First-time retrofit of the FOK 8.8 sliding chain system

SRF Flexipak South Africa PTY Ltd. achieves a massive production speed increase with the latest chain track system FOK 8.8

For the first time in the service history of Brückner Servtec, the high-speed chain track system model FOK 8.8 has been retrofitted. The upgrade took place at the 5-layer BOPP line of the long-standing customer SRF Flexipak South Africa (Cato Ridge, South Africa) and enabled a speed increase up to 525 m/min with a significantly higher output.

Chain track system sets new standards in film production

The highlight of the modernization project was the initial retrofit of an FOK 8.8 sliding chain system in the transverse direction orientation unit (TDO) of the BOPP line. The upgrade allowed for an unprecedented speed increase up to 525 m/min, taking the film stretching line to a completely new production level. The benefits are clear: the line speed is increased, the system reliability is enhanced, the maintenance costs are minimized, and the reduced oil consumption preserves the asset and improves the film quality.

The upgradation of equipment’s not only significantly enhanced the productivity but also future-proofed the line and prolongs its lifecycle, offering substantial long-term benefits for SRF Flexipak South Africa.

Efficient teamwork enabled pre-start-up

In parallel with the upgrades, extensive overhaul work has been performed on all vital components of the production line, elevating it to the highest standards. This has been made possible through the exceptional cooperation and flexibility of the multinational team of 37 people on-site. Thanks to their concentrated effort, all maintenance and upgrading tasks have been completed within a very short installation time, enabling the completion and start-up of the film stretching line ahead of the scheduled date.

Brückner's project manager Hugo Seel describes the teamwork as follows: "In these challenging times, both teams have proven that commitment and team spirit can move mountains. Each and every one of them worked far beyond the expectation. I would particularly like to thank the installation company Lovemore, whose support with additional manpower was crucial to the success of the project.”

Record productivity after completion of the upgrade

Dinesh Chandra Bhatt, Vice President -SRF’s project manager, is highly satisfied with the upgrade: "We are extremely happy with the increase in speed and the quality of the film, which not only meets but exceeds our requirements. We have also set a new benchmark regarding the produced tons in a month! The cooperation was excellent throughout all phases of the project. Thanks to all people involved.”.

Markus Gschwandtner, Managing Director of Brückner Servtec, adds: "We are very pleased that SRF South Africa, has relied on our services for their global BOPP lines over many years and will continue to use our expertise for future upgrades. I would also like to thank all the teams involved for their tireless efforts, the guidance of Mr. DC Bhatt and the support of SRFs CEO Mr. Prashant Mera and its COO Mr. Hari K. Singh. Many extra miles have been successfully mastered!".