I have a new clean room air handlin

[KenRad]

I have a new clean room air handling unit with a direct drive fan attached to a 40 HP TEFC motor. Because the fan wheel is mounted to the motor shaft with very little clearance between the wheel and the front of the motor, it is very difficult to access the grease plug on the bottom of the bearing housing. And because this clean room operates 24/7, I need to be able to grease this motor without shutting it down. I've extended the grease fittings to the outside of the fan housing so this can be done.

As for the grease plugs, does anyone know of a good reason why I shouldn't run the motor with the plugs removed? I have not been able to get the motor manufacturer to bless the idea (Toshiba), but that doesn't surprise me. If this was a high temperature or very dirty environment, I could see the need for keeping the plugs in place. But this motor is in a very clean airstream that is cool year-round, and it operates at no higher than 1200 RPM. The grease should never get hot enough to run out of the drain.

Any input? I'm posting this in the Electric Motor forum as well.

---KenRad

 

[quark]

You can remove the grease plugs if the motor is not getting too hot at bearings.(This will prevent oozing out of grease, the ball provided with the plug acts as a non return valve)

Regards,

 

[VEEKRISH]

KenRad, considering the application, I can't see what the plug will be doing in any case. The Motor is in a clean air stream. Temperature is cool. Go ahead mate. Forget what the manufacturer says. I've done the same thing and not had a problem.Would like to hear if any one has had a bad experience.