Optimizing Performance

As with all equipment (even if it seems to last forever) a Micronizer needs regular maintenance to optimize its performance and to avoid costly and unnecessary downtime.

• Ceramics: Over the years a number of studies have been carried our regarding energy cost, efficiency and clean combustion. To maintain optimum combustion, a clean air supply is recommended. Research has proved that despite frequent cleaning and renewing of the combustion fan filters, over time the ceramic tiles still function as the final filter with a consequent build up of dust and other carbon impurities, resulting in loss of infra red efficiency. This gives a i.e. loss of production and increased cost per tonne. Ceramic tiles should be replaced after 12.000 hours.

• Burners: Burner life is approx. 10 years depending on whether air has been allowed to enter between the ceramics and the burner body. Evidence of this will be seen where the burner body or the venturi has glowed with a red colour, resulting in warping or distortion of the cast iron structure. For example, when fitting new tiles in a warped burner body, ceramics will pop and the burner will glow red again within a week or so.

Typical signs of failure for the following parts are:

• Combustion fan: (average life span, delivery time 8 weeks) abnormal noise level
• Vibratory tray assembly (average life span 10-15 years, delivery time 10 weeks): can show cracks around motor mounting plate, while the noise level may rise significantly.
• Vibratory motors: (average life span 10 years, delivery time 6-8 weeks) temperature rise, frequent tripping of motor, excessive noise level
• Vibratory stainless steel liner front and back set; (average life span 10 years, delivery time 8 – 10 weeks) excessive noise, uneven flow of material
• Steel wire belt: (average life span 5-8 years, delivery time 4-6 weeks) thin patches in belt wire, edge condition becomes ragged.