
IDC EVAPORATIVE CONDENSERS
INSTALLATION - OPERATION - MAINTENANCE
S140-500IOM
Page 4
1.5 SafetyRequirements
IDC unit installation, operation, and maintenance – involves
heavy rotating machinery operating at high speed and high
voltage. Normal operations and maintenance procedures
may require working at elevations, enclosed space entry,
or use of hand and power tools. With these considerations,
safetymustbe the top priorityinall activities with thisevapo-
rative cooling product.
Imeco recommends that every client analyze and develop
an installation-specific safety regime that takes into account
such variables as specific site/system features, personnel
qualifications, hazard identification, etc. The following ele-
ments of operational safety are recommended for inclusion
in every client’s IDC condenser safety plan/requirements:
Electric: Configure all power switches and controls to pro-
vide an open, safe circuit before and during maintenance
procedures, until the unit is cleared by management for
normal on-line operations. For extended shutdowns it is
recommendedthata qualified technician removefusesfrom
“fused-disconnect panels” or otherwise open the circuit in
an accepted, secure manner.
Fans - All fan covers, guards, and shaft retainers (if any)
must be in place before applying power to an IDC con-
denser. Always disengage and lock out power before al-
lowing interior inspections. To prevent foreign objects from
being drawn into rotating fan blades, never allow opera-
tion with hatch off/open.
Enclosed space inspections – Inspections of condenser
coil, drift eliminators, etc., requires machinery lockout and
the use of a “lookout buddy” at a minimum. Consult your
internal safety policy and OSHA requirements for additional
safety rules/procedures.
Vibration and noise – Discontinue or stop machinery that
emits unusual vibration and noise.The source must be in-
vestigated (and apparent discrepancies corrected) before
testing or placing the unit back in operation.
Wet Surface Precautions – Poorly maintained/wetted ma-
chinery requires care to avoid electrical shocks from inad-
equate/loose field wiring/connections. All personnel must
lock out and tag machinery before working on the con-
denser. Proper safety precautions such as the use of insu-
lating soles/gloves and a trained “lookout buddy” are indis-
pensable. Ice formation in cold weather can present fall/slip
hazards.Icingsafety proceduresshouldbe mandatory when
the daily ambient temperature falls below 40°F (4.4°C).
Section 1.0 Pre-Installation
1.1 Preface
The Imeco evaporative-cooled, Induced Draft Condenser
(IDC) you have purchased utilizes the finest in engineered
design, materials, and corrosion protection to provide a
rugged, long-lasting unit. This manual provides the infor-
mation needed for safe installation, operation, and mainte-
nance. Close attention to the instructions and guidelines
provided in this manual will ensure a long satisfactory unit
life and dependable operation and performance.
Before rigging or beginning work on the unit, Imeco recom-
mends that experienced Refrigeration contractors, opera-
tors, and maintenance technicians be formally trained on
the IDC design and features - with this manual’s reading as
a minimum requirement. After installation, the unit (as se-
lected) must also be properly connected to appropriately
designed and installed refrigeration and water treatment
systems.The engineering plans, piping layouts, etc. for the
IDC and associated system components must be detailed
in accordance with local/governing codes and the best in-
dustry standards and practices such as those outlined in
up-to-date industry literature.
Should you have any comments or questions regarding
this manual or the IDC unit, you are urged to call your local
sales representative.
1.2 Shipment Inspection
Upon arrival of the IDC condenser at the job site, the unit
should not be signed for until it is inspected to ensure that
all required parts have been received and are free of ship-
ping damage. Unpack all items and check against shipping
lists - any items that appears to be missing should be noted
on the shipping papers and reported to an Imeco represen-
tative. The following parts should be inspected:
•Sheaves, belts, bearings/supports
•Fan blades, shaft, and motor/hood
•Coil/s and water distribution spray header, pump,
strainers, and float assembly
•Drift eliminators and inlet louvers
•Parts shipped loose in pan section
Parts shipped loose include fan guard, inlet louvers, as-
sorted nuts, bolts, washers, and mastic strip (a flexible joint
seal stored on a continuous paper-backed roll). Accessory
items will likely be shipped “loose” in a sealed box that is
secured in the pan section.
1.3 Transit Damage Claims
The IDC unit owner’s authorized agent who signs for the
shipment is responsible for making damage claims (per
ICC requirement). Request immediate inspection and form
execution by the agent of the carrier. Contact Imeco (Tel.
815-946-2351) to report damage or shortage claims.
1.4 Unit Identification
All IDC units are identified by a nameplate permanently
attached to the pan section. Figure 1-1. ID Plate Informa-
tion shows the information provided. Imeco recommends
that the name plate data be copied onto the graphic for
ease of reference ordering parts.
Note: When inquiring about the unit or ordering repair
parts, provide the MODEL and SERIAL NUMBERS from
the data plates.
Figure 1-1. ID Plate Information