Paper industry · Air supply units · Mechanical service
Air supply and blowers for existing VIB systems.
Depending on its configuration, a VIB spray system also needs an air supply. Air supply units and associated blowers should therefore be included when investigating an operating problem. BEICK supports condition assessment and mechanical repair of suitable components on existing installations.
The first question is which unit is actually installed: an air supply unit and a vacuum blower perform different tasks. Together with you, we identify the equipment from its nameplate, connections and available documentation. This establishes an agreed service scope for your installation and the available shutdown window.
Understand the existing configuration
Identify the air supply unit and blower correctly.
On air-assisted VIB spray systems, the air and water supplies work together. The manufacturer uses the term air supply unit for the relevant supply assembly. A change in the spray pattern therefore cannot be explained by inspecting the spray boom alone.
Historical VIB AirTech documentation shows an air supply unit, a water supply unit and a vacuum blower as separate assemblies. This is an example of an installation, not a standard equipment list for every VIB system. A steam box is not automatically connected to the same air supply.
- Process air: participates, for example, in air-assisted atomization.
- Control air: operates pneumatic components where such circuits are fitted.
- Vacuum: may serve a separate extraction or vacuum function.
We establish from the actual installation whether the air comes from the mill's compressed-air network, a blower unit or another assembly.
Operating observations and condition assessment
Describe the symptoms before deciding on the cause.
An unusual spray pattern, unfamiliar noise or a change in operating readings can have several causes. These observations provide a starting point for assessment, but they do not establish that a blower is damaged or an air supply unit is faulty.
- Are leaks, damaged hoses or loose connections visible?
- Which pressure, vacuum or flow readings are available, and under which operating conditions do they change?
- Has new noise, vibration or unusual heating been observed at an identified unit?
- When were the existing air filters and mechanical connections last checked?
- Did the change follow a shutdown, component replacement or modification?
Photographs and existing operating records help identify the affected assembly. Abnormal equipment does not need to be run again to collect this information; the assessment is coordinated with the people responsible for the installation.
Inspection · Cleaning · Repair
Plan mechanical service around the actual findings.
We assess accessible mechanical components and their connection to the VIB system. The possible scope depends on the equipment design, condition, spare-part availability and agreed inspection arrangements.
- Identify components, piping routes, supports and connections using the existing documentation
- Inspect filter housings, sealing points and mechanical connections for visible damage or contamination
- Clean suitable removed components, assess their condition and prepare them for repair
- Replace worn seals, connection parts or fasteners following technical coordination
- Assess whether suitable mechanical spare parts can be manufactured from a sample, drawing or condition survey
- Record completed work and unresolved points in a traceable form
For a blower unit, we first establish which work can be undertaken on that particular assembly. Electrical work, control-system modifications or a new equipment design require separate assessment and are not automatically part of a mechanical service order.
From initial photographs to an agreed scope
Prepare maintenance for the planned shutdown.
Useful preparation starts with identifying the installation correctly. Send the air supply unit or blower identification, a photograph of the overall arrangement and available details of the associated VIB system. A diagram or existing operating manual helps distinguish process air, control air and a possible vacuum supply.
Also provide the observed symptoms, previous maintenance, known operating readings and planned shutdown window. State whether assessment is intended on installed equipment or whether already removed components need work. Information about access, removal arrangements and available spare parts helps us prepare.
We review the documentation, define the possible work and coordinate assessment, parts requirements and handover with you. Before dismantling begins, this makes clear which information is still missing and which tasks can sensibly be combined within the same shutdown.
References
Manufacturer background
The air and water supply is documented by the manufacturer. The VIB AirTech diagram is historical and illustrates one configuration, rather than every VIB installation.
Contact BEICK directly
Discuss service for your air supply or blower unit.
Describe your VIB installation, the affected air supply or associated blower and the requested date. A nameplate photograph, overall images, symptoms and available documentation provide the basis for agreeing the next useful step.
If several supply assemblies are involved, we include their connections to the spray boom and water station in the discussion. For a steam box, we consider its own media supply and the installation's actual connections.
BEICK provides manufacturer-independent mechanical service for existing equipment. We agree the specific scope of work with you before work begins.