Dairy equipment are expensive due to their specialized construction. Some of these are sophisticated and imported, hence, needs proper attention. In general, there is less appreciation to the maintenance activity, Preventive Maintenance (PM). Its importance is realized at the time of break down. A PM programme is a “procedure” designed to increase plant productivity, decrease maintenance, reduce operating cost, and to increase life of the equipment. It involves:
i. Routine external inspection
It means external viewing in terms of noise, vibration, heating or any sign of malfunctioning. This is noted and corrected, if any.
ii. Periodic internal check-up
It is done when the equipment is shut down at the end of operation. This is not a major repair action. One has to decide the duration after which this check up is done. In this adjustment of control instruments, replacement of lubricants, surface touch ups, etc. are carried out. During this check up, looking at the condition of equipment can make an idea on the possible major over-haul.
iii. Major repair/over-haul
Major repair is then planned preferably in the season when the equipment is not in use. Most of the major repairs are carried out during summer month when the milk handling capacity is less. For refrigeration section, the repairs are planned in winter months. Prior to shut down selection, procurement and stocking of spares must be ensured.
iv. Evaluation of equipment performance
A good engineering function is to carry out routine evaluation of each and every equipment. Due to normal operation, the efficiency of equipment reduces; this in turn affects the productivity. There are set procedures to calibrate and measure the flow capacities, heat transfer efficiency, product output, utilities consumption, etc.Again the frequency of such evaluation is a matter of experience and planning. The awareness on the part of management is also an important factor.
v. Record keeping is a part of PM procedure
We must maintain the work and breakdown record of the individual equipment.This will also indicate the repairs carried out. These records help in subsequent planning. These records are called “Log books”. Proper proforma is developed to indicate exact duration of running, various inputs utilized, efficiency and check parameters, records of repair and nature of complaint and the person who carried out the operation and repair. Periodic verification is carried out by superiors as a check and feedback.If above procedures are adopted, the cost of maintenance will be less, equipment efficiency will improve, plant productivity will increase, accident possibilities are avoided, and finally the life of expensive equipment is extended.
i. Routine external inspection
It means external viewing in terms of noise, vibration, heating or any sign of malfunctioning. This is noted and corrected, if any.
ii. Periodic internal check-up
It is done when the equipment is shut down at the end of operation. This is not a major repair action. One has to decide the duration after which this check up is done. In this adjustment of control instruments, replacement of lubricants, surface touch ups, etc. are carried out. During this check up, looking at the condition of equipment can make an idea on the possible major over-haul.
iii. Major repair/over-haul
Major repair is then planned preferably in the season when the equipment is not in use. Most of the major repairs are carried out during summer month when the milk handling capacity is less. For refrigeration section, the repairs are planned in winter months. Prior to shut down selection, procurement and stocking of spares must be ensured.
iv. Evaluation of equipment performance
A good engineering function is to carry out routine evaluation of each and every equipment. Due to normal operation, the efficiency of equipment reduces; this in turn affects the productivity. There are set procedures to calibrate and measure the flow capacities, heat transfer efficiency, product output, utilities consumption, etc.Again the frequency of such evaluation is a matter of experience and planning. The awareness on the part of management is also an important factor.
v. Record keeping is a part of PM procedure
We must maintain the work and breakdown record of the individual equipment.This will also indicate the repairs carried out. These records help in subsequent planning. These records are called “Log books”. Proper proforma is developed to indicate exact duration of running, various inputs utilized, efficiency and check parameters, records of repair and nature of complaint and the person who carried out the operation and repair. Periodic verification is carried out by superiors as a check and feedback.If above procedures are adopted, the cost of maintenance will be less, equipment efficiency will improve, plant productivity will increase, accident possibilities are avoided, and finally the life of expensive equipment is extended.
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