OVERVIEW OF AN ENERGY RECOVERY WHEEL REPLACEMENT:
At Thermotech we have an extensive database of all manufacturer's products. All the components required are shipped direct to replace your existing wheel with a THERMOWHEELTM.* The old wheel is removed and any structural changes required to support the new installation are performed. Then the rotor and supporting hub and bearing assembly are installed. Next the new media is loaded and each piece is tensioned with the unique rim tensioning system. After the new wheel is in place. The seals are set and the motor, control panel and sensors are installed as required. Below is a step by step guide through the process.

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REMOVAL:
First remove the existing rotor, media, hub, spokes and rim.  
Prepare the old components for removal from the site.
FRAME INSTALLATION:
In many retrofits creating a sound structure to support the wheel is the key to a successful job. Install new supports as needed to keep the bearing and rotor assembly held firmly in place.
The structural supports and frame are installed to minimize wheel deflection and the safing ring is installed to prepare for seal installation.
BEARING INSTALL
Here you can see the hub and bearing assembly positioned in the frame. You can also see the prepared surfaces that the seal assembly will attach to.
The hub and bearing assembly differ depending on the type on unit being replaced. As you can see easy access is provided to lube fittings on the bearings. Once the structure is complete and the hub is in place the spokes can be installed.
SPOKE INSTALLATION:
Each spoke must be precisely positioned on the hub. The THERMOWHEEL hub has keys which align each spoke in place. Once the spoke is in place it is measured for proper position and torqued securely to the hub. Note the groves in the spokes. Each groove will correspond to grooves machined in the media. The media will be positioned by these grooves to provide an extremely flat and strong wheel assembly.
ROTOR ASSEMBLY:
The rotor assembly is now completed and ready to receive the media. Note the seals have been installed and act as guides as the media is positioned in the rotor. Typically each section of media is shaped like a piece of pie and are positioned in place one at a time.
SEAL INSTALLATION:
The seals are bolted securely to a solid steel safing ring. The seals are of a labyrinth design comprised of an extruded aluminum mounting plate and an extruded rubber seal.
Note: The slot in the aluminum mounting plate provides for accurate adjustment of the seal after installation.
MEDIA INSTALLATION:
Each pie section is carefully positioned in the rotor. Once the sections are in place the rim is mounted to hold the media with minimal tension. After all the media sections are in place, the rims will be gradually tensioned individually to provide a very flat and round wheel surface.
MEDIA SECTIONS:
As the media is loaded you will note that each section of the media is installed so that the rotor stays balanced. Because of the unique rim tensioning system the rims can be tensioned separately. Here you can see 2 sections loaded. Note that they are opposing each other. This keeps the rotor balanced during media installation. By doing this stress is eliminated on the spokes providing for a flatter stronger wheel.
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