Recently, our team successfully completed the installation of Moba systems at Kieku Oy in Finland. This project involved the installation of an Omnia PX530, along with an M loader. What makes this installation unique is the integration of multiple third-party robots. Specifically, a third-party robot was connected to the ML loader to ensure that eggs are loaded from the pallet into the loader. Additionally, five third-party robots were positioned at the discharge side of the machine to handle further processing of the eggs. The integration of these third-party systems required precise coordination to ensure the seamless operation of the entire process.

Steps Involved in the Installation of the Moba System

The installation process of a Moba system involves several phases, starting with the removal of the old equipment. In this case, we had to dismantle the old Moba machine, an Omnia FT330. This was no easy task given the tight timeline; the old machine had to be returned in the same truck that delivered the new equipment, and they had to leave by 10 AM the next day to catch the boat. Three SMS (secondhand Moba Systems) technicians were needed to manage this operation smoothly. There were seven trucks with the new equipment, all of which had to be unloaded and prepared for installation in one day, including removing transport materials and cleaning up. After removing the old machine, we prepared it for transport back to the Netherlands. Only then could we begin installing the new systems.

Preparations Before Installation

Preparation is crucial, especially since multiple third-party systems are connected to the Moba installation. It is essential to ensure that the mechanical, electrical, interface, and software connections are well-coordinated. In this case, it was necessary to coordinate with the suppliers of the robots, egg printers, and pack printers. In November, one of our engineers Jacco flew personally to the client to ensure this coordination, making sure that the interface between the different systems would function correctly. This preparation helped us avoid unforeseen delays during the installation.

Timeline for the Complete Installation

The timeline for the complete installation was quite tight, given the complexity of the project. We had five days to dismantle the old machine and set up the new one. The process began on Tuesday evening at 5 PM with the dismantling, and we had to be ready for production by Monday at 6 AM. During the first days of production, we had to sort 800,000 eggs per day, eventually increasing to over 1 million eggs per day. It was an intense and challenging timeline, but with experience and thorough preparation, we managed to meet the deadline.

Testing the System After Installation

Once the machine is fully assembled, we begin by powering up the various systems step by step. Once all systems are powered, we start adjusting and calibrating the machine. This is a meticulous process, where we tweak the settings to ensure everything functions optimally. After calibration, we simulate ghost eggs (software simulation of eggs) to check if the machine runs smoothly. If this simulation is successful, we test the machine with a small number of real eggs. Only when everything runs smoothly are we ready for production.

Availability of Manuals and Documentation

There are indeed service manuals available that describe the installation instructions for the various parts of the machine. However, much of the work is also done based on experience. Jacco has been working as a service technician for over 30 years and has many of the processes and techniques in his head. There is no detailed installation plan that can be applied to every specific situation, but we do have a general installation drawing of the building and the dimensions of the machine, which helps plan the installation efficiently and place it correctly in the building. Much of the practical knowledge is applied comes from the experience of the technicians on site.