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IGT Cleans Up its
Las Vegas Assembly Line with Energy-Efficient Central Vacuum System
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Manufacturing giant International Game Technology (IGT) is a world
leader in manufacturing processes and profitability. When the Las
Vegas, NV division began designing its new 850,000-square foot
facility, management realized it was time for change. Staff members
were ready to trade in their brooms, dustpans, and portable vacuums
for a powerful central vacuum system.
Client Challenge
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IGT's Production Division in Las Vegas runs two shifts of technicians
who deconstruct slot machines then reassemble the components with new
materials to produce functional gaming devices. The process results in
a multitude of loose screws, metal shavings, nuts, bolts and plastic
fittings.
Debris littered
workstations and the existing decentralized debris collection process
resulted in costly workflow inefficiencies. Debris worked its way into
slot machines and into the conveyor system. Technicians hand picked
wayward parts out of machines and brushed debris away from the
conveyor. The result: expensive workflow stoppages and increased
finished goods cycle time.
Their quick-fix solution consisting of shop-vac style vacuums proved
costly and ineffective. These portable off-the-shelf units required
frequent personal maintenance, offered a very short life expectancy
and required cumbersome electrical cords.
The AutoVac Solution
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The AutoVac Industrial (AVI) team worked closely with IGT engineers
and end users to identify process inefficiencies and determine the
source of work stoppage. AVI then engineered a central vacuum system
that would integrate with individual assembly line stations and
enhance IGT's existing production process.
The system was custom engineered, manufactured and installed by AVI
and includes: two 25hp centrifugal exhausters, four separators, 2,000+
linear feet of piping, 33 vacuum stations, Vacuum IQ™ motor controls,
and Vacuum Logic™ remote monitoring software.
Suction is piped from the exhausters to individual vacuum stations to
provide vacuum on demand at the point of process. As air returns to
the exhausters, debris is filtered from the air stream by two primary
separators on the assembly line floor and two additional hopper-style
separators at the exhausters.
To ensure maximum energy efficiency, the vacuum producers are
controlled by AVI's Vacuum IQ™ program. Its variable frequency drive
technology and customized software work dynamically with the
exhaustersʼ motors to ensure optimum energy efficiency. The software
constantly monitors demand for suction along the assembly line and
adjusts the frequency of the motors so the suction produced always
matches vacuum demand, thereby maximizing the system's electrical
efficiency.
Vacuum Logic™ management software allows authorized personnel to
monitor and manipulate the entire system remotely via internet
connection. Parameters can be set for multiple shifts so the system
runs during designated hours and then automatically powers off. Vacuum
Logic™ʼs proactive maintenance software notifies personnel in real
time whenever the system requires attention.
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Features and EquipmentTOP |
| Two
600Series AutoVac centrifugal exhausters, 25hp each. |
| One
600Series Pulse Jet Filter Separator (hopper style) with 50 gallon
debris collector fitted with quick disconnect and self-cleaning
pulse-jet technology. |
| One
600Series Centrifugal Primary Separator with 50 gallon debris
collector and quick disconnect. |
| Two
Primary Pre-Filter Separators at each disassembly conveyor for
large debris removal before air enters main overhead piping. |
| Custom
engineered piping system with No-Clog™ technology, consisting of
more than 2,000 linear feet. |
| 33
Vacuum Stations located along assembly line consisting of
ergonomic hose assemblies, nozzles and custom hangers designed and
manufactured by AVI engineering team. |
| Vacuum
IQ™ motor control with variable frequency drive technology and
proprietary software. |
| Vacuum
Logic™ remote monitoring software program |
| System
operates at 74 decibels at 10 feet while operating full speed, 50
decibels at idle. |
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International Game Technology |
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