Up Time Magazine- June/July 2008

added expense of doing it on an emergency basis. We are also able to identify ball mill gear, reducer gear and bearing problems early enough to schedule and plan the replacement to be completed at a time of least economic impact. At times, the failure might progress faster than expected, but at least we have everything ready, which removes the unknown factor from the equation. Infrared thermography is used primarily on scans of our electrical switch gear, and as a back up technology for oil and vibration data. Our scanning of electrical switch gear has been slowed slightly due to the new regulations regarding high voltage equipment. We are currently testing view ports and other ideas to get back on track in utilizing infrared to optimize its many capabilities. Ultrasound is also used in areas where we don’t have vibration routes established for quick diagnosis, air leaks, valve leak through and many more. While the vibration, infrared, and ultra sound technologies provide invaluable information to the benefit of effective “smart” maintenance, it is much harder for me to place a dollar value on their benefits. However, I do know that their contribution is quite significant. heavy equipment, and power plants. In his earlier years, he received extensive training in engines, transmissions, gear trains, hydraulics and pneumatics. His current position is as a Predictive Maintenance Technician, with Seminole Electric Cooperative Inc, where he is responsible for the lubrication and analysis for a combined total 1300 MW coal fired power generation plant. His current certifications include, ICML, Machine Lubricant Analyst level II , Level I Infrared Thermographer, Level I Vibration Analyst, Level I Certified Airborne Ultrasound Inspector and he previously attained STLE, OMA level I. He has also attended numerous seminars on root cause failure analysis, failure analysis and laser alignment. Brian can be contacted at bthorp@seminoleelectric.com Conclusion I hope this article has provided some insight into the many additional benefits provided by a functional predictive maintenance department, and the data they collect on a routine basis. With a little creative thinking, or thinking out of the box, many everyday problems can be corrected or eliminated, resulting in significant savings. Even when it’s hard to place a dollar figure on something, the result of effective or “smart” maintenance places your company in a winning situation. When we are not at work, we would all like to be concentrating on golfing, fishing, playing with the kids or our other recreational activities, not worrying about what might break next. It’s not that all failures can be predicted, but with a highly functional predictive maintenance department, you are ahead of the game. Brian Thorp has been involved with mechanics and maintenance for over 32 years. His range of knowledge includes automobiles, trucks, www.uptimemagazine.com 51 http://www.mikroninfrared.com http://www.mikroninfrared.com http://www.uptimemagazine.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Up Time Magazine- June/July 2008

Up Time Magazine- June/July 2008 Contents Upfront Upclose: The True Cause of Most Machine Failures Information Technology: Finding Future Perfect Lubrication: Building an Oil Analysis Winner Maintenance Management: Hidden Ways to Increase Safety Infrared: Air Barriers Lower Energy Costs, Increase Profits Motor Testing: Efficient Motor Repair, Part Deux Precision Maintenance: Good Maintenance, Smart Maintenance Reliability: Common Errors in Root Cause Analysis Ultrasound: Avoid the Baghouse Blues Vibration: Don't Let Your Sensors Get Eaten Alive Upgrade: Lining It All Up

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