The Challenge: Oily, Dusty Air and Difficult Maintenance
A large automotive manufacturing facility faced ongoing maintenance issues with its roof-mounted exhaust fans. These fans were critical for removing oily and dirty air from the plant. However, oil mist and black dust built up on the fan blades required frequent cleaning.
The maintenance process was complicated and time-consuming. Workers had to flip heavy rooftop units, which was labor-intensive and hazardous. The task often required extra personnel, draining time and resources from other critical work.
The Solution: Hartzell Swingout and High-Temperature Fans
At Hartzell, we see every challenge as an opportunity to improve. We worked closely with the facility team to understand their needs and created a custom solution.
1. Hartzell Series 48S Swingout Fans
These fans feature a swingout design that pivots the motor and impeller outward for easy access. Maintenance staff can clean the blades quickly and safely without flipping heavy rooftop units. This design saves time, reduces labor costs, and improves workplace safety.
2. Hartzell Series 46 High-Temperature Fans
We also provided high-temperature fans designed for the plant’s heat-intensive environment. These fans use belt-driven motors, which are ideal where direct-drive motors are impractical. The swingout feature makes it easy to maintain belts and clean the wheel. This ensures reliable performance even in challenging conditions.
The Results: Improved Efficiency and Safety
- Faster Maintenance: The swingout design allows for quicker, safer cleaning.
- Lower Costs: Routine maintenance no longer requires extra labor.
- Safer Process: Workers no longer need to flip heavy fans, reducing risks.
- More Reliable Operation: The fans perform consistently in high-heat conditions.
The success of this installation led the facility to order eight more Hartzell fans. This reflects the effectiveness and value of custom-engineered solutions. We are proud to help break the cycle of recurring frustration!
Partner Spotlight: Air Design Inc's Expert Assessment
This project succeeded thanks to Andy Webster from Air Design Incorporated. Andy identified the facility’s challenges and understood the root causes of their maintenance issues.
With his deep knowledge of industrial ventilation systems, Andy realized the problem wasn’t just fan performance. It was also about accessibility and maintenance efficiency. His assessment led him to recommend Hartzell’s swingout and high-temperature fan solutions.
Andy worked closely with the facility team and Hartzell engineers to plan and execute the installation. His expertise in matching equipment to specific challenges highlights the value of working with knowledgeable partners who understand both technical and practical needs.
Why Hartzell?
At Hartzell, we treat every customer’s challenge as our own. Our long history as a family-founded business has taught us that the best solutions come from listening carefully, understanding the details, and designing with care. Every facility is unique, and we take the time to understand the specifics before recommending any system.
When you work with Hartzell, you are not just getting a fan. You are gaining a partner who genuinely cares about your success. We take pride in helping operations run smoothly and ensuring our solutions help teams work safer, smarter, and more efficiently.
To see high-quality photos and specs of our full range of industrial fans, check out our Industrial Fan Guide.
To learn more about how we can help with your facility’s unique challenges, call us at 1-800-336-3267.