The core of checking the tightness of the connection between the hopper and pipeline in the egg tray equipment forming system is to investigate leakage and loosening risks in stages. It needs to combine pre-shift static inspection and in-shift dynamic monitoring. The specific operation steps are as follows:
1. Pre-shift static inspection (shutdown, no slurry state)
Fastener visual inspection + manual tightening verification
- Check the connection parts between the hopper discharge port and the main pipeline, pipeline elbows/tees, and branch pipes and nozzles one by one. Confirm that clamps, flange bolts and threaded joints are complete without missing.
- Gently tighten the fasteners by hand to feel if there is looseness. Clamps should be pressed without gaps, and bolts should have no sloshing. If looseness is found, tighten them to the torque required by the equipment manual (avoid over-tightening which may cause pipeline deformation and gasket damage).
Seal condition inspection
- Check if the gaskets and sealing rings at the connection parts are aged, cracked or deformed, especially the rubber gaskets at the flange connections. If damage is found, replace them with seals of the same specification immediately to prevent slurry leakage.
Pipeline appearance inspection
- Observe if there are traces of dry and hard slurry residue at the connection interface between the hopper and the pipeline. If yes, it indicates a previous leakage. Focus on reinforcement and clean the residue to avoid blockage caused by caking.
2. In-shift dynamic monitoring (startup, slurry circulation state)
Observation at the initial stage of slurry circulation
- Start the slurry mixing and conveying system, place a clean receiving tray under the connection parts of the hopper and pipeline, and check after 5-10 minutes of operation:
- Whether there is slurry dripping or seepage at the interface;
- Whether there is slurry “overflow” at the connection between the pipeline and the hopper. If yes, shut down immediately, re-tighten or replace the seals.
Key inspection under pressure fluctuation
- When the forming system switches different molds or adjusts the slurry conveying pressure, recheck the connection parts. Pressure changes will increase the leakage risk of loose interfaces, so it is necessary to confirm no leakage under high pressure.
Abnormal noise and vibration inspection
- If abnormal vibration or “sizzling” noise occurs at the connection between the hopper and pipeline during operation, it may be the slurry scouring sound caused by loose connections. Shut down to check the fasteners and re-fix them to prevent pipeline falling off.
3. Special situation inspection (restart after long-term shutdown)
- If the equipment is shut down for more than 24 hours, before restarting, disassemble the joint between the hopper and the main pipeline, clean the solidified slurry caking at the interface, and then reinstall and fasten to avoid poor sealing caused by caking.
- If the pipeline is connected with hoses, check if the hoses are aged or bulging, and if the clamps with the joints are slipping. Aged hoses need to be replaced in time.
Inspection precautions
- Avoid touching the pipeline interface with sharp tools during operation to prevent scratching the sealing surface.
- Follow the “diagonal tightening” principle when fastening bolts (for flange connections) to ensure uniform force.
- Record the results of each inspection in the equipment account. For interfaces with repeated loosening, install lock washers or replace with locking fasteners.
