DRM Diversafab developed the prototype of their innovative high heat precleaner after getting a call from a Canadian foundry.
The foundry was using a Kawasaki steel wheel loader in a slag pit with molten metal, and its existing precleaner failed because the internal plastic components melted.
The foundry called DRM because their Centri precleaner has a 100 percent stainless steel body with an aluminum hood and no plastic components. They asked for help in designing a precleaner to perform at a higher operating temperature and DRM sent back a model which the foundry loved.
Six months later, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) called DRM asking for a high heat precleaner and way to keep the embers from forest fires from getting into the engines of their fire-line dozers.
DRM designed a stainless steel prescreen screen, which exceeds the NFPA standard for ember protection and can accompany the Centri High Heat Precleaner to withstand the higher temperature and harsh operating environment of California wildfires.
The High Heat Prescreen together with the High Heat Precleaner comprises a kit that has since become mandatory equipment on all Cal Fire dozers.
“This high heat product line creates a win-win situation for Cal Fire because it keeps embers from getting into their fire-line dozers’ engines — and therefore protecting the equipment — but also reduces equipment maintenance costs, DRM Sales Manager Ward Utterback said
“Not only do you have heat and ember protection — which safeguards the operator and the equipment — but you gain increased engine air filter life, increased performance, reduced maintenance downtime and, ultimately, savings in both direct and indirect maintenance costs.”
DRM Diversafab is a light metals fabricator located in Baraboo, Wisconsin. In addition to its CENTRI precleaners, its fabrication division makes custom parts and assemblies in aluminum, stainless steel and other metals. For more details, visit them on the Web at www.centriprecleaner.com.