In a commercial kitchen, the exhaust fan is the most taxed piece of equipment. It doesn't just move air; it moves a heavy, aerosolized slurry of vaporized grease, carbon soot, and high-heat moisture. Over time, this grease solidifies on the impeller blades and inside the housing, creating two critical risks: fire ignition and mechanical unbalance.
At EKG, a Kitchen Exhaust Overhaul is more than a cleaning service—it is a mechanical restoration that returns the fan to its original aerodynamic and safety specifications.
Grease buildup is the leading cause of "Flash Fires" in ductwork. From a mechanical perspective, it is also a "silent killer" of motors and bearings:
The Fire Load: Solidified grease has a low ignition point. If a spark from the stove reaches a grease-laden fan, the entire unit becomes a furnace.
The Weight Offset: Grease never builds up evenly. A 100-gram "heavy spot" on a fan spinning at 1450 RPM exerts hundreds of kilograms of centrifugal force on the bearings.
Aerodynamic "Choking": Grease fills the "cups" of centrifugal blades, changing their shape and reducing their ability to "bite" the air. This is why kitchens feel smoky even when the fan is at full speed.
We don't just "wipe down" the blades. Our process involves specialized chemistry and mechanical checks:
Alkaline Foam Degreasing: We apply industrial-grade, non-corrosive foaming agents that liquefy "baked-on" carbonized grease without damaging the galvanized or stainless steel substrate.
Pressure Scraping: For hardened "scale," we use non-marring tools to ensure the base metal remains smooth, preventing grease from "clinging" easily in the future.
Scroll & Housing Sealing: We inspect the "drip tray" and housing seams. If grease is leaking onto the roof or into the motor compartment, we reseal the unit with high-temperature, oil-resistant gaskets.
Drain Clear-Out: We ensure the grease trap and drainage ports are 100% clear to prevent "pooling," which is a major hygiene and fire risk.
Once the fan is bare-metal clean, we address the damage caused by the heat and weight of the grease:
High-Temp Bearing Replacement: We replace standard bearings with C4 Clearance units. These allow for the metal expansion caused by the 100°C+ air pulled from the cooking line.
In-Situ Dynamic Balancing: A clean fan can actually vibrate more if it was previously balanced with grease on it. We perform a digital balance to ISO G2.5 standards to ensure "silent" operation.
Sonic Belt Tensioning: Heat makes V-belts stretch and "glaze." We install new, heat-rated belts and use sonic meters to ensure they are tuned to the exact frequency required for zero slip.
A "choked" kitchen fan draws significantly more current to move less air. Restoring the blade profile and removing mechanical friction pays for itself in energy savings.
Efficiency Recovery: A clean impeller moves air with significantly less "Drag."
The Math: By restoring the fan's efficiency, your Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) can maintain the required kitchen negative pressure at a lower speed. According to the Cube Law, a 20% reduction in fan speed results in a nearly 50% reduction in power consumption.
BOMBA & Insurance Compliance: We provide a "Certificate of Overhaul" and before/after photos. This is critical for meeting local fire department (BOMBA) regulations and maintaining your building's insurance coverage.
Vibration Signature Audit: Every service ends with a digital vibration scan. We ensure the unit meets ISO 10816 standards, protecting the life of your motor.
Thermal Imaging Post-Audit: We use infrared cameras to check the motor and bearings under full load, ensuring no "Hot Spots" exist that could lead to a fire or seizure.
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