It’s the beginning of the season and excitement is in the air! We know that you’re busy with preparations but we thought we’d take a moment to remind you that your Kreuzmayr machines need a little love too. Waking up after months of winter hibernation is tough on anybody! Starting up and running your machines with our Smart Start Kreuzmayr equipment guide before production is crucial to ensure your equipment operates properly. If there is anything that needs special attention then you can let us know about it before it becomes a huge problem. To make this job a bit easier, we’ve broken it into different machinery parts and what to look for.
Check out your Kreuzmayr Equipment Smart Start Guide below!
Elevator/Mill
Bearings: Make sure that these are properly greased. This means the grease should just be starting to be visible on the seal, not dripping out. The photo on the left shows a bearing with the proper amount of grease while the photo on the right shows no grease. If you see brown grease appearing from the bearing, the balls inside may be rusty and the bearing may need replacing.
Seals: Inspect that these are all intact and none are broken. They should also be tightly touching the shaft to prevent water from entering.
Elevator Belt: Test the elevator and check that the belt has the correct tension. To do this, lift the elevator and make sure you can lift it to the top edge of the elevator. It should be flush with the top edge without having to strain the elevator too much.
Mill Teeth: These are metal teeth inside the grinder on the elevator. These teeth have four sharp edges that you can rotate to make sure you maximize their usage. If they are rounded, as shown in the photo on the right, you can rotate them to the sharp edges, pictured on the left.
Switches and Sensors: Test out all switches and sensors to ensure each one functions as it’s supposed to.
Belt Press
Bearings: Again, take note to make sure these are all properly greased. As well in this smart start checklist, make certain the bearing is not seized by releasing all belt pressure and manually turn all the rollers and they should move easily. Note that the drive roller cannot be manually turned.
Press Juice Level Control: This sensor is responsible for controlling the automatic function of the juice pump as the liquid level of the juice pan increases. It uses air pressure to gauge and should activate the pump when the juice pan is full. It will stop the press when the juice pan is over full. Both of these can be tested by slowly lowering it into the water and when it gets to a certain level it should stop the press. Also, check the push-in fitting for this airline to make sure it is intact.
Bristles: If you have a brush roll cleaner, inspect the bristles at the end of the press to make sure they are in working condition and not sparse. Bristles should all be straight, not bent, and all of the same length.
Wash Arm: Check this hose for tears and rips and make sure it has no blockages. The pivot points should be checked at the bushings for integrity as well.
Automatic Belt Centering: Very important part of the smart start checklist! This makes sure the belt is in alignment to reduce strain and ensure maximum durability. To test, push on the paddle (shown in the photo to the left) to make the piston move the belt roller back and forth. If the movement is strained or doesn’t move at all, contact us for more details.
Gear Box: Check oil levels through the sight glass. If there is no sight glass, remove the filling level screw and fill with oil until it pours out of screw (this is not the venting screw with a hole in it).
Emergency Stop Functionality: A smart start must, safety first! There are four emergency stop functions; pull cord, lid sensor, pressure sensor, and stop button. For the pull cord, when pulled it stops the belt press and the button should be pressed in. To reset it, pull out and the green should be showing at the bottom. Check that the belt won’t start until lid is closed and pressure sensor works. Also, ensure the emergency stop button ceases the belt press. If any of these do not work, contact us for details.
Pressure: Ensure that all pressure gauges do not exceed the recommended amount of system and belt pressure. Check for corrosion inside dials and validate that they work. As well, look at the water separator and empty it if full of water.
Scraper: This piece is at the end of the press and scrapes off the excess mash. Inspect this for any irregularities or cracks. It should have even contact on all parts of the belt and feel smooth, not serrated.
De Stoner
Belts: Under the motor cover of the De Stoner, there are three belts, make sure these are in alignment, have the right amount of tension and of proper working conditions.
Bearings: As stated earlier, look to see if these are properly greased. Check that the motor side bearing (under the motor cover) is working and not seized and has sufficient grease. You should be able to turn the rotors manually.
Sieves: Look at the sieves inside the De Stoner for any wear and tear or cracks.
Paddles: Take these out and inspect to make sure the paddles don’t have any cracks or look like they need replacing.
Pasteurizer
Water Circuits: Check all these circuits for pressure and integrity. If there is any air, make sure to flush out.
Sensors: Check all temperature and pump sensors to ensure they are reading correctly.
Pump: Look at the impeller for wear and tear. Take note that the pump should not be run dry. As well, inspect bearing is not seized. Once impeller casing is off, you should be able to turn the motor freely.
Burner/Boiler: Check for soot in the boiler and make sure burner fires and burns correctly. Contact us for details.
Hoses: Heat resistant hoses should be checked for cracks and replaced if necessary.
Fillers
Switches: Check these that they work and have no resistance in movement. As well, make sure there are no leaks throughout the filler.
You’re Done!
The importance of this smart start proactive approach is to make sure your equipment is ready for smooth operations. Regular maintenance warrants the equipment is giving you the highest yields and will be durable through intense usage so you can keep doing what you do best!
For any other questions or concerns, please call Rodger at 250-351-9306.