Mepaco Blog

Guide to Planning for Just-in-Case Parts

Tue, 08 Nov 2022 21:23:58 GMT

Even with digitized maintenance programs, taking an inventory of the food processing equipment in your plant is essential.

The inventory list will give you a clear understanding of the possible maintenance and parts needs throughout all processing equipment and provide scale and efficiency opportunities in your maintenance program.

It is not uncommon for stainless processing equipment to still be in production for over 20 years, so assessing age-related wear and usage wear is important.

Next, prioritize the equipment based on risk. In the event of a breakdown, which machines will likely cause significant production losses?

In Mepaco's product line, cookers, blenders, and mixers are often the critical part of the processing line that causes the highest losses during downtime repair.

Cross-reference long lead times parts and components against your critical processing equipment.

Agitators, motors, and cylinders have the longest lead times for parts replacement on Mepaco's Mixers ("How to Plan for Mixer Blender Parts"), Blenders and Cookers.

Delivery of agitator replacements is 3 – 6 months due to the availability of stainless material, and they are custom fabricated for the application. Make sure you have a spare to avoid unnecessary downtime.

Motor and gearbox availability is dependent on the manufacturer. Some motors and motor components are manufactured overseas, so it is recommended to have a spare in the event of an emergency.

Cylinders are also manufactured overseas and may require long replacement lead times. Plan spares accordingly.

Review preventative maintenance recommendations. In addition to long lead items for Mepaco's cooking and blending equipment, recommended replacement parts include gaskets, safety switches, seals, bearings, and scraper assemblies.

Preventative maintenance protocols will include checks of seals, and gaskets, lubrication schedules, and checking for worn scrapers on cookers.

Mepaco recommends a complete spare set of scraper assemblies ("7 Upgrades that Increase Cooker Production") to prevent cooker downtime associated with worn scrapers. Note the hours of operation to manage scraper replacements.

Schedule an efficiency audit or training - or both. High-volume automation brings a high degree of risk for machinery fatigue and puts pressure on maintenance programs to cover fast repairs and replacements. A service audit of crucial processing equipment with a training overview of equipment can provide best practice maintenance and troubleshooting tips and teach operators to understand every facet of the equipment, including the symptoms when it isn't running properly.

Contact Josh Schladweiler, Field Services and Parts Manager, for more information at (920) 344-1465.

5 Ways to Increase the Life of Bearings

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 16:14:55 GMT

With the complex demands in food processing and production, safety, and quality, performance of every component within food equipment is critical.

The bearing type and style for your Mepaco equipment has been determined by application and plant preference. Many food processing facilities utilize stainless bearings which provide corrosion resistance in wet environments. Here are some tips to reduce wear issues and extend stainless food-grade bearing life:

Mount the bearing correctly after maintenance. Make sure shims are re-installed and that the shaft is correctly positioned, and that the shaft and bearing housing have the correct tolerance. A bearing sitting loose on a shaft will cause significant damage.
Grease bearings according to manufacturer recommendations. One grease schedule does not fit all bearings. For example, a low RPM bearing on a mixer will not require grease as often as a grinder gearbox bearing.
Use the correct food-grade lubrication in the right quantity. Over-lubrication can blow out the grease seal, under lubricating can increase friction and cause failure.
Check bearings regularly for excessive play and replace bad bearings before they cause damage to the equipment. Replacing a bearing is much less expensive than replacing a worn and grooved shaft.
Seals provide extra protection for bearing lubrication while preventing contaminant entry. Seals protect bearing lubrication by keeping moisture, dust, and dirt out of the bearing; make sure seals are inspected and maintained properly. End covers for housed units solve for issues for exposed shaft ends and workplace health and safety.

Choose the bearing type that will uphold to the food processing application. Standard steel ball bearings are mounted in a painted cast iron housing. Mepaco’s coating on standard bearings is a sealant with anti-corrosive benefits.

In aggressive and gritty food product applications, food processors often choose polymer bearings. The polymer bearing has a moderate up-front investment – but the total cost of ownership is lower because it requires less maintenance when used in aggressive applications.

7 Parts to Consider for a Planned Shutdown

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 16:30:38 GMT

According to Deloitte Institute, production has significantly increased all manufacturing sectors in the United States and continues to grow at a rate of 4% in 2022. This uptick in the manufacturing economy coupled with labor shortages across the globe continue to make material sourcing and parts management unpredictable.

