Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the function of the 24 head filler machine?
What is the function of the 24 head filler machine?
What does the rotary chuck capper primarily do during the capping process?
What does the rotary chuck capper primarily do during the capping process?
What is the primary purpose of the vacuum during the filling process?
What is the primary purpose of the vacuum during the filling process?
What is the aim of using cameras in the capping process?
What is the aim of using cameras in the capping process?
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What contributes to around 90% of the blending process in the facility?
What contributes to around 90% of the blending process in the facility?
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What inspired Al Amituzio to introduce synthetic lubricants to the automotive industry?
What inspired Al Amituzio to introduce synthetic lubricants to the automotive industry?
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What milestone did Amsoil achieve in the late 1960s?
What milestone did Amsoil achieve in the late 1960s?
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What was a significant outcome of Amsoil's initial delivery of synthetic lubricants by Al himself?
What was a significant outcome of Amsoil's initial delivery of synthetic lubricants by Al himself?
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What is the purpose of the human-machine interface used at Amsoil's facility?
What is the purpose of the human-machine interface used at Amsoil's facility?
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What is the primary function of the pigging system used by the pumps at Amsoil's facility?
What is the primary function of the pigging system used by the pumps at Amsoil's facility?
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Study Notes
- Gail Banks is at Amsoil in Superior, Wisconsin, to learn about engine oil.
- Al Amituzio, Amsoil's founder, was inspired by the performance of synthetic lubricants in cold climates during his military service.
- In the late 1960s, Amsoil became the first company to introduce synthetic lubricants to the automotive industry with API certification.
- Amsoil's first synthetic lubricant was sent to the Southwest Research Institute for testing and received certification in 1967.
- Amsoil's synthetic lubricants were initially delivered by Al himself and later led to the creation of a massive distribution system.
- Amsoil was the first company to produce synthetic diesel oil, racing oil, and marine oil, among other firsts in the synthetic lubricant industry.
- At Amsoil's facility, raw materials are heated and tested before unloading from rail cars.
- Rail cars can contain up to 30,000 gallons and can be steamed to make the product flow more easily.
- The blending area contains over 50 tanks and over 250 miles of black wire for instrumentation.
- The pumps used at Amsoil do not mechanically fail and use a pigging system to clean lines between product runs.
- 1.4 million gallons of product are stored on-site to meet production needs.
- The company's family-owned history spans over 49 years with multiple generations involved.
- Amsoil uses a human-machine interface to interact with technology in the production process.
- Blending occurs through a heat exchanger and simultaneous metering for high accuracy and precision.
- The eductor in the system creates turbulence, contributing to around 90% of the blending process.
- The facility can handle multiple blends simultaneously to meet diverse customer needs.
- The filling process focuses on getting empty bottles on the line as quickly as possible to maximize efficiency.
- The line runs at 185 bottles per minute and aims to reach 200 bottles per minute.- A machine called "24 head filler" measures and adjusts the weight of every bottle to ensure consistency in the amount of fluid they contain.
- The machine first weighs the empty bottle, then fills it with the right amount of fluid while keeping track of the weight.
- The filler aims for a maximum variation of only 0.8 grams between bottles.
- As the bottle is filled, a vacuum pulls any excess fluid back up to avoid drips.
- After filling, the bottle is handed off to an indexing wheel and fed into a capper.
- Rotary chuck capper is used, which has a built-in clutch for consistent torque during the capping process.
- Cameras inspect the cap, distance between the shoulder and the cap, and make sure it's down tight.
- Labels are checked for proper application and alignment using a labeler.
- Over a thousand different products are produced in the facility and distributed through 13 locations, reaching 89% of the US population in one day and 99% in two days.
- The facility aims to turn over its inventory 18 times a year.
- The text mentions a diesel oil production line and the specific product being produced at the time is 5w40 diesel oil in the Maximum Duty series.
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Description
Explore the detailed process of Amsoil's engine oil production, from the history of synthetic lubricants to the intricate blending, filling, and distribution processes. Learn about the company's innovations, quality control measures, and distribution reach across the U.S.
