by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Nov 22, 2020 | Asset Management, Newsletter Column, Workforce Issues
This is the second in a series of discussions regarding tasks associated with operator-performed maintenance. As explained in Part I (Nov. 16, 2020), the use of operators for such tasks has met with mixed reviews ever since the concept rolled out as part of...
by Drew Troyer, CRE, CMRP, T.A. Cook/Accenture, Editor | Nov 21, 2020 | Asset Management, Lubrication Corner, The Sustainable Plant
The potential to reduce the environmental impacts of industrial operations with better management of parasitic frictional losses is well-documented. The science and technology associated with surfaces in relative motion, including friction, wear, and lubrication is...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Nov 15, 2020 | Asset Management, Newsletter Column, Workforce Issues
Engaging operators in the maintenance of their machines has been met with mixed reviews since its deployment as part of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) in the 1980s. Proponents believe in it. Opponents don’t want operators touching their machines more than...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Nov 13, 2020 | Asset Management, RAM Tools & Methods
This article is a follow-up to various material published by The RAM Review on the topic of data collection in today’s plants. That includes, most recently, my Nov. 1, 2020, newsletter column, and Drew Troyer’s Nov. 7, and June 5, 2020, articles (see...
by Drew Troyer, CRE, CMRP, T.A. Cook/Accenture, Editor | Nov 7, 2020 | Asset Management, Plant Operations
Older readers of The RAM Review may remember inventor Ron Popeil’s entertaining infomercials for his rotisserie oven and his mantra “set it and forget it.” You could load the meat for cooking, set the cooking details, and go on about your business because the machine...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Nov 7, 2020 | Asset Management, Plant Operations, The Bloch Files
Years ago, I learned how to systematically and successfully tackle equipment-failure events. I later conveyed these learnings to others and was fortunate in seeing them apply the principles. A key to successful application is to see/learn how others do...
by Drew Troyer, CRE, CMRP, T.A. Cook/Accenture, Editor | Oct 24, 2020 | Asset Management, RAM Tools & Methods
“Amnesia” is a partial or total loss of memory. “Corporate amnesia” is when a company suffers that type of “memory” loss. The impact can be significant. Our plants and facilities depend upon the knowledge and know-how of highly...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Oct 23, 2020 | Asset Management, Plant Operations, The Bloch Files
Since the mid-1980s, a fair number of compressor users have taken another look at piston rod wear. With sophisticated coatings finding widespread acceptance in aerospace and gas turbine applications, it was only a matter of time before a number of coating types...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Oct 19, 2020 | Asset Management, Newsletter Column
Data, metrics, measures, assessments, evaluations, scorecards, progress reports, etc. Many of us have been faced with a host of measurement opportunities. However, some performance measurements seem like moving targets that we seldom hit. With so many business,...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Oct 17, 2020 | Asset Management, Plant Operations, The Bloch Files
Equipment purchasers are always interested in meeting the cost and schedule targets for projects. There could, however, be conflicting goals when purchasing drivers and/or auxiliaries from vendors other than the primary fluid-machinery manufacturer. While cost targets...