For planning purposes, parts that rely on overseas suppliers have longer lead times. Pipes, fittings, and electrical components are often produced overseas. Agitators, cylinders, motors, gear motors and gearboxes are at risk for longer delays.

Here's an infographic showing seven common parts in food processing equipment that should be in stock for the next planned shutdown. If a July shutdown is being planned, order parts now so you are fully stocked for a successful maintenance shutdown.

RECOMMENDED SPARE PARTS

Safety Switches: Safety switches used to open and close a circuit as a disconnecting means for service entrance or to engage lock-out/tag-out procedures are at risk for damage by personnel. Foreign manufacturers supply safety switches, so it is important to keep an ample supply to prevent downtime.
Bearings: Mepaco’s recommendation for bearings is one or two backups. Check if the bearing is a common stock item; if it is not common, plan for longer lead times.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE

Shaft Seals / Split Type: As part of your maintenance program, plan for two to four extra seals in parts inventory, depending on usage.
Gaskets: Gaskets are usually sold in bulk by the foot; check your inventory to be sure you have enough footage for one or two replacements, depending on your application.

LONG LEAD TIME

Agitators: Agitators are custom fabricated to your machine specification. Delivery of agitator replacements are 3 – 6 months out due to the availability of stainless material. Make sure you have a spare to avoid unnecessary downtime.
Cylinders: Cylinders are another component that relies on foreign supply. Make sure you have backups that support your usage.

EMERGENCY

Motors: Motor and gearbox availability is dependent on the manufacturer. Some motors and motor components are manufactured overseas, so it is recommended to have a spare in the event of an emergency.

We are working closely to leverage our relationships and buying power with vendors to manage sourcing needs. We continue to partner with manufacturers who fulfill our quality and application specifications but have flexible sourcing solutions to meet our customers’ needs.

Mepaco is working on proactive solutions to help equipment owners better plan for replacement parts. We are looking into more tech tip education, systematic reminders, maintenance technology, and service offerings to help customers stay ahead of parts replacements.

Click here to download PDF

Case Story: What Can Happen When an Agitator Problem is Ignored?

Mon, 02 Aug 2021 15:48:43 GMT

Case Story: What can happen when an agitator problem is ignored?

A high-volume pet food processor utilized a Mixer/Cooker in their operations which produced 45-minute batches. The application called for 28 RPM and mixing cold product at 35 – 45 degrees. During the process of loading different ingredients into the Mixer-Cooker, a Vmag buggy fell into the mixer, causing damage to the agitator.

The processor made repairs to the bent shaft and paddles and was able to get the Mixer-Cooker back online into full production.

Many processors assume that if the paddles do not rub the side of the tub, that the agitator has had a successful repair. But in many cases (and in this case), there was extensive damage and over time the shaft began to flex, causing the agitator to break. This failure completely stopped production.

There are a few choices to stay ahead of agitator care:

Preventative Maintenance: Partner with Mepaco Services to inspect agitators to ensure the shaft is straight and look for stress and other damage.

After Event Care: Processors may be able to fix the shift to continue production, but contract with Mepaco Services to inspect the shaft and straighten if necessary.

Most importantly, processors should avoid emergency maintenance, causing down-time and lost production.

It is not uncommon to have dropped tools into Mixers, so prepare for the event if it does happen. Consider an audit to assess the life of the agitator and consider ordering a replacement so you can have duplicity for uninterrupted down-time.

Delivery of agitator replacements are 3 – 6 months out due to the availability of stainless material. Mixers, Blenders and Grinders are the work horse of the processing system, so be sure that agitator care and component availability are part of the maintenance program.

Mepaco Services offer on-site audits, training, and service contracts as well as emergency repair.

Mepaco Parts Status Update: Just-In-Time VS. Just-In-Case

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 15:48:16 GMT

Updated 4/1/21

An uptick in the manufacturing economy, reduction of COVID restrictions, COVID vaccine availability and the Suez Canal crisis have made material sourcing and parts management unpredictable.

Apache’s material supply in stainless sheet and plate are produced in the United States. Pipes, fittings, and electrical components are often produced overseas. Further, some components such as motors and gear boxes may require parts from foreign suppliers to manufacture their products.

In 2020, many material suppliers and component manufacturers depleted inventory to manage budget during shutdowns and slow economic conditions. Now, these businesses are scrambling with staff and resources to support demand.

Apache is being proactive with all sourcing solutions. We are working closely to leverage our relationships and buying power with vendors to manage our sourcing needs. We are looking into other supply partners and manufacturers with flexibility and less dependency on foreign manufacturers.

