Depending on the complexity of the equipment and controls, there are a few options for production personnel to learn how to operate the equipment. The manual explains the operation of the equipment and its components. The customer can visit Apache for training and testing or contract with Mepaco Field Services for on-site training.
In one example, the production staff did not understand how to operate the HD3000 Dumper, causing the carriage to bind-up where cylinders weren't lifting in tandem. The issue was caused by incorrect operation.
Due to the operational configuration of the hydraulic cylinders, the HD300 dumper must be fully cycled (complete cylinder extension and retraction) each time it is used. The production staff was not fully retracting the dumper leaving the carriage 12 - 18" off the ground. This allowed the cylinders to start up unevenly and compounded if the staff did not fully extend the dumper. This caused the dumper carriage to misalign and bind against the dumper frame.
Once the carriage binds against the frame the only way to safely correct the situation is to lock out the hydraulic power unit, disconnect the hydraulic line from the overextended cylinder and allow the carriage to drift down until it is re-timed. Once the cylinders are re-timed the power unit can be operated to bring the carriage to the fully down position. Air will need to be bled from the cylinder that had the hydraulic lines removed.
Please call Joe Hertel, Field Services Manager, at 920-219-2286 if you have any questions about the operation of Mepaco equipment or if a training visit is necessary for new personnel.
Mepaco offers a range of dumper configurations that are customized for specific applications in food manufacturing environments. Column Dumper CD1000 The Column Dumper CD1000 is designed for buggies with a standard working capacity up to 600 lbs.
High Dumper HD3000 The HD3000 has a 3000 lb. capacity with a high discharge height specification.
Lift Dumper LD3000 The LD3000 Lift and Dump equipment provides the highest discharge height of all Mepaco dumpers.
Pivot Dumper DP3000 The DP3000 (Pivot Dumper) is constructed from T304 Stainless Steel material and is a USDA approved design. Dumper Equipment Options
DOWNLOAD DUMPER EQUIPMENT BROCHURE
Mepaco’s Pallet Retention System (PRS) is an option on Dumper equipment that reduces the risk of foreign matter like wood and nails from contaminating your food production process.
A manual or optional pneumatic clamp safely secures the combo throughout the dumping process. As the dump cycle begins, the pallet is immediately secured so once the combo reaches 90-deg, the combo can complete the dump cycle apart from the pallet. In addition, a Liner Retention System (LRS) prevents the liner from separating from the combo and falling into the hopper. Upon completion of the dump cycle, the dumper and frame are reunited and the carriage assembly returns back to the start-load position.
This design limits the potential of foreign material from entering the product stream.
The Pallet Retention System (PRS) and the Liner Retention System (LRS) are both available on the DP3000 Pivot Dumper and the HD3000 High Lift Dumpermodels.
Download the latest brochure on Dumpers for more information.
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