LORD Technology Provides $87,000 Annual Savings to Boise
Having to go off-line for unscheduled shut-downs at Boise Paper Solution's 500-person Wallula, Wash. plant because of a continual build-up problem with calcium carbonate on one of their large induction fans for a lime kiln was costing about $87,000 a year in lost production, makeup lime and maintenance costs. Particulate had a tendency to stick to the fan rotor and this continuous, non-uniform build-up would actually throw the fan out of balance -- resulting in unscheduled shut-downs approximately 2.5 times per year at a cost of between $33,000-$35,000 in lost production time alone -- not to mention the cost, labor and hassle of such down-time. Frequent shutdowns also were causing accelerated bearing and motor wear. After analyzing the problem, LORD Corporation recommended its balancing technology because of its ability to make rapid balance corrections and withstand the harsh environment surrounding the lime kiln ID fan. This process improvement has added up to big savings. Not only is Boise able to realize an increase in production as a result of the installation of the balancer, they are also extending the life of their equipment and have minimized the wear and tear on the fans. Boise said the technology paid for itself in six months, not taking into account the expense of wear and tear on the bearings.
