Chemical Engineering September 2023 - 30

blies (Figure 6), graphite
blocks, and more, should
all be on-hand to prevent
a failure from holding the
entire operation hostage.
Keeping a parts inventory
has become especially important
in recent times, as
supply chain issues have
made part cost and availability
highly volatile.
FIGURE 4. A pneumatic hammer knocker mounted at the side of
the drum can help to reduce buildup in the drum's interior
FIGURE 5. Drum internals should be replaced as needed for
proper operation
Operator training
While rotary drums are
recognized for their simple
operation, training for operators
and maintenance
personnel should still be
a priority as part of a preventive
maintenance program.
Such training not
only ensures operators
avoid catastrophic mistakes,
such as running the
burner while the drum is in
rotation, which can lead to
shell issues due to localized
heating, but it also
familiarizes them with the
machine. This helps them
to recognize abnormalities
that could indicate a
problem. Worker training
is also critical to personnel
safety for those working in
and around the drum.
FIGURE 6. Plants should keep wear-critical parts, such as this
thrust-roller assembly, on hand for faster replacement
Spare parts on hand
Part of a good preventive-maintenance
program is keeping an inventory
of spare and wear-critical parts
on hand. Doing so facilitates a quick
change-out in the event of a failure, or
more importantly, allows maintenance
personnel to replace worn or damaged
parts before a failure can occur,
as maintenance schedules allow.
Wear-critical parts such as trunnion
wheel bearings, thrust roller assem30
Automation
technology
Automation is fast becoming
the future of preventive
maintenance. While
system capabilities differ,
plant managers can enlist
automation as part of their
maintenance programs.
These systems can alert
operators when key parameters
fall out of specification,
allowing them to act before an
issue can occur. They also give operators
the process transparency to
see where potential for trouble exists.
Systems with historical data-collection
capabilities allow for long-term
trending and reporting, which can be
helpful in maintenance planning.
Equipment design
It is important to recognize that the
best
preventive-maintenance
proCHEMICAL
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SEPTEMBER 2023
grams begin before the rotary drum
is even built. Rotary drums perform
best and have the longest service life
when they are designed around the
specific material characteristics and
operating parameters at hand. This
comes into play in the selection of
mechanical components, materials
of construction, configuration, and
more. For this reason, plant managers
should work with a qualified OEM
to design their rotary drum according
to their specific requirements.
Combined with a solid preventive
maintenance program, a well-built
rotary drum can provide decades of
reliable service.
Concluding remarks
Due to its many benefits, preventive
maintenance is quickly becoming
the norm for managing capital equipment,
rotary drums included. A solid
preventive maintenance program
gives plant managers a simplified
approach to minimizing maintenance
costs and downtime, while maximizing
process efficiency.
An effective preventive maintenance
program is multi-faceted and
should consist of regular inspections,
conducting regular adjustments
such as grinding, alignment,
and training, as well as minimizing
buildup, following OEM recommendations,
keeping an inventory of
spare parts, and ensuring operators
are properly trained.
n
Edited by Scott Jenkins
Editor's note: All photos appear courtesy of FEECO International
Author
Craig Peppin is the customer service
manager at FEECO International
(3913 Algoma Road, Green
Bay, WI, 54311; Phone: 1-920468-1000;
Email:
FEECO.com/
contact-us), a role that is supported
by his extensive background
in project management and process
controls. Craig has been a
part of the FEECO family for over
25 years. He received a B.A.S. degree in Automated
Manufacturing Technology from ITT Technical Institute.
http://WWW.CHEMENGONLINE.COM
Chemical Engineering September 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Chemical Engineering September 2023
