Hi Case Study:
Application Overview:
A Snack Food Facility in needed to clean vegetable oil residues from its production line exhaust fan systems. The fans were so encrusted that they were out of balance and not adequately drawing the cooking oil vapors off the production line. With an average build-up of six inches of oil, the fan systems also were vibrating severely.
There are three fan systems, each approximately 350 square feet. Each system is comprised of a 6-foot diameter fan and motor in a fully enclosed shroud with hinged outflow louvers designed to open when the exhaust system is functional. However, the louvers were inoperable and propped up with broom handles.
Substrates:
Galvanized steel
Previous Methods:
A chemical solution was sprayed on all surfaces to soften the oils. This was followed with hand scraping and a hot water rinse. Unfortunately, the chemical solution eventually was unable to remove the continued build-up.
Special Concerns:
First, the cleaning materials needed to be approved for use in a food production facility. Second, the fan system needed to be protected from damage. Third, dust had to be minimized to avoid migration throughout the plant.
Project Schedule:
Each fan system had to be cleaned between 5:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on the one scheduled "down day" per week. Cleaning the rooftop mounted exhaust fans in temperature averaging 100 degrees posed a special challenge to the workers.
Containment:
Dust suppression was the only containment required. All material was flushed down the inside of the ventilation chamber to the production room floor below for clean up by the facility sanitation personnel.
Results/Benefits Summary:
The production personnel reaped immediate and measurable benefits. After cleaning, the fans and exhaust systems functioned as designed. The hinged shrouds opened easily, and fans operated with zero vibration. Production personnel reported that there was a "world of difference" on the production floor due to proper exhaust operation. As a result, the maintenance personnel are establishing an ongoing cleaning schedule.
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