Duplexing eliminates enforced plant shutdowns
January 1st 2007

The case for duplexing essential systems, such as compressed air dryers, within busy manufacturing plants is significant, particularly when consideration is given to the consequences of a breakdown.

More and more, production plants are being run around the clock to maximise the return on investment over a shorter period of time. Combined with flexibility of service, Just In Time and Kanban practices, this simply adds to the pre-requisite of plant reliability.

In jeopardy With this in mind the consideration of what might happen should a compressed air dryer go down can literally bring about permanent insomnia.

Not only is the operational capability of the whole plant and the speed of operation put in jeopardy if there is no backup system, but the production targets and delivery dates not so much go out of the window as cut-off, along with all the financial implications of lost production and missed deliveries.

So much of a production plant's operation depends upon clean, dry, oil-free compressed air that should a dryer go down unexpectedly then the loss of production doesn't bear thinking about.

To avoid the unthinkable, as well as to cater for scheduled maintenance of the plant's dryer, a standby dryer can provide both a cost-effective and peace-of-mind solution. In many cases it may not need to be the same size or capacity as the main dryer, as time can bring about speedy repair, particularly where a service agreement exists.

Many such essential services are duplexed in manufacturing industry such as in the pharmaceutical, chemical and metal industries where 24 hour, seven days a week continuous production is essential for plant continuity.

"In any manufacturing or process situation the continuity of an installation is essential.

Duplexing affords that continuity and in the long term offers paybacks in energy efficiency and extended operational life." Donaldson Ultrafilter's comprehensive range of dedicated desiccant dryers provide an immediate solution for system duplexing. Donaldson Ultrafilter's technical engineers can assist with planning and selection.

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