Fixed or Floating Bearings Canadian and Blower Fan

[dartmouth]

Hello
Could someone please provide me with some information on the proper procedure as to which bearing should be fixed or floating on our boiler forced draft fan. It has a direct drive unit. I can find no information on this unit, it as a Canadian forge and blower company model 600 fan. It has 2 SKF 22216EK bearings mounted on adapter sleeves and 2 11/16 shaft. When I disassmebled this unit it had lock rings in both Pillow block housings at opposite ends of the bearings. Should there only be 1 fixed bearing with the other acting as a floater ??? I belive the correct bearing to lock is the one closest to the motor?????

 

[macmet]

It is probably best to just call the manufacturer. They will be able to answer your question right away and are more likely to know the correct answer.

 

[krb]

Typically one bearing is fixed and one floating, and it is as you mehtioned the bearing on the shaft end closest to the belt pulley or motor is fixed. This is done to allow for thermal expansion in the shaft without damaging the bearings. I also suggest you consult the manufacturer as well. In some cases there is not much clearance in the fan and fan housing and you may need to account for that as well.