It is essential to monitor the condition of your process equipment to ensure it is operating at optimal performance, reliability and safety.
An in depth SpoonerPlus inspection report allows you to prioritise any mechanical and electrical repairs and will highlight any relevant health and safety issues.
Producing more than 580,000 tonnes of newsprint and LWC paper per year, one of Spooner’s European based customers has been a leading paper manufacturer for over 150 years.
Understanding the importance of maintaining an efficient and safe production line, this customer approached SpoonerPlus for a dryer inspection and subsequent refurbishment.
On arrival at the paper mill, our SpoonerPlus engineer surveyed the 4 meter long Spooner Air Flotation Dryer and confirmed that it would benefit from a refurbishment to ensure the dryer could maintain the necessary performance and the reliability required of it.
Whilst the dryer was found to be generally in good condition, after nearly 25 years of round the clock service, some aspects of the dryer demanded attention. Damage to some of the flotation nozzles and dryer seals was observed. It was also apparent that the pressure relief panelling had been replaced with non-conforming material. Pressure relief panelling is an enhanced safety feature, above and beyond minimum safety requirements, fitted as standard by Spooner for this type of gas heated air dryer. In the event of a rapid and dangerous build-up of pressure within the dryer, the soft relief panels on the dryer roof will vent safely. This prevents the possibility of serious mechanical damage or failure occurring which could result in lethal flying debris.
As is common with air flotation dryers of this type, there was a build-up of debris in the air circuit and dryer interior, as well as contamination of the viewing windows. Our SpoonerPlus engineer recommended a thorough clean of the system which was subsequently performed by the mill’s maintenance staff.
Following the inspection, a Spooner refurbishment package was ordered to the mill. The refurbishment comprised a new set of flotation nozzles, dryer seals, window assemblies and pressure relief panelling.
The Spooner Flotation Dryer is now operating safely and efficiently at full capacity, ready for decades of reliable service to come.
To find out more about our Air Flotation Dryers or our dedicated expert support and service packages, please email Lee Fairhurst (lfairhurst@spooner.co.uk), Andrew Stead (astead@spooner.co.uk) or call +44 (0)1943 609 505.
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