1. Excessive Vibration
Vibration is one of the most common issues in Roots Blowers. It usually indicates misalignment between the motor and blower, rotor imbalance, or worn bearings. If ignored, it can lead to premature wear of seals and bearings.
Troubleshooting: Realign shafts, clean rotors, replace faulty bearings, and ensure the blower is mounted on a rigid base.
2. Overheating
High operating temperatures reduce efficiency and damage components. Overheating often results from overloading, poor lubrication, or inadequate ventilation.
Troubleshooting: Operate within the rated pressure, use manufacturer-recommended lubricants, improve airflow in the blower room, and clean suction/discharge filters regularly.
3. Abnormal Noise
Grinding, knocking, or metallic sounds are signs of serious problems. They can be caused by foreign particles inside the chamber, worn gears, or incorrect rotor clearances.
Troubleshooting: Install and maintain high-quality filters, replace worn bearings, lubricate gears, and reset clearances to OEM standards.
4. Oil Leakage
Oil leaks around seals and gear housings can cause contamination and lower efficiency. Common causes include worn seals, overfilled oil chambers, or blocked breathers.
Troubleshooting: Replace seals, maintain recommended oil levels, use the correct oil grade, and clean breather plugs.
5. Loss of Airflow or Pressure
A drop in airflow or pressure indicates leaks in piping, worn rotors, or clogged filters. This reduces system efficiency and may cause downtime.
Troubleshooting: Seal leaks in pipelines, replace damaged parts, clean filters and valves, and ensure the blower runs at the correct speed.
6. Excessive Power Consumption
If the blower consumes more power than usual, it may be operating against high backpressure or with misaligned couplings. Rotor fouling also increases drag and power use.
Troubleshooting: Monitor backpressure, re-align shafts, clean rotors, and avoid overloading.
7. Bearing and Seal Failures
Bearings and seals are wear components. Failures often occur due to inadequate lubrication, dust contamination, or high operating temperatures.
Troubleshooting: Follow lubrication schedules, use proper oil/grease, protect against dust ingress, and replace worn parts promptly.
8. Rotor Contact
If rotors make contact, efficiency drops and severe mechanical damage can occur. Causes include incorrect clearance, thermal expansion, or foreign objects.
Troubleshooting: Reset rotor clearances, remove foreign matter, and check timing gears.
9. Motor Overload
Motor tripping or overheating usually points to overpressure, electrical faults, or clogged discharge lines.
Troubleshooting: Monitor system pressure, inspect motor windings, verify drive ratios, and clear discharge obstructions.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
- Perform daily checks for oil levels, vibration, and unusual noise.
- Clean and inspect inlet filters regularly.
- Keep detailed operating logs to track pressure, temperature, and efficiency trends.
- Schedule annual overhauls for rotor clearance adjustment, bearing replacement, and gear inspection.
Conclusion
With consistent care, Roots Blowers can run efficiently for years. Most issues—such as vibration, overheating, oil leakage, or pressure loss—are preventable with routine inspections and timely servicing. Troubleshooting should always follow manufacturer guidelines to ensure safety and long equipment life.