Danish spray drying equipment manufacturer Niro has established a specialist after market business unit for its chemical division.
The new business is to provide process back-up services to existing users of spray drying plants. It will, for the first time, focus directly on exploring the process needs of existing users with the aim of boosting productivity and developing plants as those needs change.
There are many existing plants that have been giving good service for many years but, with the development of new methods and materials, can now be updated to achieve better productivity, explained Henrik Johansen, the business manager in charge of after-sales in Copenhagen. 'Quite straight-forward modifications can be made to plants that reduce energy consumption, save money and ensure that they meet the current safety standards,' he said.
Modifying a plant in this way is much less expensive than building new and, depending on its size, can show a very acceptable pay-back. 'Modifications, even to a small plant, will probably pay for themselves within five years,' said Henrik. 'Improvements to a bigger plant, say with a throughput of 50,000m3 of process air per hour, would pay for themselves in half that time.'
Modifications can, for example, include building in new heat recovery systems or upgrading controls, but the service is not limited to efficiency modifications. Plant requirements often change as new products are introduced or existing ones evolve. Manufacturers' first reaction is sometimes to replace redundant plant, but it is often possible to adjust or modify equipment for new applications. 'Introducing CIP filters, changing atomiser nozzles or introducing new equipment into the process line can transform a plant from one use to another at the minimum of cost,' claims Johansen.
Relocation of plant equipment is sometimes necessary, either because the whole factory is relocating or because a redesign is required to make space for additional processes. Niro after-sales can manage the relocation project and suggest modifications that will reduce the footprint and improve productivity as part of the move. The new division is able to advise on plant safety, including Hazop studies, and manage necessary upgrades efficiently.
Niro is able to provide this service for all spray drying plants whether originally supplied by itself or another company.