Checklist to request a technical assessment of a Centrifuge or Decanter

A good technical request starts with correctly identifying the equipment and objectively describing what changed in operation. This guide applies to Decanters and Centrifuges from different manufacturers and models, including those not shown in the HM gallery.

1. Identify the equipment

• Manufacturer and model, exactly as shown on the nameplate or documentation.
• Serial number or asset ID, if available.
• Type of equipment and general purpose of the process, if you can share it.
• Plant details and the person responsible for the contact.

If you do not know the model, just say so: describe the equipment and tell us what data you have. Our support does not depend on choosing one of the five machines in the gallery.

2. Describe the symptom and when it appears

Instead of trying to diagnose the failure, record what was observed. Examples: unusual vibration, new noise, alarms, leaks, overheating reported by the system, loss of performance or unexpected stops.

• When the behavior started and whether it is continuous or intermittent.
• At which stage of operation it appears and which alerts were recorded.
• Whether the equipment is still running or already stopped.
• Whether there was a recent change in the process or operating conditions.

3. Gather the available history

Work orders, inspections, replaced parts, downtime periods, operating hours and previous recommendations can help put the assessment in context. You don't need everything: share what is available.

4. Gather photos and documents safely

When available and allowed by company procedures, external photos of the nameplate, the assembly and any visible signs can help the conversation. Do not remove guards, do not bring people close to moving parts and do not intervene in the equipment to take photos.

Manuals and technical drawings should only be sent if you are authorized to share them. Avoid including confidential information about the process or third parties.

5. State the goal and urgency

• Is the request for preventive maintenance, failure investigation, refurbishment, spare parts, support or rental?
• Is the machine down or can the service be scheduled?
• In which city and country is the equipment located?
• Is there a maintenance window or a relevant operating deadline?

6. What happens after the first contact?

HM receives the information, answers questions and advises on possible next steps. Any proposal, scope of service, lead time, parts availability or rental will depend on analysis and commercial confirmation.