by Howard Penrose, Ph.D., CMRP | Apr 9, 2021 | Electrical Reliability, Plant Operations, The Sustainable Plant
We frequently think of electric motors and driven equipment when the topic of energy efficiency comes up. On the other hand, the energy-transmission component, or coupling, also has an energy-efficiency rating that can be affected by things such as application and...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Apr 5, 2021 | Newsletter Column, Training & Qualification
Developing maintenance training needn’t be complicated. It can be straightforward when focused on specific outcomes. Training alone, though, doesn’t make a person proficient in performing newly learned tasks on the job. The critical (often overlooked) step...
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Apr 3, 2021 | Maintenance Management, RAM Tools & Methods
Albert Einstein may have said it best: “In the midst of every crisis lies great opportunity.” Those words have special meaning in industry today. As with all catastrophic events, the 2020/21 COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, once again, how unprepared...
by Drew Troyer, CRE, CMRP, T.A. Cook/Accenture, Editor | Apr 3, 2021 | Plant Operations, RAM Tools & Methods, RAM's Human Factor
As a consultant, I support my clients with a variety of initiatives to improve the performance, reliability, safety, and environmental sustainability of their plant equipment and manufacturing processes. Sometimes these initiatives are small, given the fact we’re...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Apr 3, 2021 | Asset Management, Plant Operations, The Bloch Files
It is not the purpose, nor within the scope of this article to give detailed field erection and installation specifications for the many rotating machines found in modern process industry. However, field erection and installation specifications are not left to chance...
by Howard Penrose, Ph.D., CMRP | Apr 3, 2021 | Electrical Reliability, Plant Operations, The Sustainable Plant
Compressed-air systems are an important part of most plant operations. That said, these systems have typically been the most inefficient utility in plants. Even in a well-maintained compressed-air system, to operate a one-horsepower air motor, you generally need seven...
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Mar 29, 2021 | Asset Management, Newsletter Column
If asked where a maintenance-improvement program should focus its initial efforts within your organization, how would you respond? If you answer, “understand and improve our stakeholder and partner relationships,” you have truly grasped the holistic, or universal key...
by Jane Alexander, Managing Editor | Mar 28, 2021 | Solution of the Week, Solution Showcase
According to ABB, Zurich, Switzerland, its recently launched Ability Performance Optimization Service for cold rolling mills, offers manufacturers of steel, aluminium, and other metals a way to reach new levels of operation. The new service is part of ABB’s metals...
by Drew Troyer, CRE, CMRP, T.A. Cook/Accenture, Editor | Mar 28, 2021 | Asset Management, RAM Tools & Methods
The first article in this short series on precision parts (March 21, 2021) discussed the topic of designing for reliability (see link below). Here in Part II, the focus is on the rebuild process. Figure 1 illustrates the process flow I recommend for management...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Mar 27, 2021 | Lubrication Corner, RAM Tools & Methods, The Bloch Files
Every so often, it’s time to ask if our knowledge of a reliability subject is up to date. The need to stay abreast of grease technology is a case in point: One case study showing the benefits of doing so dates back to around 2006. That’s when a Texas-based...
