Common Air Treatment Unit Failures

Air treatment units control the output pressure of compressed air. They receive high-pressure air from the air source and regulate it to a pressure range suitable for operating pneumatic components. The top knob rotates easily, and the pressure gauge can be adjusted to the desired pressure according to your needs. Understanding common faults of air treatment units can help you better handle unexpected issues during product use.

1. Insufficient or uneven airflow
Fault symptoms:
The air volume at the outlet is significantly reduced, with no airflow or low air speed in some areas.
Poor indoor temperature/humidity regulation.
Possible causes:
Filter clog: Excessive dust accumulation in the primary/high-efficiency filters increases air resistance.
Fan malfunction: Loose belt, impeller fouling, or reduced motor speed.
Damper abnormality: The damper is incorrectly closed or the actuator is stuck.
Duct leakage: Poor sealing at duct joints causes airflow short-circuiting.

2. Temperature control failure
Fault symptoms:
The outlet air temperature deviates significantly from the set point (e.g., no cooling or heating). Possible Causes:
Coil Problem:
Heating coil scale or cracking (water temperature is too low in winter).
Cooling coil surface is dirty or clogged, or refrigerant is insufficient.
Valve Fault:
Electric two-way/three-way valve is not opening or is stuck.
Steam trap is clogged (steam heating system).
Sensor Drift: Temperature sensor signal distortion leads to control logic errors.

3. Abnormal Humidity Control
Fault Symptoms:
Insufficient humidification (dry indoor environment) or over-humidification (condensate accumulation).
Poor dehumidification performance (persistently high humidity).
Possible Causes:
Humidifier Fault:
Electrode/steam humidifier scale or electrode damage.
Water supply line is clogged or water pressure is insufficient.
Dehumidifier Coil Problem:
Poor condensate drainage (drain pipe is clogged or slope is insufficient).
Refrigerant leakage leads to reduced dehumidification capacity.

4. Abnormal Fan Operation
Fault Symptoms:
Excessive fan vibration and unusual noise (such as metallic grinding). The motor is overheating or tripping frequently.
Possible Causes:
Mechanical Failure:
Impeller dynamic balancing failure (dust accumulation or deformation).
Bearing wear (insufficient lubrication or impurity intrusion).
Electrical Problem:
Motor winding short circuit or unstable power supply voltage.
Incorrect inverter parameter settings.

5. Condensate Leakage
Fault Symptoms:
Water accumulates at the bottom of the unit or in the air duct, and water stains appear on the ceiling.
Possible Causes:
Drainage System Blockage: The condensate pan drain is clogged by algae or dirt.
Insulation Damage: Inadequate insulation on the cold air duct or coil, resulting in condensation and dripping.
Improper Installation: Insufficient slope of the condensate pipe or lack of a water trap.

6. Control System Failure
Fault Symptoms:
Abnormal panel display (such as a black screen or garbled text).
The unit fails to automatically start or stop, or mode switching fails.
Possible Causes:
PLC/DDC Failure: Program error or module damage.
Sensor Failure: Signals from the temperature, humidity, or differential pressure sensors are interrupted. Communication interruption: Loose bus cable or electromagnetic interference.

Troubleshooting and Maintenance Recommendations
Regular Cleaning and Inspection:
Clean or replace filters monthly (adjust frequency based on ambient dust concentration).
Check fan belt and bearing lubrication status quarterly.
System Commissioning:
Calibrate sensors (such as temperature and humidity probes) to ensure control accuracy.
Test damper actuators for proper operation.
Preventive Maintenance:
Check coil antifreeze measures before winter (e.g., add antifreeze).
Clean humidifier scale before the humidification season.
Safety Measures:
Protect the electrical cabinet from moisture to prevent short circuits.
Grounding protection to prevent static interference.

Typical Troubleshooting Process
Check power and signal: Confirm that the device is receiving power and that the control signal is uninterrupted.
Observe operating parameters: Read fan current, differential pressure, temperature, and other data on the panel.
Sectional Troubleshooting:
Close the damper and test each fan individually for normal operation.
Manually open the heating/cooling valve to verify coil function. Professional maintenance: When it comes to complex issues such as refrigerants and electrical controls, it is recommended to contact the manufacturer or professional technicians.