Introduction:

This paper introduces the concept of the Advanced Factory Acceptance Test (AFAT) and highlights its potential to mitigate tunnel fan failures. Conventional Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) primarily focuses on basic performance criteria, such as flow, pressure, efficiency, and noise level for axial fans and thrust and noise level for jet fans. It often falls short in identifying and addressing potential issues that may lead to post installation fan failures. AFAT takes into account additional critical factors to guarantee fan reliability and durability. These factors encompass structural integrity, material quality, vibration analysis and thermal performance. AFAT can detect latent defects, design inconsistencies, and manufacturing deviations that often go unnoticed during a conventional FAT. Through AFAT, stakeholders in a tunnel ventilation project can reduce the risk of unexpected fan failures, enhancing operational safety and minimizing costly downtimes. This paper proposes AFAT as a best practice to be promoted in the tunnel ventilation industry.