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
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
Pumps & Valves - Process Machinery - a troubleshooting guide
Every piece of process machinery is purchased to be installed, operated, and play its part in making a profit for the plant operator. When a problem arises with a piece of equipment that causes concern to the operator and starts to affect safety or profitability, the techniques of effective troubleshooting have to be employed. The results of effective troubleshooting are to understand the problem that has caused concern, make any corrective modifications, and return the equipment to a safe and effective profitable condition.
New view on rail maintenance
Maintaining the UK's rail network involves thousands of engineers looking after hundreds of miles of lines, switches and crossings. It's a serious management and communications challenge, but Balfour Beatty Rail Infrastructure Services (BBRIS), which provides track renewals services to almost one third of Network Rail's infrastructure, has found a solution in a web-based system.
No Crystal Ball
A wide range of tools and techniques is now available to ease the task of predicting when and what maintenance is required on machines and plant units. Steed Webzell reports
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.
Risk-based changes
Get it right and the savings can be huge, but get it wrong and the cost is unimaginable. Brian Tinham talks to John Wintle about changing best practice for hazardous plant inspections
Safe maintenance
Following publication of Lord Young's report into improving health and safety, plant engineers need to get back to basics. Brian Tinham talks to Geoff Cox, HSE's head of manufacturing
Immersed in technology
Augmented and virtual reality are not new to industry, but a recent report from Capgemini has highlighted that repair and maintenance are the most popular focus of implementation efforts. In what ways can this technology aid workers in their maintenance activities?
In or out?
Can outsourcing give you anything more than you can get from your own maintenance department?