Remote Services Keep Plants Running During COVID-19 Pandemic

This article was co-authored by:

Craig Peppin
Service & Lab Manager

Carrie Carlson
Technical Writer

Throughout the country and around the world, the coronavirus has upended every aspect of our lives, both at home and at work. 

While the crisis has shut down many industrial processing operations and changed others indefinitely, one thing that hasn’t changed is the need for operational maintenance. But with plants on lockdown in an effort to contain virus spread and shield employees from exposure, plant managers are faced with a new challenge: keep things running smoothly and address maintenance issues without allowing external assistance on site. 

As a result, remote support has never been more critical. As part of our effort to meet the changing needs of our customers during this unpredictable time, FEECO has expanded our remote service capabilities in order to effectively address equipment and process issues while keeping everyone safe during the pandemic.

Available Remote Services

FEECO has offered remote support on a limited basis in the past as an extension of our on-site services. But as times change, we have adapted to increase this offering to continue supporting our customers while mitigating the potential for virus exposure. 

Further, as we assist our customers remotely during this time, we are also looking ahead to the future, helping operators and maintenance personnel to best plan for life after the pandemic. 

We are offering the following services in a remote capacity: 

Inspection & Troubleshooting

FEECO Customer Service Engineers can remotely inspect and troubleshoot any brand of processing and handling equipment, including:

  • Pin Mixers and Pugmill Mixers (Paddle Mixers)
  • Disc Pelletizers (Pan Granulators)
  • Rotary Dryers & Coolers
  • Rotary Kilns & Calciners
  • Agglomeration, Granulation, Coating, and Conditioning Drums
  • Belt Conveyors (including shuttle conveyors, steep incline conveyors, trippers, and plows)
  • Bucket Elevators

Customer Service Engineers are able to audit and diagnose a wide range of issues remotely, from mechanical problems and failures, to maintenance concerns, flowability issues, and process inefficiencies, as well as changes in production and visual auditory abnormalities. 

Equipment-Specific Services

In addition to inspecting and assessing process and equipment issues, FEECO Customer Service Engineers are also working to assist operators and maintenance personnel with various tasks specific to the unique needs of each type of equipment.

Rotary Drum Support

Remote assistance available for all types of rotary drums includes:

  • New drum installation
  • Trunnion wheel skewing
  • Girth sprocket replacement
  • Backlash measurement and adjustment

Belt Conveyor Support

FEECO can remotely assist with on belt conveyors:

  • New conveyor belt installation
  • Conveyor belt tensioning and tracking

Disc Pelletizer (Pan Granulator) Support

Services available for disc pelletizers include remote support with:

  • Plow removal and installation
  • Removal and installation of expanded metal

Pugmill Mixer (Paddle Mixer) Support

Remote services available for pugmill mixers include:

  • Paddle removal and installation

Pin Mixer Support

FEECO can remotely assist with the removal and installation of the following pin mixer components:

  • Clamshell Cover
  • Liner
  • Pins

Hammer Mill Support

Remote support for hammer mills includes:

  • Chain removal and installation

Bucket Elevator Support

Remote support for bucket elevators includes:

  • Installation
  • Recommended maintenance

How Remote Support Works

There are a variety of ways through which we can support our customers in a remote capacity, including process data reviews, remote meetings and walkthroughs, and phone and email support. As we all learn to adapt to this new normal, we are flexible and can adjust our approach based on the customer’s unique needs and comfort with technology in order to streamline communication and make the process as smooth as possible. 

Conclusion

As unprecedented circumstances present every industry with new challenges, never before has creative problem solving been more important. FEECO is working tirelessly to assist plant managers, operators, and maintenance personnel through remote support to protect investments and make sure operations can still run smoothly. For more information on how our Customer Service Team can safely support your operational requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic, contact us today!

About the Authors . . .


Craig Peppin is FEECO’s Customer Service Manager and Lab Manager.

More About Craig

Carrie Carlson is a technical writer and visual designer.

More About Carrie