We do not know when the situation will normalize, but we can offer our expertise and advise. If you haven’t done so already, switch from a “Just-In-Time” parts program to a “Just-In-Case” program. Make sure you have long lead items in your parts inventory, so you don’t experience downtime in your critical operations.

Long Lead Time Parts:

Agitators
Cylinders
Motors
Gear Motors
Gear Boxes

Please note that even short lead time components are at risk of delays.

For more information, please contact parts@apachestainless.com or call 920-356-7347.

Maintenance Audit Discovers Repairs that Decrease Batch Time by 2 Minutes

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 15:03:00 GMT

We received a request for a maintenance audit on a high volume meat processing line that is a supplier to fast food restaurant chains. The first round of inspection uncovered several maintenance issues:

SYMPTOM
A Pump Feeder motor kept tripping the breaker and caused constant down-time.

RECOMMENDATION/REPAIR
The gearbox bearings were bad and was causing excess loading. The gearbox was replaced which fixed the issue. Reducing down-time for that Pump Feeder.

SYMPTOM
Mixers on the processing line did not pull sufficient vacuum.

RECOMMENDATION/REPAIR
Both mixers had multiple vacuum leaks through cracked welds, worn out seals, incorrect seals and improperly installed seals The seals were replaces and the cracked welds were repaired which allowed the unit to pull required vacuum 2 minutes faster, decreasing cycle times.

SYMPTOM
Inspection uncovered possible catastrophic failure of the agitators.

RECOMMENDATION/REPAIR
Both mixers had agitators with cracked welds. They were repaired during scheduled maintenance.

SYMPTOM
Vacuum Stuffers were underperforming.

RECOMMENDATION/REPAIR
Two stuffers in the processing line were underperforming and producing poor quality product due to lack of vacuum. Both stuffers had worn out pumps that were rebuilt and worn out seals that were replaced. These changes gave the processor a 28% increase in throughput out of the stuffer and better-quality product without air bubbles.

The cost for the maintenance audit, including a detailed report was $2000, plus travel expenses. The result was savings in energy, down-time, batch turnaround and overall increased production. This processor in fact, contracts with Mepaco every six months for a maintenance audit to avoid unplanned delays and to make sure their line is running as efficiently as possible.

Learn more about Field Services

7 Parts to Consider for Holiday Shutdown

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 20:52:00 GMT

Plant shutdowns during Thanksgiving week or between Christmas and New Year’s Day is common in the food manufacturing industry. Employees benefit from vacation (except the maintenance team of course) while contractors with various expertise and tasks come in to refurbish or re-engineer equipment and systems.

While shut-down goals are planned well in advance, Mepaco’s field service team recommends that time be set aside for a thorough replacement parts inventory and a shut-down audit to keep your Mepaco equipment running in top condition.

Replacement Parts Inventory
Below are (7) seven common parts for most Mepaco machines. During your shut-down, check parts usage and update inventory quantities. If you have budget money left for the year, contact Mepaco to get these items back on your shelves.

Motors / Gear Boxes
Due to the high cost of production downtime, we are seeing companies replace motors and gear boxes rather than repair them. Motor and gear motor availability ranges from 3 to 4 weeks lead times currently.

Gaskets
Gaskets are replaced when there is leaking in the process or the equipment is not pulling vacuum. Gaskets are sold by the foot; check your inventory to make sure you have an ample supply. Add the special gasket cutter scissors (image above) to your parts order for ease of installation.

Seals
The split seal is common in many applications and requires frequent replacement depending on usage. Air-purge seals and mechanical seals are engineered to reduce maintenance and sanitation costs, but still may need a place in the inventory albeit fewer quantities than split seals.

Safety Switches
Safety switches can get bumped and battered in a busy processing environment and can be weakened by harsh sanitation chemicals. Verify inventory needs for safety and other electronic components.

Agitators
Agitators require custom fabrication to your machine specifications. Depending on damage, agitators may be repaired on sight. In some cases, however, it is a catastrophic failure, and a new agitator is required. Sometimes it is not feasible to keep an extra agitator in inventory, however proactive agitator inspections can be performed during shutdown to determine wear.

Cylinders / Cylinder Kits
Cylinders are another item that has a long lead time for replacement. It is recommended to have backups. Another option is to also include cylinder repair kits in inventory. Pneumatic and hydraulic cylinder repair kits will extend the life of your cylinders.

Bearings
One to two back-ups are recommended depending on usage. Plant shutdown is a good time to review compare bearing maintenance practices to the frequency replacement bearing usage.

