Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/774279
48 / JANUARY.FEBRUARY.2017 USICERINKS.COM ASK RINK You have rink questions, RINK has rink answers Send your rink questions to: INFO@USICERINKS.COM PHOTOS: ARCHIVES MUSSON RUBBER CO. GREEN OUTDOOR STAIR TREAD PERFECT FOR INDOOR WET AREAS • Made from 100% recycled tires • Fibers imbedded in rubber for long lasting heavy duty wear • Resistant to ice skates • Available in black in a diamond pattern • 3" smooth back border and square nose P.O. Box 7038 • Akron, Ohio 44306 800-321-2381 • Fax 330-773-3254 info@mussonrubber.com • www.mussonrubber.com WE'RE TRYING TO DETERMINE IF IT MAKES SENSE TO KEEP OUR REFRIGERATION COMPANY ON A MONTHLY RETAINER AS WE HAVE BEEN, OR IF WE SHOULD JUST SWITCH TO A "CALL WHEN NEEDED" APPROACH AND TRY TO SAVE SOME MONEY? Depending on your staff capabilities, there are advantages to having an outside vendor look over your ice plant on a regular basis, whether that be weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually. Most service providers utilize qualified refrigeration mechanics that have a wide array of expertise and experience. While your staff may be intimately familiar with your ice plant, how quickly can they identify potential issues that could negatively impact your business operations? More importantly, are they able to find solutions, locate parts and supplies, and then perform the needed work? Q: A: Looking at the "call when needed" portion of your question— when would staff make that determination? Even money that it would be when your plant shuts down and now you're in panic mode! It's usually less expensive to maintain equipment than it is to repair or replace. We've run this checklist before, and it bears sharing it again: Annual checks to help with trouble-free operation • Compressor oils should be sent out for testing. Discuss the report with your service provider. • Check operating temperatures of the compressor and compare with factory specifications. • Check oil seals. • Cleaning and inspection of the condensers and towers (dependent upon your type of condenser). Generally suggested hourly maintenance schedule for reciprocating compressors Every 5,000 hours: • Cleaning of oil suction filter and renewal of oil discharge filter. • Cleaning of suction gas strainer. • Inspection of suction and discharge valves. • Draining and change of oil. Every 10,000 hours: • Major inspection and repairs to be carried out by qualified refrigeration mechanic.