June 22, 2006
Managing Reliability Improvement – July 27th – 28th 2006 – Portland OR
A practical course addressing the integration of a range of reliability initiatives into an asset management strategy. Covers RCM, Life Cycle Costing, Root Cause, Analysis, Data Analysis and Plant Availability Simulation.
Recommended Attendees: Reliability Engineers, Maintenance Analysts, Asset Managers, Design Engineers, Plant Performance Engineers.
With simple methods, powerful software and a proven delivery approach, many of the world’s leading companies are improving business profitability with:
• Improved asset performance
• Reduced risk of catastrophic incidents
• Repetitive failures eliminated
• Lower maintenance costs
• Less plant downtime
Please call ARMS Reliability Engineers USA at (509) 928 5083 or…
June 22, 2006
Maintenance Record Tip
Place log books in waterproof boxes (if sanitation is required) locally on each machine in your plant.
Every time a tech works on the machine, they give a short description of what they did, times, and date.
This means that if the machine develops a problem that is not a simple fix, the tech working on it has an instant history of what has been done to the machine, which may help with diagnosis.
This also provides data such as maintenance costs and downtime on an individual machine basis when required.
Reader Tip provided by Simon Hancock. Maintenance Supervisor, Portion Pac Inc., Jacksonville Florida
Thanks Simon - Your Maintenance Tips hat is on the way!
June 22, 2006
Enter the Predictive Maintenance-Tip and Lubrication-Tip Challenge!
Do you have great advice that will help other predictive maintenance and lubrication professionals do their jobs better?
Enter your tip into the PdM-2006/LubricationWorld Tip Challenge and you may be a lucky winner! Winners will be announced on July 20.
To qualify please send a tip in one of the following categories:
• Vibration Analysis
• Infrared Thermal Imaging
• Airborne Ultrasound
• Motor Testing
• Oil Analysis
• Lubrication
• Contamination Control
Prizes:
1 Grand Prize PdM/Lubrication Tip: Free PdM-2006/LubricationWorld 4 Day Conference Pass, 4 nights single/double room hotel at the Chattanooga Marriott in Chattanooga Tennessee, Tip Featured in Maintenance-Tips Email newsletter as Grand Prize Winner
1 Runner Up PdM/Lubrication Tip: Free PdM-2006/LubricationWorld 4 Day Conference Pass, Tip Featured at EAM-2006 in Maintenance-Tips Email newsletter
25 other published tip submissions will be entered into a drawing for a Free Maintenance Tips hat and a PdM-2006 Conference proceedings CD
What is a Maintenance tip? A 1-3 paragraph bit of practical “how-to” wisdom that can be put to immediate use without having to purchase something.
June 22, 2006
"PdM Secrets Revealed! How to Improve Your Predictive Maintenance Program or Start One From Scratch"
Good news! Allied Reliability has released a special report for maintenance and reliability leaders.
It reveals secrets from some of the top PdM programs in the world and is written in plain English without the buzzwords. The purpose is to give you the facts you need to know in one sitting.
Nothing like this has ever been published before. It is becoming a “must-read” guide for maintenance and reliability professionals.
The best part is, it’s FREE –-- but only for a limited time!
June 22, 2006
Communications Tip
Communications - Maintenance Reporting
Maintenance ability is a delicate balance between knowing what is wrong with equipment (training)and defining what may soon go wrong (experience). Included in the communication web are workers who are in the suspect area everyday ... listening is an artform. Keep good reporting records, index cards, pda, email alerts and written reports are a must. Remember, “Successful communication is like an invention, 99% perspiration(method or attitude), 1% innovation(taking the time to make sure what you mean is transmitted by what you say!) P.S.
There is ROI in everything you say and do ... that is management outlook, commonsense may not agree with every decision.
Tip provided by Don Hall
Lexington KY
http://www.bearcreekresearch.com
June 22, 2006
Frequency Analysis Tip
When performing Natural Frequency testing, i.e., a “Bump” test, make sure that you collect a non-operating background measurement prior to your analysis. The machine or structure you are interested in should be in a non-operating condition, however other machinery may be transmitting low-level vibration to your transducer.
