Features
-
Robots bring new productivity; implications for MRO
While many warehousing facilities are well-equipped to handle the mechanical maintenance of their conveyors, they may lack the robotics and software resources to maintain a fully-automated system. And with many facilities shifting toward automation processes, robotic system maintenance will forge a new MRO culture that includes advanced training or experience in technology.
-
Avoid health scares with regular hygiene assessments
The list of prosecution bulletins and food recalls posted on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website makes it apparent that enforcing standards can be onerous. In the first two weeks of September alone, there were at least seven recall warnings…
-
What’s Up Doug? How are hydraulics used with bearings?
Bearings are precision components that need to be handled with care during installation or removal (mounting and dismounting). The method of using hydraulics with bearings for installation and removal is applied only when provided for in the design of the…
-
Chains drive your process
Every process has unique requirements that could make choosing the right chain a mission-critical exercise.
-
Cost concepts of planning and scheduling
Most people are surprised to see maintenance costs go up (!) as they first implement proper planning and scheduling. Maintenance planning and scheduling help an existing workforce complete more maintenance work so, of course, they will use more spare parts…
-
Innovation could lead to cuts in chemical manufacturing energy use and emissions
Irving, Texas – Scientists from ExxonMobil and the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed a potentially revolutionary new technology that could significantly reduce the amount of energy and emissions associated with manufacturing plastics. Results of the research were published today…
-
MRO Inventory 101
Proper MRO parts management is a balancing act. On one hand, you want parts to be available in the case of breakdowns. At the same time, you cannot have an excessive amount of money tied up in inventory.
-
Does your oil & lubrication program ensure your equipment is running at its best?
Most plant managers ask themselves how they can extract every ounce of productivity from their equipment to ensure that the plant is as efficient, safe and profitable as possible. The answer: Doing as much as you can to protect your…
-
What’s Up Doug? Rolling Element Bearings and Fluid Power
There are a number of ways that rolling element bearings and fluid power are related. Fluid power is used for installation of rolling bearings, removal of rolling bearings and lubrication of rolling bearings. In many cases, the oil used in…
-
Flushable wipes blamed for clogs in sewer systems
Calgary – The long-running “flushable wipes” controversy has turned into an ongoing war of words in Canada, with manufacturers insisting their moist towelettes are more sewer-friendly than ever as municipalities urge citizens to put them in the garbage, not down…
-
A “Transformer” for maintaining tube trains used by London Underground
At Ealing Common depot, a railway service workshop of London Underground, the Tube trains used on the District line will now be maintained with the aid of a lifting system from Pfaff Verkehrstechnik GmbH, Kissing (Germany). On account of its…
-
Motor management programs
In the tactical world of reliability, finding efficiencies is a requirement. But given the challenges associated with meeting production requirements – cost cutting and reduced workforces – many plants are struggling to keep pace. One solution, according to Braam Meij,…
-
What’s Up Doug? What is the “right” clearance for an electric motor bearing?
From the day I started in the industry in the 1980s, it has been said that “C3” (greater than normal) is the standard clearance for deep groove ball bearings in electric motors. But why is this so? The deep groove…
-
How a mechanic masters reliability engineering
“Certain people are drawn to reliability because they have a passion for doing things the right way or doing things in an optimal way,” says Jeff Smith.
-
Domtar’s award-winning Windsor mill examines the sources of error
A worker is tasked to cut some failed bolts on a pressure vessel door. In the process, he cuts his finger and takes five stiches. An investigation determines that this accident was just waiting to happen. In a new approach…
-
Tip: Simple, on-site fluid analysis techniques
The benefits of condition monitoring through fluid analysis can make the difference between maximizing your oil change-out intervals and making a call on whether your equipment is fit for service. Regular fluid analysis will detect the ingress of dirt, water,…
-
Keeping customers stocked with parts is a balancing act
How hard can it be to be a parts supplier? Draw up spares lists with customers, order a year’s worth at a time, ship some to be stocked on site and hold onto the rest to be doled out as…
-
Extending the service life of a Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker
ABB will modernize a Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker, installing the latest hardware and software onboard the 38 year old Pierre Radisson. As part of the complete upgrade to the ship’s power distribution system, eight new drives will also be installed.…
-
How the CMMS impacts production line maintenance
Computerized Maintenance Management System or CMMS is a software solution that helps the maintenance team keep a record of all the assets in the company that they are responsible for. With the CMMS system, one can track and schedule maintenance…
-
Vibration-based condition monitoring in anti-friction bearings
The rotors in rotating machines are supported through anti-friction ball or roller bearings in many cases. Fault in such bearings always develop during machine operation and their early detection is important so that remedial and maintenance action can be taken…
