No matter how robust and sturdy a machine is, it still needs to be properly taken care of. Just like how you take some time to rest when your body gets tired or eat when it gets hungry, you also need to perform a couple of ways to maintain your equipment.
Buying a homogenizer machine for your manufacturing business comes with the responsibility of maintaining it. Otherwise, its shelf life will shrink, it will become dysfunctional, and you will not get your money’s worth. So, you see, it’s also a matter of proper use and maintenance.
We have anticipated that you might be needing some help regarding this, so we have prepared several steps in order to maintain your industrial machine. Let’s just call it, The Homogenizer Machine Maintenance 101. Sounds great? Let’s begin!
1. Regrind or replace homogenizer valves.
To keep an efficient homogenization, the valves of a homogenizer machine must be maintained. Constant and regular use over a period of time will cause the valves to be deformed, having grooves. Also, the seals may contain leaks. If this happens, you should regrind or replace them immediately.
S. Ravi Kumar, a course developer on Dairy Engineering states that when the wear of the valve ramifies across the face, occupying two-thirds of the surface area, a remedy would be wrapping the valve with grinding paste. But the condition may get worse over time, erosion grooves will exist, and homogenization will no longer take place.
2. Check pressure gauges for calibration frequently.
Pressure gauges of the homogenizer have specific requirements for a certain kind of product. For homogenization of milk, the gauges should have components of stainless steel. It should also be loaded with glycol fluid which will minimize corrosion and dampness of vibrations. Gauges that measure the oil must also be evaluated.
3. Test safety valve for its setting.
Safety valves need to be assessed for its setting and to also determine the release of pressure at particular set points. This can be performed through the hydraulic test pump.
4. Mitigate pressure fluctuations.
Pressure fluctuations at two sides (suction and discharge) are necessary to be reduced for the most operative homogenization and pasteurization, as it is connected to a pasteurizer. All other related processes and machinery are also affected if the mitigation of pressure fluctuations is not conducted.
5. Examine the direction of rotation.
The direction of rotation may be different, particularly when the drive motor has just been repaired or replaced. The wrong direction of rotation will cause the shaft of the lubrication mechanism to fail at carrying the oil at the right amount of pressure.
6. Change the belts and bearings of power drive according to the preventive maintenance schedule.
Damaged belts and bearings of your homogenizer will most probably malfunction or break down. The right thing to do is to replace them whenever necessary. You will know this through constant checkups. In addition to that, you also have to make sure that the cooling water or even the lubrication oil is not spilling into the berth of the belt drive in order to avoid damage.
7. Use a rubber mat for dismantled parts whenever assembling or disassembling the equipment.
Machine maintenance will mean disassembling and assembling of the homogenizer’s parts. Whenever you perform the Homogenizer Machine Maintenance 101, make certain that you don’t just leave the parts, especially the minuscule pieces out in the open. Apart from its tendency to fall away and be lost, placing them on a rough surface will damage the components and will be prone to contamination as well as corrosion.
8. Lubrication oil must be inspected daily and replaced regularly.
The oil level of the machine can be viewed on the sight glass located at the posterior of the homogenizer. You must inspect the lubrication oil daily. Depending on the recommendation of the fabricator regarding the number of times, replace the oil. There should also be a sustained pressure as the equipment operates. I know the oil can be quite expensive, but it requires complete drainage and replacement every six months.
9. Machine exterior must be cleaned routinely.
Just like any other machine, maintenance involves cleaning and washing. You don’t have to bother getting strong chemicals for cleaning purposes. Oftentimes, soap and water are more than enough to wash off dirt and polish your homogenizer. Do this regularly for better experience using your equipment. It is important to ensure the neatness of your tools.
Conclusion
For most businesses, the technology of industrial machines is greatly needed for easier and faster transactions and operations. No problem, the world today has a lot of them. Every day, they get improved, innovated, and further developed.
As users, let us not neglect what kind of technology we have been gifted with. We should give importance to the automation and machinery that we have at our disposal. Let us not use them to harm our environment even, abusing and using them for detrimental purposes. Lastly, let us prolong their shelf lives through taking care of them the best way possible.