A clear example of this was noted during an impact test was performed on an air compressor tank as a part of a failure investigation for an OEM customer. Impact data from every location on the unit indicated a frequency peak at 1,100 CPM. Confusion over the mode that was producing this signal was resolved when a background measurement on the floor of the test cell was collected. This measurement indicated that the signal was coming from a rotating source since it included not only the 1,100 CPM response, but multiple harmonics of this frequency as well! The background “noise” was a compressor operating in an adjacent test cell over 100 feet away.
An interesting note, the amplitude of this 1,100 CPM signal was 0.0005 g’s pk. The data collected in a bump test is more sensitive than one might think! Be safe and take a background measurement.
Tip by Dan Ambre, P.E.
Full Spectrum Diagnostics, PLLC
3625 Rosewood Lane North
Plymouth, MN 55441
Phone: 763-577-9959
Fax: 763-577-5955
Web: http://www.fullspec.net/
June 15, 2006
Team Building Tip
If you’re going to develop a goals-oriented team (your direct reports), you have to communicate with them regularly. Schedule (yes – in advance) at least one hour every two weeks to meet and discuss issues that can affect performance. Check to see if things are on schedule against tactical plans. Talk about the results to date. Discuss ways to mitigate goals that are underperforming.
Tip from “Appraising Management Performance: The Bubble Management Approach” by Eugene C. Moncrief and Kevin M. Curran: Industrial Press
June 15, 2006
Data Collection Tip
Peel-Offs for Your Data Collector
Your data collector is a high-tech piece of equipment with a viewing screen that is critical to its ability to be used in the field. Some working environments pose a hazard to your equipment that may render it unusable due to the scratches on the screen. This is especially the case in cement plants, for instance. To clear the cement dust which collects on the plastic LCD lens, users simply rub the screen off with their hand. This scratches the screen and eventually requires a complete LCD replacement, which is generally expensive.
At any of the office supply chains like Staples or Office Depot, Mylar PDA screen covers are available. It is a simple process to cut these to size and apply them to your data collector screen. Some of the newer multi-channel analyzers have a large screen. If your data collector screen is too large for a standard PDA cover, then look to the analyzer’s manufacturer for a Mylar cover kit. Many of these have adhesive backing.
To apply adhesive coated covers, do this:
1) Make sure your data collector is waterproof-approved for a wash down.
2) First clean the screen surface with a mild dish soap / water solution.
You want the solution to be only slightly soapy.
3) Once clean, wet the screen with the dish soap / water solution.
4) Rinse the screen until all bubbles are gone but the surface is still soapy.
5) Bend or arch the plastic so that the adhesive is bowed toward the screen and centered directly over it.
6) Gently place the cover on the screen. The soap will allow some movement to center the screen but if things get out of hand remove the Mylar and return to step 2.
7) Use an old credit card or similar piece of plastic as a squeegee to push the soap / water solution out from under the cover. Work from the center of the cover to the edges and use a paper towel to absorb the solution from the edges of the Mylar. No credit cards? You can use your thumb starting with small circles in the center and work your way to the edges.
This should allow you to use your data collector in adverse dust and dirt conditions while protecting the screen. When the cover gets scratched simply peel it off and replace with a fresh cover.
Tip provided by LUDECA, INC.
ALIGNMENT * VIBRATION * BALANCING
http://www.ludeca.com
Tel: 305-591-8935
June 15, 2006
Infraspection Institute -Distance Learning Infrared Thermography Courses
Now you can receive infrared training wherever and whenever it’s convenient for you.
Infraspection Institutes broad range of Distance Learning Courses includes Certification Prep, Applications, and Industry-Specific courses. All courses are taught by expert Level 3 instructors utilizing dynamic, multi-media resources.
Become an Infraspection Institute Certified Infrared Thermographer. Complete 32 hours of Distance Learning and take your certification exam at one of our convenient locations.
June 15, 2006
Web Workshop: Airborne Ultrasonics for Maintenance & Reliability
Date: Friday June 16
Time: 11 am – noon EST (GMT -05)
Price: Free
Part 1 - 6 Steps to creating an effective Ultrasonic Analysis Program by James Taylor
and
Part 2 Introduction to Airborne Ultrasonics by Jim Hall
Space is limited so please use this link to enroll in this FREE workshop today!
