new industrial ventilation system, this post will provide valuable insights and guidance to help you make an informed decision.

Different Types of Ventilation Systems for Industrial Applications

If your facility or work environment emits hazardous gasses, fumes, airborne particles, or excessive heat, an industrial ventilation system is required. These systems ensure a safe and comfortable workplace environment while guaranteeing the contaminants don’t negatively affect the quality of your products, such as in Aerospace and Food Manufacturing facilities.

There are two basic types of industrial application ventilation systems: Dilution and Local exhaust ventilation systems. Each type has its unique features and benefits, depending on the specific needs of your facility.

Dilution Ventilation System

Dilution ventilation systems mix clean and fresh air with contaminated air, which is incredibly helpful when controlling fire and health hazards. However, it’s not applicable in controlling fumes and highly toxic or high concentrations of contaminants.

Benefits of a dilution ventilation system:

• Highly effective in controlling low toxic gasses and chemicals
• Ideal for mobile or dispersed contaminant sources
• Can effectively control flammable or combustible gasses or vapors

Local Exhaust Ventilation System

A local exhaust ventilation system is essential for a vacuum that pulls air out of an area or space. These types of ventilation systems are typically installed at the release points of contaminants (dust, gas, fumes, etc.) to reduce their concentration in the workroom below TLVs. Any room in a facility where the emission of heat or contaminants is high is where a local exhaust ventilation system should be installed.

LEVs are also a type of ventilation hood system since they are composed of a heavy duty industrial fan that draws out the air through a hood close to the contaminant source. Apart from the hood and heavy duty industrial fan, some components include the ductwork, fans, filter, and exhaust stack to ensure adequate capture and removal of harmful contaminants.

Benefits of a local exhaust ventilation system:

• Requires less energy compared to a dilution ventilation system
• Removes contaminants at the source, ensuring they don’t spread through the facility
• Can handle numerous types of pollutants, including dust and metal fumes
• Ideal in demanding and rigorous industries where toxic fumes and substances are regularly emitted
• Less makeup air to heat or cool in indoor workplaces
• Reduced amount of makeup air as small amounts of air are being exhausted
• Lessen the risk of employees developing COPD and other health problems

Choosing Markair for Your Industrial Ventilation Needs

LEV, or local exhaust ventilation, is the most applicable type of industrial ventilation system since it can handle numerous types of contaminants that are more toxic and hazardous elements present in industrial facilities.

At Markair, we specialize in providing superior quality and reliable LEV systems designed to meet the specific needs of your facility. We also have parts and components like industrial fans for sale alongside our consulting and custom fabrication services!

Contact us today to learn more about our services and product line!