NSK bearings help pet food plant raise OEE
First Quarter 2024
Shaft power components
When a major UK pet food producer wanted better machine utilisation with the aim of raising its overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) by three points, it decided to ask experts at bearing specialist NSK if they could evaluate processes and systems to help with this improvement goal.
The prompt to engage NSK arrived after hearing about the company’s AIP added value programme, in particular its ability to improve bearing life through a mixture of training and application engineering services. This approach focuses firmly on identifying improvement opportunities in three keys assets: people, plant and processes.
At the pet food facility, the management team was aware of various application issues which NSK experts viewed, leading to the creation of a process map. The process map is one of the most powerful elements of AIP, as it focuses on generating a complete documented review of the production process from start to finish, placing particular emphasis on critical bearing applications. In this case, the process map identified five areas for potential OEE improvement.
Trials subsequently began, initially focusing on the more costly application, the plant’s pellet extruder. Here, the customer was experiencing bearing failures and loss of production every 10 to 12 weeks on average. Using analytical data from the trials, NSK determined that the existing grease lubrication was not fulfilling the life expectancy of the bearings. The expert engineers therefore recommended a high viscosity oil for longer life, alongside a suitably durable bearing solution.
The customer duly replaced its existing bearings with high-quality NSK spherical roller bearings from the company’s EA series, atogether with NSK spherical thrust roller bearings. EA series bearings, which feature pressed steel cages, offer high load carrying capacity, high limiting speeds and high functionality under operating conditions involving elevated temperatures, making them ideal for the pellet extruder and other applications at the pet food plant.
After reassembly, the extruder ran for seven months without any bearing failures, resulting in impressive cost savings of £70 000, thanks to reductions in production downtime and maintenance. In addition, the pet food plant achieved its goal of raising OEE by three points. At the request of the customer, NSK also conducted onsite bearing training for the plant’s maintenance staff, providing even more added value as part of the overall solution.
Further reading:
Innovative sealing and bearing solution for pulp machine
SKF South Africa
Shaft power components
A leading South African manufacturer of paper-making equipment sought to modify an existing pulp machine and turned to trusted partner SKF to assist with the redesign of a critical sealing arrangement.
Read more...
Polymer bearings for maintenance-free bottling system
igus
Shaft power components
A favourite South African beer which is to be found on many a beer connoisseur’s table is being brewed in Belgium with the assistance of lubricant-free polymer bearings that will not contaminate the beer.
Read more...
Flexible, lightweight disc couplings for advanced industrial performance
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Shaft power components
BMG has expanded its extensive portfolio of quality branded couplings with the introduction of the ESCODISC FIL series, a new generation of flexible, lightweight disc couplings.
Read more...
Industrial valve solutions
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Shaft power components
BMG’s Fluid Technology division supplies and supports an extensive range of components for fluid technology systems. These include valves, hydraulic hoses and fittings, accumulators, cylinders, heat exchangers, hydraulic motors and hydraulic plumbing, as well as pumps and reservoir accessories.
Read more...
Direct-controlled seat valve
Shaft power components
A new direct-controlled seat valve enables storage-free, load-tight holding functions in dynamic linear units without an additional control pressure supply, and offers significant advantages over classic, pilot-controlled solutions, particularly in stationary and servo hydraulics.
Read more...
Wind energy in the Black Forest
Shaft power components
For more than 20 years, numerous wind turbines have stood in the Black Forest and are now receiving a performance boost through repowering projects.
Read more...
The advantages of using an adjustable cable gland
Shaft power components
Pratley continues to demonstrate its engineering leadership with its innovative adjustable cable gland, designed to significantly reduce maintenance and labour costs across a wide range of industrial applications.
Read more...
Advanced tensioning solutions for industrial applications
Shaft power components
OST-Africa has developed an advanced range of tensioning elements, designed to meet the demands of mechanical power transmission
Read more...
Single DDI cable solution simplifies connectivity
SEW-EURODRIVE
Shaft power components
Cabling can be one of the most challenging aspects of automation and drive system installations, often leading to delays, faults and inefficiencies. SEW-EURODRIVE offers a solution that simplifies connectivity, its innovative Digital Data Interface technology combined with a single cable system.
Read more...
The critical role of check valves
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa
Shaft power components
In fluid power systems, the performance and reliability of the entire operation often hinge on components that are small in size but significant in function. Among these, the check valve stands out as a fundamental yet frequently overlooked element.
Read more...
printer friendly version