The Customer
One of the country’s largest importer, purveyor, and distributor of globally sourced protein products, this customer’s operation spans from two to three shifts throughout the year depending on seasonal demand. Their facility was purpose-built for their operation which has a climate controlled warehouse and storage level below their processing and packaging level. The General Contractor had installed a Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor with the correct specifications and capacity to fit the customer’s operating needs.
The Challenge
The Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor we were called to service was originally installed by another vendor in 2020. Over the past four years, it had undergone significant daily use without any Planned Maintenance. As a result, the customer began to face a series of troubling issues, with the in-house maintenance team struggling to keep the unit in peak operating condition. In their search for solutions, they consulted the original installation company, which recommended an extensive rebuilding of nearly all the moving components, such as the motor, gearboxes, chains, and sensors. This proposed overhaul dramatically inflated the costs for the end user. After consulting with the manufacturer of the VRC, Atlantic Installation was recommended for a strong second opinion. Upon conducting a thorough inspection, AI discovered that the primary issue with the VRC stemmed from broken chain connectors, which had caused the chain to disengage.
The Solution
Atlantic Installation identified that, in addition to the worn chain sprockets, one of the sensors had failed and required immediate replacement. Following our recommendation, we persuaded the customer to purchase a Recommended Spare Parts List (RSPL) from the VRC manufacturer, ensuring they would have essential components on hand for all future maintenance.
To minimize operational downtime and keep the project on schedule, our dedicated Atlantic Installation Service Team completed the entire service within just two days. We carried out the replacement of the faulty sensor and the worn sprockets, along with the installation of a new, robust chain. Once the installation was complete, we dedicated time to testing and commissioning. Additionally, we conducted a thorough re-inspection, meticulously tightening all necessary nuts and bolts to ensure the equipment would operate smoothly and efficiently. This attention to detail was critical in guaranteeing uninterrupted operations moving forward, free from any future disruptions.
The Follow Up
A few months later, the same Vertical Recirculating Conveyor (VRC) stopped functioning again, this time requiring a full motor replacement due to a failure in the electronic brake system. Fortunately, since the customer had purchased the Recommended Spare Parts List (RSPL), AI was able to replace the motor and recommission the VRC with less than a 24 hours response. While it is unusual that a motor would fail in such a short period, AI was able to identify the problem quickly and resolve it.
Atlantic Installation is the essential partner for your maintenance department. Our expertise and commitment to quality set us apart and keep us at the forefront of the industry. Contact us to be your comprehensive resource for service solutions, for you to save valuable time, reduce costs, and eliminate unnecessary frustration. Let us partner with you to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your operations.
