- What can cause linkages to operate ineffectively on louver dampers?
Linkages connect all shafts to the actuator, allowing the damper to open/close simultaneously. Over long periods of time, linkages may become offset or even warp, causing blades to operate effectively. Regular maintenance can help ensure that linkages continue to work properly without warping.
- How are bearings inspected on the diverter and tee dampers?
- Bearings are inspected on the diverter and tee dampers via visual inspection. Make sure to visually inspect the bearings both prior to running and while running to ensure that all shafts are rotating correctly,with minimal friction, and within the specified actuation time.
- What is the recommended inspection frequency for the shaft of diverter dampers?
- Since the shaft plays such a large part in a damper’s operation, inspections are recommended on an annual basis, at minimum. During inspection of the shaft, make sure to check that the shaft is straight and operating smoothly.
- What are some of the most common applications for diverter and tee dampers?
- Diverter and tee dampers can be used in a diverse range of industrial applications, such as: air pollution control systems, heat recovery systems, within cogeneration units for waste heat recovery boilers, or anywhere you’d like to divert air or gas flow from one outlet to another.
- What is the minimum information I need to get a quote on a damper?
For the most accurate quote please provide the following information:
- Type or style of damper. For example: butterfly, louver, Tee, diverter, etc.
- Preferred material, such as stainless steel, carbon steel, other
- Pressure requirement
- Temperature the damper will be exposed to
- Air flow amount
- Manual, pneumatic or electric actuation/positioner required
- Amount of shut off needed ( usually in %)
- What is the warranty on a Kelair Damper?
Standard warranty on a Kelair damper covers replacement of defective equipment, excluding labor, for 1 year from installation or 18 months from ship date from Kelair, whichever comes first.
- What are the benefits of a butterfly damper?
Compact design, most economical, no exterior linkage, higher shutoff rates and butterfly dampers remain consistent along temperature swings.
- What are the benefits of a louver damper?
Compact interior vane design (open vanes do not extend into adjoining duct as much as butterfly dampers). Best suited for modulation flow control with opposed vanes.
- Does Kelair manufacture galvanized or aluminum dampers?
These types of materials are more commonly used in HVAC applications. Kelair manufactures stainless steel and carbon steel industrial dampers.
- Does Kelair manufacture zero leak dampers?
The maximum shutoff we provide is 99% at 5" WC. Contact us to determine if you must have 100% shut off.
- What are examples of typical inlet vane damper applications?
- Inlet vane dampers are often used in facilities that have complete control of their ventilation systems. These types of ventilation systems include flue gas, automotive, and oven recirculation systems.
- What does proper care look like for an inlet vane damper?
- Depending on the inlet vane damper's environment and age, blades can warp or bend over time. Proper care involves regularly checking each blade to ensure there is no warping, twisting, or buildup of debris that could prevent the blade from performing correctly. Ideally, blade inspections should occur annually or during every outage, whichever comes first.
- What are examples of VOCs?
- VOCs can include both natural and manufactured compounds such as fossil fuels. Common examples of VOCs that might be present in an industrial facility include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and methylene chloride.
- How harmful are VOCs to industrial facility workers?
The health effects of VOCs vary depending on several factors, such as the level of exposure and the amount of time exposed. Generally speaking, VOCs can cause irritated eyes, difficulty breathing, damage to the central nervous system, and even cancer.
- How can you test for VOCs in an industrial facility?
- One of the more common methods for VOC testing involves using a photoionization detector (PID). PIDS use high-energy UV light to measure VOC levels and offer quick and reliable results. The EPA’s official website provides an extensive list of validated test methods for VOCs and other contaminants.
- What types of seals are used on a butterfly damper?
The most common types of seals used within butterfly dampers include tadpole seals (which provide better compression; ideal for uneven services) and metal seats.
- Who regulates VOC emissions?
- The US EPA regulates VOC emissions at the federal level. The EPA’s 40 CFR 59 outlines VOC emission standards for both consumer and commercial products. Additionally, the Clean Air Act provides strict requirements regarding air pollution and emission. Facilities that fail to meet the requirements set by the Clean Air Act face excess emissions penalties.
- How are shafts used on butterfly dampers?
The butterfly damper's shaft plays a large part in its operation, as it intersects the linkage, bearing, packing, and blade. When inspecting the shaft, make sure to check that it is straight and operating smoothly.
- What does proper care look like for the butterfly damper blades?
Depending on the damper's environment, process, and age, blades can warp or bend over time. Proper care involves regularly checking the blade to ensure there is no warping or twisting, or buildup of debris that could prevent the blade from performing correctly.
- Do butterfly dampers require any maintenance?
Although Kelair dampers require minimal maintenance, there are aftermarket parts of the butterfly damper that should be kept in stock and checked regularly.
- What types of seals can be used on a louver damper?
The most common types of seals used within louver dampers include compression seals, metal seals, and jam seals. Jam seals, in particular, allow for thermal growth of the blade(s) and can minimize the accumulation of fly ash.
- What kinds of applications are louver dampers ideal for?
Kelair louver dampers can be made to withstand temperatures greater than 1800°F (with our in-house refractory) and pressures up to 1 PSI, making them ideal for industrial applications. Louver dampers can be used for fast power generation, metal tempering systems, fan inlets, and much more.
- How often should packing glands be changed out?
The packing gland is a type of stuffing used to seal the rotating shaft, creating a barrier between the process and the exterior environment. While relatively inexpensive, damage to the packing gland can result in expensive damage such as binding and/or warped blades. Packing glands should be replaced at least every 5 years (depending on the process).
- Can we supply our own Actuator?
Yes, Kelair can supply an operator mount and coupling for customer supplied actuator.
- What are your standard lead times?
Standard lead times are 4-5 weeks after approved prints.
3-4 weeks with expediting
2-3 weeks without actuators
- Is expediting an option?
Yes, with actuators 3-4 weeks
Without actuators 2-3 weeks
- Can you custom design a damper for me?
Yes, please email us at: info@kelairdampers.com or phone us: 800.369.1070
