Wellness Pet Company

_{Wellness Pet Company reduces dust emissions with customized solutions from Kiekens.}

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Wellness Pet Company is a global player who develops, produces, and distributes premium, natural pet food and treats on a global scale. Their European production location is in Veendam, where they manufacture chew snacks that remove plaque from dogs' teeth. These snacks are completely vegan and made with only natural ingredients. This line of business requires both an optimal food-proof production line and effective dust control in the production hall, especially when the machinery in Veendam was expanded.

_{Expansion of production capacity leads to new challenges}

Irene Timens, a purchaser at Wellness Pet Company in Veendam, says, "Until recently, we had one extruder with dust extraction in our production hall. This extruder had an output of 750 kilograms per hour, but at some point, it couldn't keep up with the production demand. That's why we installed a second extruder with an output of 1600 kilograms per hour, instantly tripling our capacity. It was great, but we weren't done yet because this second extruder was different from the first one. The new extruder cools the granulate using two vibrating towers, which generated a lot of dust. Additionally, more dust was released into the air during the filling of the granulate bags with this extruder. We could only draw one conclusion: our industrial vacuum cleaners were no longer sufficient."

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Customized solution ensures safe and proper extraction according to guidelines

"Our goal was to minimize dust emissions during the production process. In response, Kiekens designed a central vacuum system for cleaning the floors, platforms, and machine surroundings, both during production and when cleaning the machines after production. This system also allows direct extraction at certain production machines that operate 24/7. In addition, our old cyclone was replaced with a filter installation that includesa hopper and rotary valve for dust discharge. This filter was mounted on the existing silo frame. If dust accumulates in the filter, it is automatically dischargedi nto a big bag, eliminating the need to empty a dust bag every time."

Additional requirements arose from standards and regulations. The vacuum system was equipped with an ATEX filter and flame arrester to minimize risks. The electrical control panel was placed in a non-hazardous area, in accordance with the applicable regulations. To reduce noise levels, the turbo motor was enclosed in a soundproof casing, and all components and pipes comply with food safety standards.

Solution simplifies the work

"Experience has taught us that when machines are used ontinuously, there are always teething problems, especially when dealing with customized solutions. That's why we always evaluate such purchases. But a single call to Folker Ebbers, our account manager at Kiekens, and I know that it will be handled properly. Equally important is that the operators have mentioned that the cleaning work has become much easier. They no longer have to lug around large, separate industrial vacuum cleaners with heavy collectionbins; instead, they simply connect a hose to the wall. A total of 10 extractionpoints have been installed at strategic locations, and two people can vacuum simultaneously while maintaining suction power."

 "Satisfied with quality and commitment"

"I am very satisfied with the collaboration with Kiekens," concludes Irene. "Our account manager always responds quickly and flexibly, and I am very pleased with the quality of the work and the dedication of the two technicians. They worked long hours so that we could switch to the new system as soon as possible. Everything went very smoothly."

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