by Drew Troyer, CRE, CMRP, T.A. Cook/Accenture, Editor | Jan 18, 2020 | Maintenance Management, The Sustainable Plant
Continuing with my “Reliability Resolution 2020” theme on TheRAMReview.com, this final installment of a three-part series brings together the machine-life-extension benefits described in the first series installment (Jan. 4, 2020) with the energy-savings...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Jan 17, 2020 | Maintenance Management, Plant Operations
In this era of shortages in skills and labor, many small- and mid-sized businesses are turning to an ever-growing number of affordable automation technologies. But, it’s not necessarily traditional automation that’s attracting their attention. Take robotics for...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Jan 13, 2020 | Newsletter Column, RAM Tools & Methods
In the world of essential capital assets (facilities, plants, equipment, infrastructure, buildings, etc.), we must embrace the guiding principles of continuous, incremental improvement. Whether it’s discreet manufacturing, primary metals, petrochemical, foods,...
by Jane Alexander, Managing Editor | Jan 12, 2020 | Solution of the Week, Solution Showcase
ProSense FG1 Series mechanical, variable-area flow meters from AutomationDirect, Cumming, GA, offer visual indication of flow rate for water or petroleum-based fluids. According to the company, the devices provide +/-5% full scale accuracy and a repeatability of...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jan 12, 2020 | The Bloch Files, Training & Qualification, Workforce Issues
Experienced manufacturers can be effective tutors: Consider selecting the best qualified from among them and make them your technology providers. Involve those technology providers in presenting well-structured half-day (or longer) seminars at your facility, and find...
by Howard Penrose, Ph.D., CMRP | Jan 12, 2020 | Electrical Reliability, Motors & Drives, Safety Matters
As noted in previous articles in this series on motor-driven equipment and electrical-system-reliability issues in today’s plants, the primary electrical concern is the supply to electric motors, i.e., the voltage. An electric motor is electrically designed around the...
by Drew Troyer, CRE, CMRP, T.A. Cook/Accenture, Editor | Jan 11, 2020 | Maintenance Management, Plant Reliability in Dollars and $ense, RAM Tools & Methods, The Sustainable Plant
Continuing with this “Reliability Resolution 2020” series focusing on precision maintenance, I am expanding upon the theme developed in the first installment (posted on TheRamReview.com, Jan. 4, 2020). In that article, I challenged readers to evaluate the measurable...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jan 6, 2020 | Newsletter Column, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
Are you at a point in your work life where you are mentoring others? Whether you answer yes or no, you’ve probably had one or more mentors who have helped you along your own professional-development journey. I had some excellent mentors when I entered the work...
by Jane Alexander, Managing Editor | Jan 5, 2020 | Solution of the Week, Solution Showcase
According to Warren Rupp, Mansfield, OH, its redesigned Sandpiper and Versamatic apps let users of air-operated-double-diaphragm (AODD) units scan QR codes on their pumps and look up information, while also providing an interactive chemical compatibility guide.and...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Jan 5, 2020 | Asset Management, Plant Operations
Perfection? An impossible dream? Why or why not should we be pursuing 100% reliability? Think about it. Simply stated, 100% reliability means that equipment is doing what it is supposed to do. And yes, there is a price to pay for it. But, the cost of un-reliability...
