Time is one of those things we never seem to have enough of. Even (or should I say especially) facilities that run 24 hours a day could use more time. Sometimes, the need to get more and more done in the same number of hours can make it even more difficult to make time for maintenance. Pausing operations for preventative care can be stressful, but ignoring those needs can lead to an even greater loss of time and productivity.
The Problem with Reactive Centrifuge Repair
When separation equipment doesn’t receive regular maintenance checks, it’s vulnerable to all sorts of issues. Problems like maintaining back pressure on the line or producing low-quality product can be quickly resolved by a qualified centrifuge technician. But if left untouched, they will work to further degrade the equipment and the product it’s running.
Eventually, a lack of maintenance will result in issues that are more time consuming and expensive. If a vital centrifuge component breaks while the machine is in operation, it can halt production and create a dangerous work environment. I’ve come across situations where facilities have to stop production to receive dairy centrifuge repair that leaves them down for days instead of hours. That’s a lot of lost production time for issues that could’ve been prevented.
The Importance of Routine Separator Maintenance
Making time for routine separator maintenance is one way that processing facilities can create more time for themselves in the future. If you know centrifuges well, you know that they are very simple machines. They are massive, powerful machines, but their basic operating needs are simple.
If you maintain a separator on a consistent schedule and work with technicians who have a good level of experience, you’re going to seriously reduce the risk of needing last minute centrifuge repair and shutting down your production line unexpectedly.
When all is said and done, planned downtime is going to be better for your facility, your employees, and your pocketbook. Putting off service needs until the last minute might save you a little time in the moment, but odds are it’ll end up costing more in the future.
