EBME Forums Forums Maintenance Technical Assistance Fan Motor Failure in Datex Ohmeda Giraffe Incubators

Is anyone else out there familiar with this model?

We have had,and are currently having, problems with fan motors seizing and going noisy in our GE Medical "Giraffe" Infant Incubators.

We bought nine initially, and they have been in service a little over one year. Three have had fan motors replaced, under warranty, (as a good will gesture) and a fourth has failed. We are currently awaiting delivery of a replacement motor.

Hi John,

I'm not familiar with this model but do you think it's worth investigating whether alcohol-based agents or other solvents used in cleaning the incubator, either routinely or during servicing, are getting into the bearings somehow? In my experience I'm aware that manufacturers (e.g. Hill-Rom and ATOM I think) have specified that care is taken when cleaning around impellors and motor bearings otherwise ingress of solvents may shorten the life of them.

Thanks for your comment
This is a possibility to be considered.

However,I think that as the other manufacturer's incubators that we use typically have no such symptoms at more than three years old,it is not likely.

The Giraffe fan-motor has an unusually long shaft, and sits in the centre of the heat-exchanger. Not ideal.

John

John

Should this be reported to MHRA so that they can review the position of the motor within the heat exchanger. Maybe the design has contributed to the motor failures that you have been experiencing.

They might also be aware of other reports of this problem.