September 2021

Food processors who invest in technical training not only maximize the value of their investment, they also increase productivity through employee performance, reduce costs from unscheduled downtime, and improve plant safety.

In this edition of Service Advisor, we highlight the benefits of our flexible training solutions, and share tips on how operators can spot potential issues before they lead to unexpected downtime. We also announce our October consumables promotion.

The Importance of Employee Training

Labor shortages mean that qualified employees are becoming harder and harder to find. When you do find the right person for the job, it is more important than ever that they have the proper skills and training needed to operate the equipment safely and efficiently.

Our SupportPro service team can help optimize your employee and equipment performance by providing the highest standard of technical training through a variety of learning paths.

Three Ways You Benefit from Customized Training Solutions

1. Improved Operational Efficiencies and Increased Productivity

• Emergency repairs can be expensive. Our service contracts can help protect against these unexpected costs by providing scheduled audits and remote monitoring. You can also choose a plan that offers emergency visits at no extra charge. Standardized training on proper machine operation and repair helps ensure your employees are safe while allowing them to work at their full potential.

• New employees can be quickly trained by the experts on critical competencies. Existing employees can be certified, re-certified, or gain advanced training on essential equipme

Our Training Programs provide comprehensive and convenient product raining through online, web conferencing, and onsite methods.

• Online – Our most affordable and flexible training solution. Train when needed, as often as needed. Take advantage of short, self-paced, interactive modules that can be tailored for specific jobs and skill sets.
• Web Conference – This online classroom training is instructor led, and can be scheduled as needed. The duration of web conference training courses vary based on learning goals and topic complexity.
• Onsite – Our most hands-on technical training, conducted in person by your equipment experts. Optional reporting is available via our Learning Management System.

Schedule an online or in person training with one of our experts, or contact us to create a customized training plan to improve the skills, knowledge, and performance of your Key Technology Equipment operators and maintenance personnel.

How Operators Can Spot Issues Before

Equipment that has a reputation for being reliable still needs attention. Regular inspections and monitoring are what keep the line moving. Operators and other line personnel are on the line daily and should be trained to identify anomalies and communicate those to the maintenance teams. Generally, the first indicator of problem will be sound. Processing lines are noisy, but when something changes it can generally be heard, or even felt. Sound is just vibrations our ears “feel.” For example, when a shaker is out of tune, generally the people that are near it on a regular basis can feel it and know something is not right. In addition to sound or vibration, checking the stroke indicator on the bed will help identify when a shaker is out of tune.

Some shaker conditions that line personnel should be trained to identify and communicate to maintenance are:

• Weak or broken spring arms
• Broken bolts
• Slipping belts
• Failing motors
• Cracked frame or bed
• Out of tune – incorrect speed or stroke
• Screens are in place and hardware is tight
• Jam nuts are locked in and tightened

Because sorters are computer controlled they have more data automation. Events and alarms are displayed on the UI and in critical events, lights will flash and a horn will sound. Sorters can be connected to the network further improving the communication of abnormal conditions through a SCADA or other control system. Even with automation, sorters should be checked regularly to ensure proper operation, waiting for an alarm can be too late.

Some sorter conditions that operators should check regularly include:

• Belt tracking
• Cleanliness of camera and laser windows
• Cabinet temperature
• Condensation inside the cabinet
• Water temperature and pressure
• Air pressure
• Chiller (if equipped)
• Failing motors (conveyors and backgrounds)
• Failing ejector valves (stuck open or stuck closed)
• Side guide position
• Operation of CIP Festo Wipers
• Clean and undamaged backgrounds
• Air and water filters
• Discharge rollers (spin freely)
• Light modules (all modules are matching color)
• Background LED (if applicable) all modules on

We offer training to keep your team up to speed on all Key Technology sorters and shakers. Should you encounter a problem with the performance of your equipment or need help with any maintenance activities, remember we are here for you!

Stock Up and Save on Shaker and ADR Consumables