Technical Papers

Interpreting an oil analysis report can be a daunting process when one...

Interpreting an oil analysis report can be a daunting process when one is faced with tens, perhaps hundreds, of numbers on the page. Yet by breaking this task up into manageable sections, the task can quite effectively be simplified. This paper breaks the diagnosis process up into twelve steps, covering...

Many companies invest in oil analysis without considering what their ultimate goals...

Many companies invest in oil analysis without considering what their ultimate goals or objectives really are. This fire, aim, ready approach to oil analysis can result in a serious erosion of the value oil analysis can provide in support of a reliability-driven maintenance process. In this session learn how to...

Time and again, oil analysis has proved to be a useful tool...

Time and again, oil analysis has proved to be a useful tool in preventing and identifying failures that if left, can lead to expensive replacement of parts, additional maintenance costs and loss of revenue. Current oil analysis practices at most remote wind turbine sights has proven to be useful, but...

How do we define a best practice or excellence in maintenance and...

How do we define a best practice or excellence in maintenance and reliability? What are the elements of a best practice? What and how are we going to implement best practices in our facilities? What obstacles including cultural issues do we need to overcome to implement them successfully? What metrics...

There are various methods for setting target cleanliness levels for hydraulic systems....

There are various methods for setting target cleanliness levels for hydraulic systems. These methods require various inputs and it is difficult to reach consensus on which method to apply. While this is the right approach for critical machines, the method presented during this session is a simplified approach that a...

Now you can avoid the costly trial-and-error approach to predictive maintenance. This...

Now you can avoid the costly trial-and-error approach to predictive maintenance. This paper outlines a proven path to success in PdM. Whether you want to improve your PdM program or start one from scratch, you'll find the facts you can put into practice immediately, such as: Basic Concept of Predictive...

Conditioned-based maintenance (CBM) provides you with the tools necessary to squeeze every...

Conditioned-based maintenance (CBM) provides you with the tools necessary to squeeze every possible hour out of your machinery. It saves you money by matching service intervals to the working environment and real-time machine health. CBM is unique because it involves maintenance that is predictive as well as preventative. Fluid analysis...

In the United States, we are losing skilled maintenance crafts at an...

In the United States, we are losing skilled maintenance crafts at an alarming rate. In order for a plant to obtain reliability goals, the maintenance organization must be capable of maintaining critical plant equipment at a high level. It is therefore necessary to implement a comprehensive and effective maintenance training...

You want to grow your reliability program, which means more resources ......

You want to grow your reliability program, which means more resources ... you need to "sell" your program to your manager. The last thing that he wants is to be "sold" on the RCM program (Resource Consuming Monster, as it is sometimes known). However, if you understand what the RULES...

Part of developing a plan for improvement is gaining an understanding of...

Part of developing a plan for improvement is gaining an understanding of where you are in your maintenance process. Most plants don't realize how far behind they are in maintenance effectiveness. This paper reviews a chart of plant and maintenance characteristics and habits. You'll develop a clear understanding on how...

Contamination of hydraulic and lube systems caused by water can lead to...

Contamination of hydraulic and lube systems caused by water can lead to major problems including corrosion, microbial growth, metal fatigue and accelerated oil aging. To diminish these problems two target water levels are recommended: a minimum level avoids free water, and a more stringent yet realistic level minimizes problems due...

Many companies have implemented reliability initiatives geared toward optimizing the maintenance functions...

Many companies have implemented reliability initiatives geared toward optimizing the maintenance functions at their plants. Some are successful; however, most will admit the expected benefits were not achieved. While there are many approaches to successfully implementing a reliability program, in this session, you will learn a proven model for improving...

A comprehensive Root Cause Analysis program is one piece of an overall...

A comprehensive Root Cause Analysis program is one piece of an overall reliability effort, and the investigation of problems should be part of everyday work processes. This paper will help you develop investigation processes for both major and minor issues within a company. Working the day-to-day problems effectively, and capturing...

Gearbox applications are challenging when attempting to achieve and maintain an aggressive...

Gearbox applications are challenging when attempting to achieve and maintain an aggressive level of lubricant cleanliness. A balance must be maintained between what is financially feasible and what is absolutely best for the machine. This paper discusses these challenges and looks at three case studies where tight lubricant cleanliness levels...

The iron, coal, precious metal, and mineral mining industries subject lubrication and...

