ENERGY-EFFICIENT WASH-DOWN MOTORS MAKE DRAMATIC IMPACT

摘要

Food-processing equipment poses unique challenges for maintenance personnel. Wet operating conditions and wash-down requirements can require specially designed equipment to help ensure mandated sanitation compliance. This results in increasing pressure for manufacturers to design food-processing equipment that is easier to clean and maintain and reduces downtime. Millions of dollars are invested each year in capital improvements to facilities and equipment to increase product safety, protect employees and reduce costs. Equipment in a typical food-processing plant may run 16 to 20 hours a day seven days a week. Often, equipment failure is the most common cause for downtime. The longer it takes plant personnel to respond and repair equipment, the more damaging the interruption. What's more, systems that are not at full speed create a domino effect that can result in missed deadlines, lost revenues and disappointed customers. According to one study cited on the Wipfli blog, unplanned downtime can cost a food processing facility an astounding $30,000 to $50,000 per hour.