Balancing the Crusher at the Nestlé Plant

Elevated Vibration Levels in Nestle Pet Food Plant

In June of last year, a contractor responsible for maintenance at a Nestle plant specializing in pet food production encountered an issue with one of the crushers. Post-maintenance, the machine displayed increased vibration levels, reaching up to 8-9 mm/s, well above the acceptable standards.

The Consequences of High Vibration

High vibration levels in machinery like crushers can lead to:

• Increased wear and tear
• Elevated energy consumption
• Possible safety hazards
• Disruption in production quality

The Balancing Intervention

To address this urgent issue, balancing procedures were performed on the affected crusher. The intervention involved:

1. Initial measurement to confirm elevated vibration
2. Calibration using test weights.
3. Adding correction weights.
4. Verification of results through post-balancing measurement

Successful Vibration Reduction

As a result of the balancing efforts, the vibration levels were successfully brought down to acceptable standards, leaving only a small residual unbalance on the rotor. The post-balancing measurements indicated vibration levels of 1.5 mm/s and 1.7 mm/s, ensuring both the longevity of the crusher and the safety of plant operations. For similar machines, our crusher rotor balance calculator helps estimate the required correction.

Balancing the crusher at the Nestlé plant.

Balancing the crusher at the Nestlé plant.

Balancing the crusher at the Nestlé plant.

Balancing the crusher at the Nestlé plant.

Using stainless steel plates as balancing weights.

I was impressed by the structured cable system.

I was impressed by the structured cable system.

I was impressed by the structured cable system.