Everyone knows that maintaining machinery is a necessity, not an option. Failure to do so can result in costly repairs, extended downtime and even plant shutdowns. Things like gears, valves and bearings are all pretty standard in the machine maintenance world, but knowing where to start and what to focus on will help you get things done quicker. There are some key principles of machine maintenance that are true no matter the type of equipment or process you are working with. Following these tips will help you reduce unplanned downtime from your machines and increase their efficiency. Get ready to learn about the ins and outs of keeping those motors humming!
Plan your maintenance schedule
When you’re starting with maintenance scheduling, it is a good idea to look at things like your production schedule, shift times and machine life expectancy. When is the best time to schedule maintenance? This can be tricky as it varies depending on the type of machinery you are working with, but there are a few general rules of thumb to keep in mind. If you are working with any rotating equipment, it is best to keep them fully lubricated. This means that if you are scheduling maintenance on a piece of equipment that needs to be greased, do it when it is running! Doing so can cause un-lubricated equipment to overheat and cause significant damage. For plant machinery that does not require lubrication, it is best to schedule maintenance during times when production is slow. This will allow you to work on your equipment without affecting the people who depend on it for their job.
Record keeping is key
Keeping good records is one of the most important parts of machine maintenance. It can save you time and money when it comes time to make repairs or replace parts. Keeping track of your equipment can be difficult when you have lots of different machines to oversee. However, it is important to keep notes on each machine. This will help you avoid having to troubleshoot each one individually when something breaks. Having a notebook where you can jot down maintenance schedules, make repairs and record problems that occur is a great way to stay organized. By writing down the maintenance schedule for each machine, you won’t have to keep track of paper calendars. This will also allow you to see at a glance what needs to be repaired, adjusted or maintained.
Keep an eye on pressure and temperature
Keeping an eye on pressure and temperatures is another important part of machine maintenance. Keeping tabs on these two factors will help you identify problems before they become serious. If you notice that pressures are rising or temperatures are increasing, this could be a sign of a problem with your cooling system. This is something that should be addressed immediately. This can lead to extensive damage to your equipment. A buildup of pressure can also cause your equipment to break down sooner than it otherwise would. This can result in a need for repairs and a loss of production time. Keeping an eye on these two factors can help you catch problems before they become a big deal.
Maintaining valves and pipe work
When it comes time to do some maintenance on your valves and pipework, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Keeping your valves clean and clear of debris is essential to keeping the flow of your equipment at an optimal level. This will ensure that your machines are operating at maximum capacity. If you don’t clean your valves, you will cause them to wear out more quickly. You should also make sure to have your valves maintained by an experienced technician from time to time. Having your valves inspected and cleaned every year or two will help ensure that they are running as smoothly as possible. Clean and clear valve work will also help you avoid unnecessary shutdowns. Having clogged or dirty valves can result in shutdowns due to over fluxing. This will slow down your machines and cause unplanned downtime. Keeping your valve work clean and clear can help avoid this problem.
Conclusion
Overall, maintaining the plant machinery in your facility will keep things running smoothly and increase production. It is important to stay on top of this process and keep track of what needs to be done. Keeping tabs on your machinery will help you avoid shutdowns and decrease the risk of expensive repairs. It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to machine maintenance. Every facility will have its own set of equipment and machinery. This means that each facility will have to establish its standards for maintenance and upkeep. By following the tips listed above, you will be well on your way to keeping your machinery in great shape.
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