Maintenance in adhesive production is relevant to safety

The health and safety of employees is a priority in adhesives production. An air technology specialist provides regular and expert maintenance for four extraction systems that keep a producer's hall air clean.

In adhesives production at Henkel, regular and professional maintenance of all machines is an important safety aspect. Keller Lufttechnik takes over this task for four extraction systems that keep the hall air clean. Alexander Herner, team leader of planned maintenance at Henkel, appreciates the good and professional cooperation with Keller. Henkel is the largest adhesives producer in the world. 48 percent of group sales, over 9.6 billion euros, are generated by the Adhesive Technologies business sector. The Henkel plant in Heidelberg is the largest production site in Europe - specializing in adhesive technologies for the automotive industry. "Many things that used to be screwed into vehicles can now be bonded with our modern adhesives. This makes cars more flexible, lighter and quieter," says Alexander Herner.

Adhesive production starts with the mixing of the various powder and liquid starting materials - a dusty affair. But the employees notice little of this. This is ensured by a total of four extraction systems from Keller Lufttechnik, which suck in, filter and transport away the dust-laden air. The special feature of fine dusts is that a potentially explosive atmosphere is created in the extraction system. Since the possibility of an ignition spark cannot be completely ruled out, the plant engineers from Keller Lufttechnik equipped the units with suitable safety technology. For example, the explosion pressure shock-resistant housings also have a bursting disc that ensures controlled discharge of the pressure in an emergency, as well as check valves that prevent flames from spreading in the piping system. "To ensure that these systems do their job reliably at all times, regular maintenance by specialist personnel from Keller Lufttechnik is essential," says Alexander Herner. "The service technicians are very thorough in their approach. They need about four hours per extraction system. That's why I schedule the service appointments so that our three-shift operation can continue as usual."

Alexander Herner appreciates this conscientiousness because: "Safety is a top priority at Henkel," he says. "Our in-house standards are higher than those required by law." As team leader of planned maintenance, he has to constantly communicate this to external service providers that the company has contracted for maintenance and repair of various plants and remind them to comply. Often, that's challenging, he explains. However, he is enthusiastic about the cooperation with the Keller service team: "The employees are extremely competent, reliable and friendly. They understand our safety requirements and implement them easily. All work is carried out with the utmost care." He also recently expressed his satisfaction in a survey that Keller Lufttechnik conducted among its service customers. He awarded the highest marks across the board.

Since 2014, the Henkel plant in Heidelberg has been using Keller Service for the regular inspection of the extraction systems. Since 2020, a so-called service agreement has replaced the individual orders. "This gives the customer more favorable conditions and prioritizes them in the event of any malfunctions. It also simplifies administrative processing for both sides," says Martin Kirschmann, Team Leader Service Sales at Keller Lufttechnik. Service agreements are available in different variants and for all service levels; even individual requirements can be implemented. "In joint coordination with the operator, we always find a solution that fits and pleases," says Martin Kirschmann.

Because both Henkel and Keller Lufttechnik are conscientious about regular maintenance, the machines run reliably. "We have spare filters stored here that we can also replace ourselves," says Alexander Herner. "Other wear parts are supplied to us by Keller Lufttechnik at such short notice that, from experience, we don't have to stock them." Which spare parts should be stocked on site in order to be able to act in the event of an accident is recommended by the Keller service technician during the final discussion after an inspection according to the individual circumstances. "If there is a need for action on the equipment, the Keller specialists take a lot of time and explain to me and my team exactly and understandably what is involved and how everything works," says Alexander Herner. "We really appreciate that, since we don't have such detailed knowledge of the exhaust systems ourselves." (OM-06/23)