Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/1268579
38 / JULY.AUGUST.2020 USICERINKS.COM Closed rink? Then it's the perfect time to start on seasonal maintenance // by BRAD WILKINS T HE COVID-19 PANDEMIC has had a profound impact on many businesses and their daily routine, forcing ice rinks throughout North America to shut down for peri- ods longer than usual. Can you take advantage of this unforeseen down- time? Absolutely, and the best way is to focus on plant maintenance. This is a perfect time to perform maintenance that you can't do while your facility is open and running. When the govern- ment announces it's safe to reopen, there will be a large number of rinks that will want to reopen in a very short time; staying up-to-date on your main- tenance program will make sure you're in the best position to open quickly and safely. The types of maintenance and servicing you can perform right now can be broken down into three buckets. There is short- term maintenance you would do regularly (such as checking fluid levels and pressure), mid-season maintenance you can perform now (such as overhauls and pump inspec- tions), and long-term maintenance that eliminates risk down the road (such as add- ing rustproof paint to your equipment). Get it all done now so your plant will be in per- fect working order to start a new season! Pulling from years of experience, we have compiled some suggestions on what you can do while your plant is shut down. Every facility is different, of course, and speaking to your refrigeration contrac- tor is the best way to know you're doing everything you can. Refrigeration Equipment Maintenance Checklist 1) CHECK AND MAINTAIN YOUR PIPING o Check the condition of your headers; look out for rusted gear clamps, leaks at welds and joints, loose clamps, and split piping. o Check the piping to ensure that there is no corrosion, paying special attention to the liquid lines entering the bottom of ammonia chillers.