Plant Services - November 2007 - (Page 46)

Managing effective fluid analysis yields a return on your investment By Mark Minges hen effectively managed, fluid analysis is an informative, diagnostic tool that can reduce maintenance costs, increase productivity and boost profits for any manufacturer. Used alone or in conjunction with other diagnostic technologies, fluid analysis can detect a variety of problems before they become failures, which are far more costly than repairs. When used to affect change in everyday maintenance practices, fluid analysis justifies itself by documenting what it saves in repair and replacement costs, as well as promotes relevant, well-informed maintenance management decisions. Once you decide to adopt fluid analysis, several considerations are necessary for implementing and maintaining an effective program. These range from setting realistic program goals to selecting a quality laboratory. Planning is key. Fluid analysis places a wealth of information at your fingertips about the condition of your equipment and its fluids. But it’s worth nothing if you can’t maximize its value with a positive impact on your bottom line. It’s not just fluid analysis – it’s what you do with it that determines the ROI. 46 Goals are the yardstick by which you can measure the success of your program. Carefully examine your current maintenance practices and strategies, and determine whether they’re helping you accomplish your goals. How are you measuring that accomplishment? Document any equipment “saves” you can credit to fluid analysis. Documenting increased uptime, reduced fluid consumption and less frequent parts replacement allows you to justify the cost of doing fluid analysis. The size of your program determines the number of people necessary to maintain it and indicates whether fluid analysis becomes someone’s sole responsibility or only a portion of the job. Identify who will be pulling samples and who will be managing the data. Samplers typically are the technicians responsible for changing fluids and filters changes and other routine maintenance. Train them on the installation and use of the sampling devices and methods you’ve chosen, as well as proper documentation for the sample information the laboratory needs. Data managers need an Internet-enabled computer, good computer skills and an understanding of databases. They also should be given extensive training on the fluid analysis data management software programs you intend to use. Select testing that supports your program goals. If you simply want to monitor the condition of the unit and the fluid, basic testing for wear and contamination will suffice. Testing total acid number and oxidation/nitration is vital to extending drain intervals. Particulate analysis by particle quantifier (PQ ), ISO particle count or analytiNovember 2007 Set attainable goals www.PLANTSERVICES.com http://www.PLANTSERVICES.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Plant Services - November 2007

Plant Services - November 2007 Contents New Tools Letters Let Us Know Where to Put the Gas Up and Running How are you Fighting Crisis? What Works Why is the Best Practice Transfer so Hard? Who are you Going to Call? Chained to Power Mobile Mindset Making Money in the Lube Lab Grabbing a Moving Target Bagging the BTUs Keeping Mellow Preserving Health and Safety The Power of Reliability Excellence

Plant Services - November 2007

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