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
Plant life matters
Although the cost of components - such as rolling element bearings, rotors and fasteners - in hydraulic pumps is usually very small, compared to the list price of the pumps themselves, the cost of stopped production and any consequential losses resulting from component failure is almost invariably significant.
Predicting problems
Using condition monitoring technologies to anticipate a requirement for critical plant maintenance isn't new, but novel systems are improving the potential, reports Dr Tom Shelley
Pump prediction
Modern non-invasive motor condition monitoring equipment is proving its worth at Wessex Water. Brian Tinham talks to operational services manager Dave Durkin
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.
Red spells danger
For many businesses, getting started in thermal imaging has never been easier. The latest thermal imagers designed for industrial maintenance are both powerful and easy to use. Maintenance engineers can quickly learn how to use the imagers. Initial training, however, is advisable, as there are so many ways in which this technology can be put to use to predict potential problems. And, if used to their best advantage, thermal imagers will soon provide the return on investment by preventing downtime and avoiding catastrophic equipment failures.
In peak condition
Today's maintenance engineer is a far cry from that of a spanner-wielding repairman called in when something has broken down. The role of the modern maintenance department is very much about preventing the equipment failing in the first place. Predictive and preventative maintenance strategies, for example, have moved the engineer's focus away from the repair shop and on to the day-to-day operation of machinery, with the aim of uncovering potential problems before they can take hold.
Maintec 2010 show
Getting maintenance right, and squeezing that bit extra out of existing and new plant, is the name of the game for 2010. Brian Wall suggests taking a day at Maintec 2010
Maintec show
What - Maintec exhibition and conference Where - NEC, Birmingham When - 17-19 March 2009
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.