PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Treehouse Foods Inc. has a waffle/pancake production facility in Brantford, Ontario. In 2017, Line 1 was isolated and physically separated to create a designated gluten-free production line. The existing ventilation system was not able to keep up with the heat load created by the ovens. Ontario Ministry of Labour complaints were filed due to the excessive temperatures in the oven area.

B&M SCOPE OF WORK

Black & McDonald (B&M) conducted an initial and preliminary structural review to evaluate the impact of proposed mechanical work by a structural engineer/consultant. A report was provided identifying structural reinforcement requirements, if any, for two new make-up air units, six new exhaust fans, guy wire & anchor installation needed for supply, and installation of a new ventilation system for the Line 1 oven and freezer rooms. In the oven room, B&M supplied and installed an 8,000 CFM make up air unit interlocked with four 2,000 CFM exhaust fans, each of the exhaust fans were connected to a large kitchen hood at each end of two ovens. The exhaust ducts on each of the fans were extended upward by 6 ft. in order to release the exhaust high enough that it does not intake back into the system. In the freezer room a 7,500 CFM makeup air unit and two 3,500 CFM exhaust fans were installed in order to remove moisture from the air during and after sanitation.

BENEFITS TO CLIENT AND PROBLEMS SOLVED

B&M’s team reduced production interruption and waste risk for the client by a minimum of $80,000/yr. It also reduced risk of business interruption caused by high temperatures and heat stress, work slowdown (improved health & safety risk management and compliance), prevented break downs, failures and shortened equipment and asset life expectancy. Overall the project improved environmental and quality control with more stable temperatures.