The iron, coal, precious metal, and mineral mining industries subject lubrication and hydraulic systems and components to extreme levels of contamination that are rarely seen in other manufacturing environments. Yet, in one case study, an iron ore processing facility was able to reduce the material and labor expenses associated with...

In the course of fluid monitoring, it is necessary to know when...

In the course of fluid monitoring, it is necessary to know when fluid contamination can be repaired, or when a system needs to be flushed. Careful evaluation helps determine if the fluid is salvageable, and if not, it is important to know how much fluid will be needed to flush...

This paper includes a case study that involves a complete turnaround of...

This paper includes a case study that involves a complete turnaround of a mechanical maintenance planning department. The resulting organization consisted of crews working down their entire backlogs, freeing up the work force for other tasks including replacing contract labor and assisting other stations. Planning obviously involves more than computer...

Increasingly, managers and engineers, who are responsible for manufacturing and other industrial...

Increasingly, managers and engineers, who are responsible for manufacturing and other industrial pursuits, are incorporating a reliability focus into their strategic and tactical plans and initiatives. This trend is affecting numerous functional areas, including machine/system design and procurement, plant operations and plant maintenance. With its origins in the aviation industry,...

The benefits of maintaining clean hydraulic control systems have been well established,...

The benefits of maintaining clean hydraulic control systems have been well established, proven and documented. Yet so many people ignore these proven facts. The end result can be detrimental with shut down of major petrochemical plants or oil and gas platforms. This paper provides real case examples of how critical...

Microscopic particles are the most harmful form of lubricant contamination. They initiate...

Microscopic particles are the most harmful form of lubricant contamination. They initiate irreversible microscopic damage that causes macroscopic damage, which disables and destroys bearings, gears, valves and other components. Lubricants can be filtered to remove microscopic particles; however, particles can damage equipment before being removed by filtration. The most proficient...

There are numerous choices when it comes to selecting an automotive oil...

There are numerous choices when it comes to selecting an automotive oil filter. To gain a true understanding of filters on the market, they must be compared on a level playing field. To level the playing field, two main areas are reviewed: ISO 4548-12 and overall construction. Once the oil...

Oil analysis is well established as a routine tool to optimize maintenance...

Oil analysis is well established as a routine tool to optimize maintenance activities, improve reliability and equipment life, and prevent component failures. However, when equipment is grease-lubricated, the important lubricant analysis piece is usually left out of the mix. New developments are improving sampling techniques and streamlining grease analysis tests...

Several papers have recently been published discussing the problems of lubricant varnish,...

Several papers have recently been published discussing the problems of lubricant varnish, the mechanisms of formation and methods to "solve" lubricant varnish. Yet many challenges remain in solving varnish problems when modern oil formulations are used in certain applications, including large-frame gas turbines and centrifugal compressors. This is because the...

It seems that the emphasis in the oil analysis industry is on...

It seems that the emphasis in the oil analysis industry is on non-mobile manufacturing equipment. However, oil analysis can play a key role in maintaining heavy construction and other fleet type equipment. In fact, oil analysis can play a key role in how you handle the preventive maintenance of your...

Free radicals formed by oxidation or spark discharge are frequently at the...

Free radicals formed by oxidation or spark discharge are frequently at the root cause for varnish and deposit formation in turbines. Traditional methods of analyzing used oils such as viscosity measurement, acidity or carbonyl oxidation is usually inadequate to predict eminent field problems. This presentation discusses why different behavior is...

Whether it's a budget issue, management buy-in, lack of individuals or just...

Whether it's a budget issue, management buy-in, lack of individuals or just a small company with limited funds, there are ways to establish an effective oil analysis program with minimal startup and operation costs. In this session you'll hear case studies on alternatives to expensive in-house test equipment, good utilization...

Large companies typically have an individual or group fully or partially dedicated...

Large companies typically have an individual or group fully or partially dedicated to root cause failure analysis (RCFA). Medium and smaller-sized companies generally don't have enough resources to focus on RCFA, and the maintenance or operations manager is placed in charge. Because of their busy schedules, RCFA is often rushed...

The changes in gas turbine designs coupled with changes in turbine oil...

The changes in gas turbine designs coupled with changes in turbine oil formulations have led to a real and identifiable problem of oil-related turbine trips caused by varnish. Changes in turbine oil asset-management; changes in turbine oil filtration methods and shortened turbine oil drain intervals have become necessary as a...

