by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Dec 19, 2020 | Plant Operations, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
In our book, ‘Machinery Failure Analysis and Troubleshooting’ (now in its 4th edition), Fred Geitner and I explore competing approaches to such troubleshooting. One of them is the “Mr. Machinery Approach,” whereby sole responsibility for a facility’s...
by Sponsored by The RAM Review | Dec 10, 2020 | Plant Operations, PODCAST
HOST: Howard W Penrose, Ph.D., CMRP, of MotorDoc LLC, and SMRP Government Relations OVERVIEW Logistics and the supply chain are critical to just-in-time (JiT) and the maintenance organization. They also rely heavily on data integrity. Weaknesses in this area became...
by Ken Bannister, MEch (UK), CMRP, MLE, Editor | Dec 6, 2020 | Newsletter Column, Plant Operations
Industrial workplaces, for the most part, are reasonably well-lit areas with lighting that allows unhindered movement throughout open plant-floor spaces. In closed-room environments, fixed ceiling lighting originally specified and installed by the building contractor...
by Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Dec 5, 2020 | Maintenance Management, Plant Operations
As pointed out in previous installments of this series, deployed properly, operators can provide the most efficient and effective form of preventive maintenance in a plant. The key, however, is to change our thinking on this issue from the idea of operator...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Nov 28, 2020 | Asset Management, Plant Operations, The Bloch Files
Vertical pumps are available in numerous different configurations, and excel in such areas as ease of multi-staging, virtually unlimited installation depth below grade, and small footprint, i.e. not taking up much real estate. If you have to make a...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Nov 21, 2020 | Plant Operations, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
Perhaps the simplest definition of a tutor is a person, device, or other item that provides well-focused instruction. That type of instruction usually results in avoidance of costly mistakes, repeat failures, delays, anxieties, even loss of one’s job. BOOKS AS TUTORS...
by Drew Troyer, CRE, CMRP, T.A. Cook/Accenture, Editor | Nov 13, 2020 | Plant Operations, The Sustainable Plant
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 22% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are attributable to industrial plants and facilities. As RAM professionals, we play a vital role in designing, operating, and maintaining the equipment that produces...
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 Bob Williamson, CMRP, CPMM, MIAM, Editor | Nov 7, 2020 | Plant Operations, RAM Tools & Methods
The ways many businesses measure financial performance with standard cost accounting may be at odds with reliability improvement. Likewise, production-scheduling standards can also mute the importance of reliability improvement. As a top executive once explained to...
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...
