ON A ROLL

FIBA Technologies (Millbury, MA) is recognized as an industry leader in chemical and gas containment and distribution equipment. Part of the process at their Millbury location involves cleaning new and reconditioned large gas cylinders. FIBA uses a Wheelabrator® Skew Roll Machine to assist with this process. Since the machine's installation just over a year ago, everyone involved within the Millbury plant has noticed a tremendous improvement in efficiency.

When FIBA first approached Wheelabrator Group about manufacturing this machine, they had a similar, old machine by another manufacturer that was ready to be replaced. The new machine, with 2 EZEFIT® wheels, was designed with a few distinct changes in place to facilitate smoother machine operation and maintenance. The Skew Roll machine cleans at least 12 gas tubes per day, each one anywhere from 7 ft to 40 ft long and weighing up to 9000 lb.

In the past, the heaviest cylinders put a lot of stress on the conveyor, often jamming the machine and forcing operators to manually crank pieces through. In order to eliminate this arduous task, the conveyor with each skew roll is designed on its own chain drive. Now even the heaviest tubes stay in line and roll through the machine smoothly, allowing FIBA to reach its desired production rates.

Bruce Chaput, the plant manager in Millbury, has noticed a more consistent blast profile with the new equipment. This is especially important with tubes that are being painted, as it ensures the correct surface profile for the adhesion of paint. Mr. Chaput goes on to say "We are thrilled with the machine. Overall, it is just much more efficient, in terms of energy, time and safety." The new machine has resulted in less downtime, less handling and less risk of injury.

FIBA's service staff is also extremely pleased with this equipment because it is so user-friendly. The cast wear plates included in the design are standing up well to blasting and are lasting longer. When wear plates and wheel parts do need to be replaced, maintenance is reduced. The machine uses tight end seals to help keep shot within the machine. This significantly reduces the slip and fall safety hazard caused by shot on the floor and saves wasted abrasive that is swept up and thrown away. Better reclaim and sorting of the blast media has also resulted in the reduction of wasted shot.

A dust collector also operates alongside the Skew Roll machine. The dust collector has improved in-plant air quality. As a whole, the Skew Roll and dust collector allows FIBA employees to do their jobs efficiently and safely.

FIBA Technologies, Inc., 1535 Grafton Road, P.O. Box 360, Millbury, MA, USA 01527, 508-887-7100, Fax: 508-754-2254, www.fibatech.com.

Wheelabrator Group, Inc., 1606 Executive Drive, LaGrange, GA 30240, 706-884-6884, Fax: 706-884-0568,www.wheelabratorgroup.com.