To reduce costs and improve production, most large manufacturing and process companies...

To reduce costs and improve production, most large manufacturing and process companies that have embraced the Lean Enterprise concept have taken an approach of building all of the systems and infrastructure throughout the organization. The result of this traditional approach has been erratic implementation efforts that often stall-out, or are...

Portable filtration is an effective method of maintaining oil health in machines...

Portable filtration is an effective method of maintaining oil health in machines that are too small to warrant dedicated filters. While wheeled portable filter units offer a solution, they may also pose a challenge. The weight and size make it difficult to use them at the top of multiple stairways...

For major crime scenes, the amount of resources expended in evidence preservation...

For major crime scenes, the amount of resources expended in evidence preservation is enormous. This is acceptable because there is really no other method available that can reliably produce the required results, and the criminals must be caught. Unfortunately, when an equipment malfunction occurs, many businesses do not conduct such...

Lithium soap base lubricating greases are the most commonly used grease type,...

Lithium soap base lubricating greases are the most commonly used grease type, but they are not the only type. Greases are generally characterized and sold according to their thickener type and/or base fluid composition. While lithium complex thickened greases have historically been the choice for high performance applications, recent advances...

This technical paper discusses the oil drain frequencies (drain intervals) for heavy...

This technical paper discusses the oil drain frequencies (drain intervals) for heavy duty diesel engines, transmissions, drive line gears and mobile hydraulics as well as for passenger cars and trucks. The reasons for oil replacement, factors affecting oil drain intervals, oil analysis tests that should be considered, and methods of...

What value is your plant reliability management strategy contributing to your organization?...

What value is your plant reliability management strategy contributing to your organization? How are you communicating that value - both internally and externally? If you're not talking about driving shareholder value and economic value added (EVA), you're missing what reliability truly means for your business and your bottom line. This...

This paper explores how a basic lubrication program implemented in the year...

This paper explores how a basic lubrication program implemented in the year 2000 progressively moved to pacesetter performance in 2006. Lubrication is the bloodline of rotating equipment. Through proper handling, contamination control, personnel education, and testing, there is great potential for increased equipment reliability along with reduced costs. The author...

There are several factors that can contribute to a successful balancing job;...

There are several factors that can contribute to a successful balancing job; conversely if these factors are overlooked you could be in for a very long day.This paper describes 8 steps to a successful balance job. Author:  Noria CorporationSource:  Reliability World 2007 Conference ProceedingsPages:  6Figures and Illustrations:  10Format:  PDF -...

In the last five to ten years, there?s been a fundamental shift...

In the last five to ten years, there?s been a fundamental shift in how companies staff their lubrication programs. Driven in part by the retirement of the baby-boomer generation, companies are starting to examine how they can effectively staff a lubrication department to achieve lubrication best practice. From the classic...

The current accepted method for determining fuel dilution in motor oils is...

The current accepted method for determining fuel dilution in motor oils is gas chromatography. Although workable, it is not practical from the standpoint of obtaining timely, real-time data. A dynamic in-line FTIR monitoring system has been designed and used to continuously monitor fuel dilution in an engine test-bed. This FTIR...

If you missed some educational sessions at Reliable Plant 2018 or weren't able...

If you missed some educational sessions at Reliable Plant 2018 or weren't able to attend, you can still get the conference proceedings through the Noria Learning Portal. It includes the papers and some presentations from nearly every learning session. The real-world case-studies at Reliable Plant 2018 were chock-full of practical, experience-based information...

The National Institutes of Health is the Federal focal point for medical...

The National Institutes of Health is the Federal focal point for medical research in the United States. On the main campus in Bethesda, MD, some 20,000 doctors, researchers, and scientists work in over 60 buildings to advance the state of medical knowledge and research. The Building Maintenance Team (BMT) provides...

Electro Hydraulic Control (EHC) systems are a critical hydraulic system used in...

Electro Hydraulic Control (EHC) systems are a critical hydraulic system used in many steam turbine applications. Due to the high operating pressures and proximity to hot sections, phosphate ester fluids are often used. Phosphate ester fluids are also used in gas turbine applications and hydraulic systems used in steel and...

Do you ever worry about Bob retiring and how the place is...

Do you ever worry about Bob retiring and how the place is going keep running? Do you ever ask yourself, How did we do that last time? Do the decision-makers and the implementers in your organization know where to go for good reliable information and experience on all aspects of...