By The cost of machinery maintenance, in terms of both time and capital, can be substantial. To stay competitive and secure a positive ROI, it is essential to consider technological innovations and management strategies aimed at minimizing maintenance needs and machinery downtime.
Aging assets are the leading cause of unplanned downtime, with mechanical failures, operator errors, insufficient maintenance time, and poor design also contributing. One effective solution is the installation of low-maintenance components, such as ultrasonic clamp-on meters, which are virtually maintenance-free due to their lack of moving parts.
A comprehensive preventive maintenance (PM) routine can significantly improve ROI. By following a predetermined schedule, potential issues can be detected and resolved before they cause interruptions. This approach helps reduce downtime, extend the life of equipment, and increase its resale value, despite potentially increasing the asset’s ownership costs.
Predictive maintenance (PdM) is another promising method, utilizing analytics tools and advanced software to monitor the real-time condition of in-service assets. By predicting when maintenance is needed, PdM allows for cost-effective maintenance tasks, performed only when warranted, thereby offering savings over routine preventive maintenance.
Managing maintenance effectively is a demanding task. However, by using the right tools, embracing new technologies, and upgrading to low-maintenance components, the performance and longevity of machinery can be enhanced.
For further insights into industrial maintenance needs and solutions, please consult the accompanying infographic.
Low- Or No-Maintenance Industrial Machinery was provided by Emerson
