In this post, we will be highlighting an experience our service team had while performing an inspection at a food processing facility.
During our inspection, we were examining a 120-valve cluster. As we removed the insert from the housing, one of our technicians noticed a metal shaving embedded in one of the EPDM seals. Upon further investigation, we discovered that the shaving had been rubbing against the housing as the valve would actuate, causing scarring to the housing and damage to the insert. After tracing the shaving back, we found that it was a result of a piping project down the line where the welding company had failed to flush the line properly, resulting in metal shavings traveling in the process lines.
This situation highlights the importance of constant preventive maintenance on equipment in the food and beverage industry. There are several things that can happen in a process that go unseen by the naked eye. This valve cluster was located right before a filling line, and if left undetected, could have resulted in catastrophic consequences.
At Weidner, we take pride in our robust system and the ability to catch these types of issues before they become significant problems. Our team is trained to identify potential issues through inspections and provide recommendations for preventive measures to avoid equipment failure.
We believe that sharing our experiences can benefit facilities across the country, helping them to identify potential problems early on and implement proactive measures to keep their equipment running smoothly. Regular inspections and preventive maintenance can save time, money, and ensure the safety of employees and consumers.
In conclusion, the food and beverage industry is constantly evolving, and it is essential for facilities to stay on top of preventive maintenance to avoid equipment failure.