Case Studies
Customer Report: Minneapolis Water Works
The Minneapolis Water Works uses two ROOTS blowers that were installed and in continuous operation since 1941. The blowers are used to unload rail cars of limestone that Minneapolis uses to soften its drinking water.
The blowers are located on the top floor of a three story facility which also houses an auger conveying system and a bag house. Even with the well-maintained bag house, the blowers are subjected to a good amount of dust that creates an abrasive environment. Ken Johnson, Minneapolis Water Works maintenance shop foreman, reports "...the blowers have been in continuous service and the only maintenance required in their 64 years has been seven sets of belts replaced and one motor replaced. The lubrication is monitored and no other maintenance has been needed."
Ken Johnson (right) contacted Kathy Hemen (middle) and Colleen Fisher (left) at Engineering America, Inc., the local distributor / agent for Dresser Roots. Engineering America, Inc. arranged a field service visit by Dean Adams, Dresser Roots, while he was completing a Maintenance Training school sponsored by Engineering America, Inc. for industrial and municipal customers.
The blower had become blocked with a chunk of limestone and the unit was disassembled to remove the blockage. Upon inspection, the blower was given a clean bill of health and is back on the job for the City of Minneapolis.