Case Story: What can happen
when an agitator problem is
ignored?
A high-volume
pet food processor utilized a Mixer/Cooker in their operations which produced 45-minute
batches. The application called for 28 RPM and mixing cold product at 35 – 45 degrees.
During the process of loading different ingredients into the Mixer-Cooker, a Vmag buggy fell
into the mixer, causing damage to the
agitator.
The processor
made repairs to the bent shaft and paddles and was able to get the Mixer-Cooker back online
into full production.
Many
processors assume that if the paddles do not rub the side of the tub, that the agitator has
had a successful repair. But in many cases (and in this case), there was extensive damage
and over time the shaft began to flex, causing the agitator to break. This failure
completely stopped production.
There are a
few choices to stay ahead of agitator care:
Preventative
Maintenance: Partner with Mepaco Services to inspect agitators to ensure the shaft is
straight and look for stress and other
damage.
After Event
Care: Processors may be able to fix the shift to continue production, but contract with
Mepaco Services to inspect the shaft and straighten if necessary.
Most
importantly, processors should avoid emergency maintenance, causing down-time and lost
production.
It is not
uncommon to have dropped tools into Mixers, so prepare for the event if it does happen.
Consider an audit to assess the life of the agitator and consider ordering a replacement so
you can have duplicity for uninterrupted down-time.
Delivery of
agitator replacements are 3 – 6 months out due to the availability of stainless material.
Mixers, Blenders and Grinders are the work horse of the processing system, so be sure that
agitator care and component availability are part of the maintenance
program.
Mepaco
Services offer on-site audits, training, and service contracts as well as emergency repair.