Shut-down Audit
Mepaco techs can be available during shut-down schedules for proactive performance equipment audits. Equipment and system audit activities include:

Checking agitators and equipment construction for stress cracks
Verifying condition of recommended spare parts for equipment
Checking oil level and oil clarity to verify performance of motors/gear boxes
Complete review of all safety switch condition.
Review electrical components and controls for corrosion and wear.
Photographic evidence reporting.
Recommended repair / refurbish / parts report.

Contact Mepaco Field Services (920-356-7314) if you are interested in a plant shutdown audit.
Contact parts@apachestainless.com if you need help with parts replacements for your equipment.

Coating Technology Improves Component Sanitation Performance

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 12:00:25 GMT

With rising energy and labor costs, there is a continuous need to improve operational efficiency, cut expenses, and increase uptimes. One area of improvement is to increase the life and sanitation performance of motors, gear motors and bearings.

In consideration of the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), some processors choose food safe stainless motors. Stainless components are very effective in harsh sanitation environments - encapsulated stainless steel food safety motors, however, are twice the cost of a standard motor.

The use of painted components are common in food processing plants. Sanitation is tough on equipment with caustic chemicals spraying at 1000 psi. Once the components chip, there is a risk for the paint chips to enter the food stream - corrosion then sets in and reduces the life of the painted component.

Depending on the application, it's best to start with food grade components. Apply the Steel-It brand coating technology - a cost effective and high-performance solution to component durability - using a special application process. Mepaco has been supplying this coating technology for years. Customers have been very satisfied with the result and continue to specify the food grade coating on components for all new projects.

The specialty coating is USDA approved. It blocks corrosion, wear, and abrasion and lasts 5+ years in harsh environments. It is formulated with 316 stainless micro-flakes, making it durable for sanitation and can be subjected to detergents, food acids, alkali, and various chemical agents.

Contact a sales manager for more information about cost saving sanitation.

How to Increase the Life of Bearings

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 20:53:58 GMT

With the complex demands in food processing and production, safety, and quality, every component within food equipment is critical. Any machinery with moving parts will utilize bearings. Here are some tips to reduce wear issues and extend bearing life:

Mount the bearing correctly after maintenance. Make sure shims are re-installed and that the shaft is correctly positioned, and make sure that the shaft and bearing housing have the correct tolerance. A bearing sitting loose on a shaft will cause significant damage to the shaft.
Grease bearings according to manufacturer recommendations. A low RPM bearing on a mixer will not require grease as often than a grinder gearbox bearing. One grease schedule does not fit all bearings.
Use the correct food-grade lubrication in the right quantity. Over-lubrication can blow out the grease seal, under lubricating can increase friction and cause failure. Seals protect bearing lubrication by keeping moisture, dust, and dirt out of the bearing; make sure seals are inspected and maintained properly.
Check bearings regularly for excessive play and replace bad bearings before they cause damage to the equipment. Replacing a bearing is much less expensive than replacing a worn and grooved shaft.
Choose the bearing type that will uphold to the food processing application.

Standard bearings are steel ball bearings, mounted in a painted cast iron housing. Mepaco’s coating on standard bearings is a sealant with anti-corrosive benefits.

In aggressive applications, food processors often choose polymer bearings. The polymer bearing has a moderate up-front investment – but the total cost of ownership is lower because it requires less maintenance when used in aggressive applications.

Visit Field Services for support!

Mepaco Parts Status Update

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 14:11:43 GMT

Updated 3-26-20

There are no major disruptions in our supply chain, but here is a status update with a breakdown of lead times and also recommendations for inventory.

RECOMMENDED SPARE PARTS IN-STOCK*

Disharge Seals
Door Gaskets
Seal Housing
Air Seal Kits
Cover Gaskets
Discharge Bearings
Safety Switches

*Most common spare parts are in-stock, but uncommon parts have a lead time of 2 - 3 weeks.

LONG LEAD TIME PARTS

Agitators	8 - 10 weeks
Part	Factory Paint / Unpainted	Washdown Paint
Cylinders	4-5 weeks	7-9 weeks
Motors	1-3 weeks	5-8 weeks
Gear Motors	2-3 weeks	5-8 weeks
Gearboxes	2-3 weeks	5-8 weeks

We are working with required distancing and sanitation to help our customers maintain their production schedule. Our parts and service specialists are on stand-by to support you.

Contact parts@apachestainless.com or call 920-356-7347.