Recently FlowTherm Service team had the opportunity to assist one of our food manufacturing clients in the metro Melbourne area. Installation of a new pump and a repair job on an FBF homogeniser resolved production issues and rising costs.
Production ground to a halt when the customer’s upstream pump failed, as the PLC system did not have an auto shut-off set up for the homogeniser. The pump breakdown was immediately obvious, and having access to multiple brand solutions, FlowTherm were able to resolve this. We provided a suitable new hygienic lobe pump with a very short lead time, despite current raw material shortages and global freight challenges.
However the homogeniser also posed a problem to production resuming, when damaged parts due to running dry were discovered. Although the customer had previously been maintaining their homogeniser during planned shutdowns themselves, this unforeseen breakdown situation combined with a lack of staff had them reaching out to the FlowTherm Service Team for help.
Our experienced technicians were available at short notice, and service was booked in immediately. Using parts that the customer already had in stock, we changed all packings on the FBF homogeniser, and performed an inspection of the unit to proactively identify any other parts that could pose a problem.
In very little time, FlowTherm Service had our client’s production back on track and running, with minimal loss of production and minimal expense. We were able to advise on additional parts and possible solutions, both for the FBF homogeniser and other equipment onsite.
The new pump FlowTherm provided has been successfully installed, and further service work is scheduled to maintain the homogeniser when OEM parts arrive from overseas. Furthermore, changes to the customer’s PLC are planned to protect their equipment and to minimise any hiccups, if and when they do occur.
FlowTherm will of course continue to support our food manufacturing client in every way possible, going forward. However we are so pleased that our FlowTherm Service Team were able to be part of such a successful solution!
