There are endless factors that can affect separation efficiency, and our experts know how to optimize a centrifuge to provide optimal output. One way to ensure your machine is functioning as well as it can is by staying on top of routine maintenance. Let's take a closer look at what's included with each service and explore essential care tips to keep your centrifuge running smoothly.
Centrifuge field service
Field service means our technicians visit your facility to service your centrifuge on-site. Our minor and major services fall into this category.
Minor service
Minor service visits are dedicated to the top end of your centrifuge (and the true VIP of your machine) — your centrifuge bowl. Minor service should be completed at least every six months. And if your equipment is being used 24/7, you'll want to consider requesting minor service more frequently.
What's included in minor service
When our service techs arrive at your facility, they’ll inspect (and be prepared to replace) the following “soft goods":
- O-rings
- Inlet and outlet gaskets and seals
- Main bowl gasket
- Oil
- Operating water device inspection
Many times, these minor service visits are what help us catch issues like a crack in your bowl top, extreme pitting, and other wear and tear that could lead to bigger problems if not addressed.
Don't forget to change your centrifuge oil more frequently
For most centrifuge machines, the oil must be replaced every 1,500 hours of run time (or approximately every three months). If you skip this step, your machine will lose its lubricant, leading to wear and tear on important (and expensive) parts like your bearings, cross-shaft, and spindle.
Major centrifuge parts and repair service
Major centrifuge service should be completed once a year. These visits give us a chance to look at your frame in addition to what we inspect and replace during a minor service.
What's included in major service
When our service technician shows up at your facility to complete a major service, they’ll complete everything included in a minor service, as well as replace:
- Bearings
- Frame gaskets
- Any parts that require replacing, as indicated in the minor service report
Our service technician will also inspect the major mechanical components of your centrifuge, including the:
- Frame
- Spindle
- Gears
- Seals
- Belts
- Pully
- Couplers
Don't forget to replace your centrifuge bearing annually
One of the most common reasons we see plants go dark is due to a bad centrifuge bearing. Remember that a bearing's typical life expectancy is about two years — anything over that is living on borrowed time. Changing your bearings annually will minimize the chances of a catastrophic failure.
Centrifuge shop service
Shop service is needed when the service your centrifuge requires needs to take place at our facility in Indianapolis, IN. There, we have the proper equipment to repair or replace any component of your centrifuge.
One of the most common forms of shop service is bowl repair. Any cracks, damage to the sealing lips, or wear on your bowl can be repaired in our shop. Precise bowl balancing is also a shop service we provide.
We've put together a rental bowl program, during which we provide our customers a replacement bowl while theirs is receiving service. This allows facilities to continue running while their bowl is repaired and maintained.
Dos and don'ts of centrifuge maintenance
Hear more tips on what you should (and shouldn't) do when it comes to your centrifuge maintenance.
Service reports that actually add value
Centrifuge service is twofold: It's a chance to complete necessary repairs and catch emerging issues. That's why we’ll sit down with you to discuss your service report after every service visit to ensure that you know what we did (and what is on the horizon).
Our post-service reports include photos and a detailed list of repairs made, as well as any findings that will require attention in the near future. This level of detail helps with both planning for downtime and budgeting for more expensive repairs. Further, the service you receive is warrantied by us.
Catch up on centrifuge repair
Can’t remember the last time someone came out to your facility to look at your centrifuge? Now's the time to get ahead of catastrophic failures.
We know that choosing a new service provider can feel like a lot of change — especially if you've been working with your OEM. That's why our pre-maintenance checklist has everything you need to prepare.
