Streamlined Maintenance and Efficiency at Norfolk Soybean Facility: A Success Story

Last week, we had the opportunity to visit Norfolk, NE with a state-of-the-art soybean facility being constructed. This visit was prompted by a call from a former customer, someone who had worked with us for many years in the soybean industry but had recently started a new job with this innovative company.

They are nearing the completion of their brand new facility, and my contact shared some of the challenges they were facing. Despite having already purchased over 35 airlocks for the plant, they needed stainless steel options for several applications due to corrosion issues that the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) did not address. Additionally, the facility had airlocks supplied by four different OEMs, which created a need for spares from a single, reliable source.

This is where Rotary Airlock came into play. We were able to provide significant value by offering to be the single source for all of their rotary valves, thereby simplifying their procurement and bringing value to their maintenance processes at the same time. One of the critical improvements we introduced was the standardization of maintenance and replacement parts. Originally, the plant had 7-9 different styles of bearings and seals. We streamlined this down to one style of extractable bearing and two different seal options, both of which are replaceable in-line. This change significantly reduces downtime and maintenance complexity.

Furthermore, our new airlocks come with inspection doors, a feature not available from any of the OEMs currently represented in the plant. These doors allow for easy inspection during shutdowns, enabling wear and clearance checks, as well as the removal of foreign materials without the need to uninstall the airlock. This enhancement is particularly beneficial for ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the facility.

The visit to Norfolk Crush highlighted the importance of tailored solutions in the industrial sector. By understanding and addressing specific needs, we can provide innovative products that not only meet but exceed operational requirements. The collaboration with Norfolk Crush is a testament to how industry partnerships can drive technological advancements and operational efficiency.

I left Norfolk with a sense of accomplishment, knowing that our contributions would play a vital role in the success of this impressive facility. As the soybean industry continues to evolve, it is partnerships like these that will lead the way in fostering innovation and growth in manufacturing.