Factory Acceptance Testing Excellence

May 1, 2012

The Holland Applied Technologies Systems Division designs and builds high purity skids and modules for the food, beverage and biopharmaceuFactory Acceptance Testing tical industry.  The last phase of the project usually includes a factory acceptance test (FAT).  Following are our thoughts on conducting a successful factory acceptance test.

Closure to a high purity process system project traditionally ends with a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT).  This is an important client function that almost always dictates the final grade on a significant project.

What makes for a successful FAT?  Here are some of the basic principles we use to consistently execute an excellent FAT:

  1. Keep your FAT date.  We understand the coordination required to schedule a FAT.
  2. Be prepared.  A good FAT begins before it starts.  We will have completed our pre-FAT checks on the system prior to customer arrival.  The more time the customer has to work on their FAT and not ours, the sooner they can finish.
  3. Assign a dedicated technician to run the FAT activities.  This person’s first priority is to assist the client in executing the FAT.
  4. Eliminate punch list items on-the-go.  Don’t wait for a list at the end before working off punch list items.
  5. Be flexible.  Be prepared to change course during the FAT if problems arise.  Be prepared to come in early or stay late to help the client finish.
  6. Make the best use of the time available.  Have hook ups ready to go before starting.  Plan for the next round of tests and what might be needed to execute.  Bring in lunch.  Anything to make best use of the client time during FAT.

Call Holland at 800-800-8464 to learn more about our systems design and build capabilities.

 


Engineering Solutions for High Purity Systems

February 8, 2012

Problem:  Large Biopharmaceutical Company required modification to existing Chromatography Feed (Product Hold) System.  The challenge was to design (3) 3-tank modules (arrays) to accommodate any combination of (5) 8,000L Vessels and (3) 5,500L vessels of differing diameters while maintaining identical points of connection for each vessel in complex piping arrangements.  This design feature would allow the customer tremendous production flexibility depending on the campaign.

Solution:  Holland Engineers developed a removable decking insert to accommodate any vessel diameter per position on each array.  The

Module Deck Showing the Inserts That Will Accommodate Multiple Vessel Sizes

sections were designed to be easily and safely removed and reinstalled for reconfiguration.  Vessel reconfiguration became efficient as well due to the innovative piping design making re-connections quick and easy.  This design feature worked so well that it was duplicated twice after the first installation.

Problem:  Bio-fuel customer UF Module design did not facilitate vertical installation due to the lack of lifting and support points.  As a result, the (8) Module UF System could not meet the space requirements.  Further, the equipment was to be installed on a mezzanine 30 feet above grade in an outdoor pilot facility which made handling for installation and maintenance of the modules challenging.   As the equipment was on the schedule critical path, a solution was required quickly.

Solution:  Holland Engineers worked with the module manufacturer to effectively install the membranes vertically and maintain piping pitch,

UF Module with Verticle Membranes

proper support, and accessibility to the modules.  Holland Engineers further designed an innovative, inexpensive lifting device to safely handle each module for installation and periodic membrane replacement.  It is estimated that this solution saved at least a day of expensive crane rental and rigging while solving the space constraint issue and maintaining the project schedule.

 

 

 

 


DO YOU HAVE HYGIENIC EQUIPMENT PROCESSING REQUIREMENTS?

October 12, 2011

Holland has been designing and building custom processing systems and skid’s for over 40 years.

Whether you need a simple Pump and Tank Wash Skid for cleaning or a turnkey Pharmaceutical Process System, to a basic Pump Cart, Holland has the Design Engineering Capability to help Execute your project smoothly.

With our :

  • Process Knowledge,
  • Ease of Doing Business
  • Quality

Design/Engineering Capabilities

  • P&ID Generation/modification
  • Process Design (3D Model)
  • Project Management
  • Factory Acceptance testing

 Manufacturing Capability

 Welding

  • Machining
  • Metal forming
  • Polishing

 

ASK US HOW WE CAN HELP EXECUTE YOUR PROCESS EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS.  CALL US AT 800-800-8464.


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