Example of Equipment Classification in FMEA Process Flow

Question:

I recently implemented an FMEA process flow and now I need to determine the critical equipment for the process and categorize them based on failure rate and impact (Class A, B, and C). Can anyone provide an example of equipment classification? Thank you. (Attached: FMEA_process_flow.ppt - 57 KB, 1 version)

Top Replies

Your flow chart is excellent, Giga. After arranging the RPN in descending order, determining criticality levels should be straightforward. Aim for a distribution consisting of High (5-8%), Medium (20-25%), and the majority being Low criticality items. Keep in mind that these percentages may differ based on industry, processes, redundancy, and failure rates. However, these benchmarks are generally acceptable.

Absolutely, I'd start by putting the equipment with a high failure rate and severe impact on production in Class A. This typically includes the bottleneck equipment pieces that can halt your entire process flow. Class B would include equipment with a moderate failure rate and/or less severe consequences. For example, machines that have backup units or the failure of which only slows the production process but doesn't stop it entirely. Lastly, Class C are those machines that have a low failure rate, and/or when they fail, it has a minimal impact on overall production, often because alternative solutions are readily available. Remember, this is a dance between failure likelihood and impact severity. Also, don't forget to regularly reassess your classification as machines' performance and production dependency change over time.

It's great to hear that you've implemented an FMEA process! For equipment classification, you might consider Class A for critical equipment like a primary reactor or a high-capacity pump, which, if they fail, could lead to significant safety or operational hazards. Class B can include auxiliary systems like temperature controllers or filtration systems, where failure impacts process efficiency but may not halt operations entirely. Finally, Class C could cover items like minor valves or gauges that, while important, have minimal impact when they fail. This kind of tiered approach can help streamline your maintenance resources effectively!

That sounds like a great start with your FMEA process! When classifying equipment, you might consider Class A for critical items like a main pump or reactor that, if they fail, could halt production or cause safety hazards. Class B could include support systems like cooling fans or backup pumps, which are important but wouldn’t stop the whole operation immediately. Finally, Class C might be things like ancillary items, like lighting or minor instrumentation, which could be inconvenient if they fail but would have a minimal impact on overall process safety or production. Tailoring the impacts specific to your process will enhance your classification!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: FAQs:

Answer: 1. What is the purpose of equipment classification in the FMEA process flow? - Equipment classification in FMEA helps in determining the criticality of equipment based on failure rate and impact, categorizing them into classes A, B, and C for prioritization of actions.

FAQ: 2. How can equipment be classified in the FMEA process flow?

Answer: - Equipment can be classified in the FMEA process flow by analyzing factors such as failure rate, impact on the process, and potential consequences of equipment failure.

FAQ: 3. Can you provide an example of equipment classification in the FMEA process flow?

Answer: - An example of equipment classification in the FMEA process flow could involve identifying critical equipment, assessing their failure rates and impacts, and assigning them to classes A, B, or C based on their criticality levels.

FAQ: 4. What are the implications of categorizing equipment into Class A, B, and C in the FMEA process flow?

Answer: - Categorizing equipment into classes A, B, and C helps in prioritizing actions such as maintenance, replacement, or improvement efforts to mitigate risks associated with equipment failures and improve overall process reliability.

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