Lubrication alarms prevent catastrophic failure, but only if they trigger preventive maintenance.

By Drew D. Troyer, CRE, Contributing Editor Many debate what’s more important: knowledge or skills; theory or application; and learning inputs or outcome. These pairings, though, are often considered dichotomous, i.e., mortal enemies. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I often think back to the early 2000s, when I worked extensively with Cargill Inc., Minneapolis […]

By Howard W Penrose, Ph.D., CMRP, MotorDoc LLC There’s been a constant buzz in the reliability, maintenance, and physical-asset-management community for years about how we connect with the C-suite. When the opportunity arises, we tend to get into the weeds and focus on things such as cost avoidance, availability, or the latest set of machine failures. […]

This second podcast in a new Efficient Plant series focuses issues involved in data collection and management. In this conversation with Kevin Clark, vice president of Fluke Digital Systems we discuss the role of IT in today’s OT data-management environment; where to get help that doesn’t involve hiring IT people; acquiring the right data, i.e., […]

By Lorraine Howell,  Illumiti From predictive algorithms that drive efficiencies throughout the production process to networked-based sensors that increase safety for workers, applications of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) have the potential to radically re-shape large aspects of manufacturing. As the IIoT extends its reach into more and more facets of manufacturing, firms are trying […]

By Drew D. Troyer, CRE, Contributing Editor Many debate what’s more important: knowledge or skills; theory or application; and learning inputs or outcome. These pairings, though, are often considered dichotomous, i.e., mortal enemies. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I often think back to the early 2000s, when I worked extensively with Cargill Inc., Minneapolis […]

Fluid-handling pumping systems are deployed everywhere in industry. Unfortunately, these workhorses have always been subject to some degree of vibration during operation. In a recent blog post, John Bernet of Fluke Corp., Everett, WA (fluke.com), noted that one of the easiest ways to identify vibration issues in rotating equipment, i.e., pumps, motors, compressors, fans, blowers, […]

Q: How much is reliability tied to safety? A: The quick answer is that a reliable plant is a safe plant. Reduced reactive maintenance (emergency repair) is the best leading indicator of the impact safety will have on an operation.

Q: To whom should maintenance departments report? A : The answer is typically engineering or operations, but usually because it’s always been done that way. Ideally, maintenance-organization structure and reporting should be based on individual department needs and how those needs drive overall organizational output. This requires considering needed activities, available predictive technologies, trades/technicians knowledge and skills, group […]

By Drew D. Troyer, CRE, Contributing Editor Many debate what’s more important: knowledge or skills; theory or application; and learning inputs or outcome. These pairings, though, are often considered dichotomous, i.e., mortal enemies. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I often think back to the early 2000s, when I worked extensively with Cargill Inc., Minneapolis […]

Lubrication alarms prevent catastrophic failure, but only if they trigger preventive maintenance.

Compare lubrication and handling factors that affect bearing performance with your practices, and implement these improvement tips.