Features
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IIoT and RCM3: Digital Transformation spawns new approach to Reliability Centered Maintenance
Reliability centered maintenance (RCM) is a rigorous optimization process for asset-intensive organizations. Typically, assets covered by an RCM initiative are mission critical because of the requirements for health, safety and the environment (HSE), but also because of the financial impacts of downtime.
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What maintenance professionals should know about tribology
The study of friction, wear, and lubrication – otherwise known as Tribology – is of enormous practical importance to industrial maintenance professionals because it can not only optimize functionality but also help prolong the life of mechanical equipment. However, there…
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Test & Rewind – Electric motor maintenance
Regular inspections, maintenance and finding the right shop to repair critical motors will reduce costly, unplanned shutdowns.
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What’s Up Doug? Prevention of electrical damage in variable frequency drive motors
When I first joined the industry in 1987, bearing damage from current leakage was rarely seen. I can still remember who the first person was that showed me the first case of current leakage – and that was about 1996…
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Roll-In replacement circuit breakers provide refurbishment options that minimize downtime
Aging electrical power distribution systems often contain legacy switchgear that have reached end-of-life conditions. Preventative maintenance shutdowns can prove difficult and cause concern about not being able to reclose circuit breakers and restore power when the shutdown is complete. With…
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Deep Machine Learning – how smart solutions lower energy costs and boost safety
An integrated refrigeration and controls solutions leader paves the way for energy savings through award-winning analytics implementations.
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Book Review – Physical Asset Management
Reading Dharmen Dhaliah’s book, Physical Asset Management: An Organizational Challenge, can alleviate some of the drudgery associated with figuring out what needs to be done and who needs to be involved in an asset management plan. The book explores how…
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Three disruptive technologies driving change in enterprise asset management
Businesses in every industry are currently undergoing massive digital transformation, creating opportunities to leverage emerging technologies and enable innovative approaches to business practices. But these are not just flash-in-the-pan technologies – they are long-term shifts in the way we use technology, requiring a strategic approach if they are to provide bottom line benefits.
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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…
