Key Lessons in Fault Detection for Newcomers in Asset Management: Expert Tips and Insights

Question:

Hello, as a newcomer in asset management focusing on rotating equipment, I am eager to learn from experienced professionals. What are some key lessons you have learned in fault detection that you wish you had known earlier? Are there subtle warning signs that may be overlooked? Perhaps there are specific tools or techniques that have proven to be particularly valuable over time? I am seeking practical insights and would greatly appreciate advice and tips from seasoned experts in the field. Thank you in advance for sharing your knowledge! ------------------------------ Bo Buuron TWTG ------------------------------

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When it comes to asset management, it's crucial to start at the design and installation phase to prevent defects. Involvement in new projects is key to defending reliability. For existing assets, view every event as an opportunity to resolve issues permanently and avoid being stuck in a cycle of repairs. Analyze defects thoroughly to identify root causes and address various factors contributing to them. Focus on achieving precision in all aspects of asset maintenance, from components to organizational factors. Invest in training and credentials to build confidence and influence. Emphasize defect prevention over detection mastery for long-term success. Our team is here to support you on this journey. For more information, contact Mike Barkle at mikebarkle@infralogix.com.

Hello Mark, I found your advice very valuable and will definitely remember it. The idea of "fixing it for the last time" really struck a chord with me. Thank you for sharing your insights. When I first started in asset management, I wish I had focused more on preventing defects from the beginning rather than just dealing with inspections. It's crucial to address issues during the design, procurement, and installation phases to ensure reliability. By identifying and correcting the root causes of defects, such as component, human, and organizational factors, we can achieve lasting solutions. Emphasizing precision and maintaining high standards in equipment maintenance is key. Training and gaining qualifications will boost confidence and influence, ultimately leading to better defect prevention strategies. It's essential to shift focus from simply detecting faults to actively preventing and eliminating them. For those starting out in asset management like myself, seeking advice and guidance from experienced professionals can be extremely beneficial. Your expertise and support are greatly appreciated. Thank you, Bo Buuron TWTG

When investigating equipment failures, it's crucial to look beyond the immediate event and consider a broader timeline. Often, final failures are preceded by early indicators known as "sentinel" events, which signify damage or faults. For example, at my facility, a steam turbine generator began tripping on high vibrations when the load was increased. This occurred multiple times before we took action. Upon closer inspection of the long-term vibration trends, we discovered over a hundred vibration events dating back to the machine's installation. It was revealed that the rotor was flexing due to the casing's inability to accommodate thermal growth, causing damage to the sealing strips. Similar issues had been identified years earlier but were only temporarily repaired without a thorough investigation. Ultimately, it was determined that the casing was distorted from pipe strain during installation, and the pedestal needed reconstruction due to improper curing of the grouting. By delving deeper into the failure instead of just replacing parts, significant costs and lost profits could have been prevented. Take the time to analyze defects to identify root causes and focus on prevention rather than detection. Training and gaining credentials will boost confidence and influence in asset management practices. By addressing issues early on and adopting a proactive approach to maintenance, you can avoid costly mistakes and ensure the longevity of your equipment.

Hello John, In 1736, Benjamin Franklin famously said to the residents of Philadelphia, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Best regards, Fritz Alexander Cooper Original Message: John Kozlowski, Senior Machinery Technologist at Syncrude Fort McMurray AB, shared some valuable insights on fault detection. He emphasized the importance of examining a broader time frame when investigating equipment failures to identify early indicators of potential issues. By delving deeper into the root causes of failures, significant costs and lost profits can be avoided or minimized. When starting out in asset management, it is crucial to focus on preventing defects at the design, procurement, and installation stages. Mike Barkle advised aspiring professionals to analyze defects thoroughly and address not only the physical components but also human and organizational factors contributing to the issues. By emphasizing prevention over detection, individuals can enhance reliability and efficiency in managing assets. Bo Buuron expressed gratitude for the advice and shared his eagerness to learn from experienced professionals in the field. As he embarks on his journey in asset management, Bo seeks practical tips and insights to improve his fault detection skills and avoid common pitfalls. Your input and guidance would be highly appreciated as Bo navigates the complexities of asset management. Thank you in advance for your support. Sincerely, Bo Buuron at TWTG

Welcome to the field, Bo! All the nuances really come down to experience, but one key aspect I wish I'd understood earlier is the great value of vibration analysis in detecting faults. Regular checks can help you detect the minute beginnings of failure. Also, anomalies in temperature can often prelude a problem. As for tools, if your company can invest in a thermal imaging camera, it's a great way to find hot spots that may suggest friction or misalignment. Remember, the key is consistent maintenance and inspection, don't wait for a big sign to take preventive action. Trust me, staying ahead of potential problems will save you much time and cost in the long run.

Welcome to the world of asset management, Bo! One important lesson I've learned in fault detection of rotating equipment is vibration analysis. Often overlooked, vibrations can serve as early warning signals for equipment problems. Paying attention to abnormal sounds and unexplained increases in vibration can be key in recognizing problems before they result in serious equipment damage. Predictive maintenance tools and techniques (like infrared analysis, oil analysis and ultrasonic leak detection) have been my go-to's for monitoring the equipment's condition and detecting possible faults. Lastly, understand that every piece of equipment has its own "normal" and constantly keep track of any deviations from that baseline. It's a learning process, best of luck!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. What are some key lessons in fault detection for newcomers in asset management focusing on rotating equipment?

Answer: Some key lessons include the importance of regular monitoring, understanding normal operating conditions, and being proactive in addressing potential issues before they escalate.

FAQ: 2. Are there subtle warning signs of faults in rotating equipment that may be overlooked?

Answer: Yes, subtle warning signs such as abnormal vibrations, unusual noises, increase in temperature, or changes in performance can be easily overlooked but are crucial indicators of potential faults.

FAQ: 3. What specific tools or techniques are valuable for fault detection in rotating equipment?

Answer: Tools like vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, and ultrasonic testing are commonly used techniques for fault detection in rotating equipment, proving to be particularly valuable over time.

FAQ: 4. How can newcomers improve their fault detection skills in asset management?

Answer: Newcomers can improve their fault detection skills by learning from experienced professionals, attending relevant training programs, staying updated on industry trends, and actively seeking practical insights from seasoned experts.

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