2023 Schedule

This presentation discusses several problems involving lubrication and condition monitoring requirements on two bottle fillers running in a 24x7 operation. These units are producing plant-based almond as well as oat milk, and are experiencing demand of the double-digit growth for the past several years. This growth has elevated production compliance to the highest priority as the company continually must meet all customer order commitments of both quality and quantity. Maintenance and Reliability are considered extremely important but shutting down equipment for routine lubrication or maintenance had to be avoided. This scenario required a condition-based approach to avoid unnecessary downtime. Specific Filler design of critical components has presented unique challenges for monitoring. These components have had a low MTBF which resulted in costly events. Utilizing the support of UE System application expertise, the facility deployed the 'Ontrak' system by UE Systems. This approach allows for continuous condition-based monitoring but also real-time data on lubrication activities and effects. Technicians can monitor the results of their lubrication effort and monitor component health in real-time. This presentation will explain the challenges, trials and eventual success of deploying daily condition based monitoring and maintenance approach without impact to equipment uptime.