Efficiency is critical in industrial processes. Efficiency empowers operations to reduce costs and waste while enhancing quality, safety, and profitability. For operations that handle bulk materials, efficient operation requires smooth, seamless transportation and handling of bulk goods from one place to another. For this reason, reliable machinery is key to meeting efficiency goals.
When selecting bulk handling equipment, remember that efficiency means much more than operational speed. Reliable equipment requires minimal maintenance and downtime, is energy efficient, has a long lifespan, maintains product quality, and keeps workers safe. Ensuring that your equipment meets these standards will enhance overall efficiency in many ways, including
Unreliable equipment, on the other hand, puts your operation at constant risk. Unexpected downtime and repair costs, damaged or contaminated products, and even costly lawsuits from injured workers or consumers can devastate a company’s bottom line.
It’s important to work with process engineers when setting up your bulk materials handling processes or assessing them for optimization. They can help ensure the process flows as seamlessly as possible and select equipment that’s best suited to your application, keeping in mind material types, capacity requirements, and the layout of your facility. They can also help you understand how to collect and analyze machine data to identify potential areas of improvement.
Additionally, it’s critical to ensure your team and your equipment are set up for success. Implement training programs that ensure machine operators know how to keep materials flowing safely and efficiently. When your team knows how to troubleshoot problems, perform routine maintenance tasks, and quickly determine when additional support is needed, they’re better able to keep your operation up and running smoothly.
To optimize equipment operation, create protocols to ensure all equipment is properly maintained. Be sure to include
When developing these protocols, follow the maintenance guidance provided by the original equipment manufacturer, and ensure all work is performed by trained and qualified personnel.
Bratney is an experienced builder of processing facilities and has developed an in-depth understanding of the specific material handling needs of facilities that process seeds, grains, food, and feed. We’ve developed strong partnerships with leading manufacturers of bulk handling equipment to offer an array of top quality machinery to meet these needs.
Bratney provides innovative process design, engineering, construction, and equipment selection for processors of seeds, grains, and other agricultural products. Our process engineers can work with you to maximize productivity, quality, and safety. Explore our services or, for more insight on how to optimize your operations, browse our blog.