Balancing the radial fan impeller

In 2014, I found myself embarking on a memorable journey that would mark the beginning of my career in rotor balancing. My father, one of the co-founders and developers of our firm, accompanied me on a trip to a collective farm. Our mission was to balance two fans used in a grain drying system.

The Process

1. Initial Vibration Measurement: First, we needed to understand the current state of the fans. We set up the Balanset-1A and took initial vibration readings. High levels would indicate imbalance, which could lead to increased energy consumption and equipment wear.
2. Installation of Test Weights: The next step was to place test weights at specific points on the fan blades. The Balanset-1A would then measure the changes in vibration, allowing us to accurately calculate the necessary adjustments.
3. Placing the Corrective Weights: Based on the data, we determined the exact weight and angle where balancing weights needed to be placed or material needed to be removed. This would counteract the imbalance and reduce the vibration levels.
4. Verifying the Results: Finally, we conducted a second round of measurements to ensure that the fans were now operating within acceptable vibration levels.

The collective farm operators were very pleased with the results. We had successfully reduced vibration, making the grain drying system more efficient and less prone to wear and tear.

That first experience was a vital learning curve for me, not just in terms of the technical aspects of balancing but also in understanding the tangible impact of our work on people's livelihoods. It was an invaluable lesson in the importance of precision, reliability, and the human element in engineering tasks.

Ever since that day, every time I work with our Balanset-1A device, I am reminded of that first job and the lessons it taught me—lessons that continue to guide me in my professional journey.