Basic Equipment Troubleshooting

Process training for operators includes an in-depth study of the basic equipment found in the chemical processing industry. Equipment training focuses on five basic skills (1) familiarity with the equipment and basic components, (2) understanding the operation of the device (scientific principles and technology), (3) equipment relationships within a system, (4) preventive maintenance and troubleshooting, and (5) operating the equipment. 

This article provides the basic information necessary to understand the general process of tablet formation. General machine design characteristics and tablet press nomenclature are presented. Tablet press control systems and process automation are discussed, followed by process and product troubleshooting on tablet compression equipment. 

Discrepancies in performance may be caused by deviations in physical properties of fluids, flow rates, inlet temperatures, mechanical construction of the equipment, or by problems caused during the installation of the equipment. The troubleshooter should first check to see that compositions, flows, temperatures, and physical properties agree with those specified for design. He should then examine the equipment drawings to determine if the problem could lie in the manner in which the equipment was constructed, or in the manner in which the equipment has been installed. After these basic items have been reviewed, the checklist below outlines some questions that should be raised. 

Troubleshooting the operation of process equipment requires a good understanding of basic components and how the equipment operates. Equipment used in modern manufacturing is run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year. Routine maintenance is performed on this equipment during scheduled maintenance times. 

Tradesmen require basic safety, emergency and process appreciation training. They should also be given special instructions about the equipment they will have to maintain and especially troubleshooting potential problems. 

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