Plant & Asset Management 2012
Does the industrial maintenance sector need another exhibition? The organisers of MACH, Drives & Controls, Air-Tech and IFPEX clearly think so. Brian Tinham looks at the line-up
Operator-driven reliability programme does it for Stora Enso
Global paper, packaging and wood products firm Stora Enso is reporting significant benefits since introducing SKF's operator-driven reliability (ODR) programme.
Key strategies
In theory, it is possible to use computers to run a factory or plant in such a way that production is automatically optimised. Orders received can be responded to in such a way as to minimise production times and costs.
Maintec 2012
With this year's Maintec show just a few short weeks away, Brian Tinham takes a lok at what engineers, technicians and mangers can expect to find
Maintenance means business
Maintec 2006 promises everything for today's maintenance professional, whether in industry, commerce or the public sector. It takes place from 14-16 March at the NEC, Birmingham.
Necessary evil
Poorly managed MRO stores are costing plants serious money. Brian Tinham examines systems, methods, equipment and services that claim to help plant engineers work smarter and faster
Secrets of success
Although computerised maintenance management systems can deliver a significant boost to maintenance efficiency and beyond, that's not always the case. Brian Tinham looks at what goes wrong and how to avoid the pitfalls.
Age concern
A sharp focus on maintenance can result in significant improvements in factory operations, but too many managers struggle to take seriously the upkeep of their plant and equipment, says Ian Vallely
The Main Chance
Timetable What: Maintec 2007 Where: 20-22 March, NEC, Birmingham When: Tuesday 20 March 10.00-16.00 Wednesday 21 March 10.00-16.00 Thursday 22 March 10.00-15.00 For some 30 years, the Maintec event has been focused on meeting the needs of maintenance professionals across industry, commerce and the public sector. In that time, it has grown from small table-top exhibits in an hotel room to a major niche exhibition of around 150 stands at the NEC, representing the leading national and international companies, and organisations serving the maintenance industry. The range of exhibits has expanded enormously, too, reflecting developments in technology, and the ever-growing demands of UK and EU legislation, particularly in the areas of health & safety and the environment. The importance of energy efficiency has also been thrown into the spotlight in recent years, as a result of soaring costs and the need to cut carbon emissions. All of these elements are now part of the role of the maintenance engineer, and plant manager and their teams. One area of extremely rapid technological growth in the field of condition monitoring is thermal imaging. Not long ago, these were very expensive, complicated and strictly for the elite, highly-trained few. While technical development still continues at the high end of the market, the versatility and time-saving features of IR cameras have driven a strong demand for much cheaper, simpler versions which could be rolled out to a far wider spectrum of maintenance staff. A wide range of thermographic equipment will be on display at Maintec 2007 to suit every pocket and application, along with other innovative condition monitoring equipment. A similar transformation has taken place in computerised maintenance management systems (CMMS). Many CMMS are now web-enabled, again allowing a broader range of staff to access the system. Maintec exhibitors in this sector will be able to give advice and demonstrations to help visitors track down the right system. Many of the less glamorous exhibits at Maintec still play a vital role in helping to ensure maintenance tasks are carried out in compliance with H&S legislation, covering areas such as safety flooring, high-speed industrial doors, water treatment, lighting and pipework, as well as buildings maintenance. A popular feature in 2006, which is being repeated this year, is Combustion Alley. Sponsored by the Combustion Engineering Association, the stands in this section will display the latest in energy-efficient boilers, burners and ancillary equipment, designed to help reduce energy bills. Maintec has always been well supported by professional bodies. Along with the CEA, these include the Health & Safety Executive, Institution of Plant Engineers, Electrical Contractors Association and Society of Operations Engineers, as well as BCAS, the Society of Diagnostic Engineers and the British Institute of NDT. Plenty of sound advice will be available, as it will be the free technical workshops run by industry experts throughout the show. To pre-register as a visitor, or to book the free workshops, visit www.maintenanceonline.co.uk where there is also a list of exhibitors