Features
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Intelligent motors and actuators
“Many actuators are what might be termed ‘dumb,’ meaning they only do one thing and have no means by which they can be managed and operated in more subtle ways.” —Tom Venetis
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Embracing a systems philosophy in energy efficiency
In the united effort to preserve global security of energy supply and protect the climate, the industrial sector is justifiably under intense scrutiny as a significant energy consumer. A focus on energy consumption, and therefore energy efficiency, is inextricably bound…
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Anticipate failure through condition monitoring
“In most cases we won’t be monitoring our equipment continuously. We’ll do it periodically on a fixed frequency – say once per shift, daily, weekly or monthly. How do we choose the frequency? This is where condition monitoring involves a bit of informed guesswork.” —James Reyes-Picknell
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Hand-tool makers emphasize safety and ergonomics
When it comes to hand tools the focus needs to be on safety and ergonomics. Hand tools will be used for long hours in hazardous conditions and often in remote work areas where, if a tool is forgotten or lost,…
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Master the basics of cleaning and degreasing
Throughout my career I often found that the lack of applied basic practices is often the root cause of many issues. Equipment cleaning and degreasing seems at first glance hardly worthy of consideration. Find the least senior worker and send…
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Vibration diagnostics to analyze radial vibration at the bearings ensures best balance
Since September 1996, the at-speed balancing bunker in Sulzer’s Houston Service Center has been performing a critical service for clients from all over the world. As an integral part of the diagnostic and repair process for large rotating components, this…
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ABB celebrates 125 years of technical innovation in Montreal
Customers and officials assembled for an evening honouring ABB’s past achievements and highlighting its latest innovations on October 17, 2016. Approximately 100 customers and Canadian officials were welcomed by ABB to an evening reception last week at the Caisse de…
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What are the benefits of providing training to maintenance personnel?
Employees at world-class organizations spend as much as 10 per cent of their time engaged in training and education. But in a recessionary environment, training is often one of the first activities to be cut.
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Chain lubrication tips and methods
There are several leading factors that contribute to accelerated chain wear, including incorrect chain selection and installation, inadequate chain tension, environmental exposure and of course, improper lubrication. In fact, according to Chain OEM’s, 70 per cent of all chain failures…
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Key success factors for manufacturers in 2017 – skills and new services
Bridging the skills gap and boosting services will be top priorities for manufacturers in 2017. And IoT? Today, 50 per cent of the costs of IoT projects go on integration. In 2017, many manufacturers will realize they already have IoT solutions – now they need to integrate them better to leverage the full benefits. Antony Bourne, IFS Global Industry Director for Manufacturing outlines three key predictions for 2017 – and beyond.
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How to select the proper industrial shaft seal for an application
For all rotating machinery in plants across industries, shaft seals play critical roles in protecting bearing arrangements and contributing to the reliability of equipment and systems. Proper sealing ultimately provides an effective defense in keeping machines performing as intended. The…
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Valve plant gains understanding of Industry 4.0 by becoming a reference factory for customers
Festo is applying new technologies and systems in a planned strategy to showcase its own machines and products as they are being used to build, yes, its own machines and products. It’s all under the umbrella of a strategy called…
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What is more important: a focus on reliability or focus on maintenance practices?
MRO’s Counterpoint columnists took to the stage at this year’s MainTrain conference, which was held September 19 – 22 in Toronto. The annual conference, organized by the Plant Engineering and Maintenance Association of Canada (PEMAC), is Canada’s largest maintenance and…
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Debunking four condition-based maintenance misconceptions
Condition-based maintenance, applied to mission critical and non-critical assets, can be an effective strategy for spotting decreasing performance and for triggering maintenance so that work can be completed before the equipment fails. Even with CBM in place, it’s advisable that…
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Winterizing aerial work platforms and boom trucks
Preparing your aerial lifts or boom truck cranes for cold weather operation is an important step in ensuring a long equipment life and optimum performance on the job site. Without the proper parts and service work, slow hydraulic operation and…
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Three technology driven developments poised to disrupt field service
The field service industry has always been one of the earliest adopters of new technologies, from the original PDAs to IoT-enabled devices. Now, a new generation of technology is uniquely positioned to transform the field service industry, promising to reduce costs and dramatically improve the quality of service organizations can offer. Tom DeVroy, Senior Product Evangelist for Enterprise Service Management at IFS, identifies three technology-led developments set to disrupt field service and discusses how flexible and modular resource planning infrastructure will help organizations reap substantial rewards.
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Transition to GHS label compliance
Paint and coating formulators, distributors and end users must now ask if their chemical labels are GHS compliant – and if not, be prepared to document for OSHA their good faith efforts to become so, including an expected timeline for…
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AEM Hall of Fame announces 2016 inductees
Milwaukee – The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) announces the 2016 inductees into the AEM Hall of Fame, which recognizes and celebrates outstanding individuals in the off-road equipment industry, and their legacy of innovation, service and leadership. The two distinguished…
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Asset management professionals gain inspiration at PEMAC conference
Sustainability is about meeting the needs of today without compromising the needs of future generations. This can be achieved through the integration of environmental, economic and social priorities, but evolving them into policies and programs requires action at all levels.…
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Who laid off the asset management data quality people?
The petroleum-triggered economic global downturn has impacted all aspects of industrial life – production levels are down; plants are closing; companies are merging or being acquired; good people are going home; jobs are moving between plants – all having an…
