Key points
Terry Mason has been Spiroflow’s Test Bay Manager for 12 years. He was previously an engineering and production shift manager at Castle Cement for 30 years.
As Terry will confirm, the importance of testing cannot be underestimated. Using our analysis lab we will test your product to see the angle of repose, flowability and bulk density (to name a few), which will help us choose the best application for your product.
Taking some time out from his busy role, we invited Terry to answer a few questions in a short Q&A – here are his responses:
Describe a typical day in the office?
The day is usually spent by looking at what products we have coming in for testing and setting up full materials trials on our test equipment. Some tests can run over several days – if this is the case, clearly customers can attend or, if they prefer, we can produce a video of the testing and email them the results. This is particularly handy if they are overseas customers.
Alongside my knowledge and experience, I’m typically using both product and equipment databases as resources in running the tests. This allows me to fully understand what our sales managers require from the test and what they need to produce for their customers.
In addition to the physical testing of products, I also work with the engineering department to provide feedback on how a test has gone. The main purpose of this is to supply technical support and direction so that customers can be provided with a fully engineered solution to their process issues. The results of which are effectively the foundations of our engineering solutions.
What is a ‘not so typical’ day in the office?
Well we had more than our fair share of odd products…chicken wings, thigh bones, fish food – all very smelly! Strangely enough, concentrated vanilla extract, which was spilt everywhere – had a lingering pong for years and I still don’t like the smell of vanilla since.
We’ve also had shimmery powder, used in make-up/foundation, which has left the lab glittery for days!
Describe the importance of product feasibility honesty v’s sales?
Once an application has been quoted for, I see it as my responsibility to find potential issues with the proposal and provide solutions. My previous experience in production and maintenance means that I fully understand and appreciate the ramifications further down the engineering line of not highlighting problems early on. By being honest about what will and will not work, means that I am not wasting customers’ time on a solution that could ultimately fail and prove costly for both parties.
What are the top tips you’d give to customers looking for equipment and what should they consider?
The first question I always ask is: how are you getting the product into our system and how are you getting it out? It is vital that we fully understand the nature for the product and, in particular, how Spiroflow equipment could fit into the entire process. If we can do that, we can recommend the best solution for the job.
Can you provide an example of how you overcame a really tricky problem?
Most customers get a positive result after doing machine trials, as we don’t progress any difficult products from the lab tests if we know that they are unlikely to work. We offer custom engineering solutions, so no two tests are the same. Sorry, but only good outcomes here!
Lastly, what is the best part of your job?
In reality, it’s consistently finding wholly workable solutions to customers’ tricky problems!
www.Spiroflow.com
marketing@spiroflow.com
UK: 44 (0) 1200 422525
US: 1 704 246 0900
Spiroflow Limited
- 01200 422525
- sales@spiroflow.com
- http://www.spiroflow.com
- Lincoln Way, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 1QG GB
About us
Continuous product development allied to a thorough understanding of customers" process needs and objectives has kept Spiroflow at the forefront of the bulk handling industry since the mid 1970s. From our early beginnings supplying flexible screw conveyors, mainly to the plastics industry, Spiroflow is today one of the world"s leading manufacturers of a full range of equipment for handling dry bulk solids and ingredients in powder, granule, pellet and flake form, across the whole spectrum of process industries.
Commitment, quality, reliability and service Spiroflow conveying and weighing systems are in operation worldwide and are acclaimed for their outstanding versatility and prolonged working life in the most demanding environments. In food and pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and chemicals, minerals and plastics, Spiroflow"s experience and proven capability is providing the answer to every conceivable handling need. The leading design principles behind all Spiroflow equipment are: dust-free handling and hygienic operation.
Our range includes not only the latest automatic conveyor systems, but also fully compatible weighing equipment for a wide variety of applications, from batch processing of ingredients, to the filling and controlled emptying of bulk bags or sacks. Behind all Spiroflow products is a dedicated design, manufacturing, testing and installation facility, backed up by a rapid spares and service network. Our high standards are sustained through an on-going development programme utilising CAD design facilities and material testing procedures.
Our conveying and weighing systems are designed with a minimum of working parts for maximum reliability in operation. Simple to operate and easy to clean and maintain, their robust construction ensures a long working life with minimum downtime. Willingness to meet customer"s specific needs A cornerstone of our success is our eagerness to design and develop equipment to meet the needs of individual customers. Not only has this enabled our customers to operate in ways that best suit them, it has been the driving force behind our product range today. Our Engineers like nothing more than a challenge!
Where we supply to
Europe
Industries we supply to
Automation, Chemicals, Consultants, Components Electronics, Energy and Power, Food and Beverage, Glass Ceramics Cement, Metals and Minerals, OEM, Paper and Pulp, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Plastics and Rubber, Recycling, Textiles, Tobacco, Water and Wastewater
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