The challenge
Tropical humidity and fine dust had caused material to cake over the aeration fabric of the air slides, restricting transport. Flanges, inspection ports and blower lines were dusty and corroding, and worn canvas was unbalancing air distribution.
The slides run at height among dense conveyor galleries next to live dispatch circuits.
Scope of works
- Dual-rope rope access and restraint lifelines along the suspended air slide runs
- Full lockout/tagout of blowers and feed gates before opening the covers
- Internal and external cleaning, removal of hardened cement and vacuuming of the troughs
- Inspection of aeration membranes, re-seating of gaskets and flange tightness checks
Outcome
The air slides and blower lines were restored to their design flow, airtight and clean. See also the air slide maintenance at this plant and the air slide repairs case study.
Photo record
