Preventive maintenance service from Benninghoven

Benninghoven have launched a preventive maintenance programme to help asphalt plant operators maximize their production, improve plant efficiency and minimize the risk of downtime.

The service package comprises two elements; first, it provides a comprehensive plant preventive maintenance audit; and secondly, it follows up with recommendations to help reduce plant operating costs and energy usage.

A qualified site engineer conducts a full plant inspection in which all components from cold feed to hot mixed material storage facilities are thoroughly checked, as any cracked component can cause a future shutdown.

This includes a vibrating screen inspection and full visual internal dryer examination, with accompanying airflow checks. Among other areas for assessment are the paddle mixer for any damaged or badly worn arms and tips, and the burner, which needs to be regularly maintained to ensure optimum efficiency.

During the audit, the engineer uses an exhaust gas analyzer to measure temperature, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, so corrective adjustments can be made.

Following the assessment, a fully detailed technical report is produced with recommendations on what adjustments, repairs or renewals should be made. On the efficiency side, this may involve turning down the thermostats on hot oil and bitumen systems, or fitting time switches on plant lighting and the retrofitting of energy-saving devices, such as inverter drives, all of which contribute to energy cost savings.

Some asphalt plant operators in the UK and Ireland have already signed up to the preventive maintenance programme to help identify any problems before they arise, reducing the potential of plant shutdown. The preventive maintenance service is carried out in accordance with current approved health and safety requirements.

Benninghoven (UK) Ltd, Incendium House, Centurion Way, Meridian Business Park, Leicester LE19 1WH; tel: (0116) 2630 345; fax: (0116) 2827 241.