Maintenance Technology September 2017 - 39

LUBRICATION STRATEGIES

Too many codes can be onerous to manage and lead to untrustworthy data.
in the photo on p. 38, we could immediately assume a
lubrication-system setup adjustment was in order.

Code setup: symptom or cause
Depending on your site's asset-management-software, you
could already have a pre-built fault/failure section ready to
populate, or you might have to set up your own with available spare search fields. Pre-packaged systems may label this
section as "Fault Codes" or "Failure Codes" and will usually
offer from one to four pre-titled search-field filters. You may
recognize these search-field titles as Fault, Failure, Cause,
Effect, Remedy, or Corrective Action. Forward-thinking
software packages may also offer a Symptom search field
(sometimes referred to as a Problem code).
Regardless of their titles, the search fields all fulfill the
same data-filter capability. They all will contain drop-down
menu boxes that have been pre-populated with codes (any of
which can be deleted or changed if unsuitable) and/or allow
site personnel to populate them with customized user codes.
Most software packages also allow users to rename search
fields if they haven't previously been used or linked to other

sections of the database. Once familiar with the fault/failure
section, users must decide on the number of search filters
required, their title name, and intent.
Whenever maintainers troubleshoot problematic or failed
assets, they are rarely able to immediately determine the root
cause until they've reviewed all of the presenting symptoms
and effects. For example, an "oil leak" could be a symptom
of various issues, including a faulty or failed gasket or seal
caused by improper installation, under/over-torquing of
bolted faces, lubricant/seal-material incompatibility, wear
particles in the oil, or wear resulting from age and other
factors. Thus, the effect of leaking gearbox oil could be
described initially as "loss of lubricant" and, if left unattended, might require the effect code "mechanical failure." In
this case, the oil leak would be the resulting symptom of the
true fault/failure cause, and just filling up the gearbox would
only assure that maintenance returns to the equipment in
question very soon-with the same work order in hand.
Root-cause failure analysis (RCFA) must be carried out
through careful examination of the user practices and the
damaged parts once they have been replaced. This is difficult

Misalignment leads to increased vibration, premature seal
or bearing failures, and increased power consumption.
There's no excuse to let misalignment cost you money.
Protect your machines and minimize costly downtime

EASY-LASER® E-Series
Laser Alignment, Geometric
Measurement and more!

through precision laser shaft alignment.
Our equipment and support are the industry benchmark.
Keep it Running
Running™.

305.591.8935 | www.KeepItRunning.com

SEPTEMBER 2017

MAINTENANCETECHNOLOGY.COM | 39

http://www.KeepItRunning.com http://www.KeepItRunning.com http://www.MAINTENANCETECHNOLOGY.COM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maintenance Technology September 2017