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Development of Plant Maintenance Programme

The very first step for development a PM programme is to record basic equipment data with appropriate classification. Recording should be simple but reliable. Usually card file system known to engineers could be adopted. This information can be required any time, hence, be readily available and preserved.

i. Administrative information
This should include equipment’s name, its supplier, sanction order, date of purchase,date of commissioning, its cost, etc. This will be needed at later date.

ii. Technical details
Information such as serial No./model/style, capacity/speed/rating or size,recommendations of manufacturers for installation/operation/lubrication type and quantity/frequency of lubrication replacement and precautions, if any.

iii. Specific details

Mechanical, electrical and utilities required such as regular water, soft water,refrigerant, steam, fuel, electricity, compressed air, and quantity of effluent discharge,etc. It may also record the working pressure and temperatures, voltage, insulation and the inventory number given while entering in record to identify it.

iv. Identification of critical points

Now decide the list of specific points of each equipment to be inspected, and point/area, which should not be inspected. Obviously the point, which wears out fast or gets eroded/damages, needs regular inspection. The parts dangerous to the worker or likely to stop the plant operation should be avoided. Natural question comes in mind is as to what to inspect. The answer will be from the recommendations of equipment manufacturers manual. Then prepare a checklist in the order of priority.The idea is to give a written guideline to the person who will carry out inspection.This checklist helps to recall and assure proper execution instead of leaving on the memory of the individual.

v. Frequency of check-up/inspection
It is decided based on the condition of equipment. Older equipment needs frequent inspection as compared to newer ones. Similarly, there may be safety recommendations; hence, frequency of inspection will be increased. The extent of equipment used and the type of wear will also play role in deciding the frequency.

vi. Equipment performance

Finally, we should keep on evaluating the performance of equipment. Normally equipment performance will decrease with time. It will then increase cost of production. The report/remark of operator in the logbook will act as a feedback.Hence these comments be seen and compared with the manufacturer’s recommendations. If it is felt that the performance in term of flow, capacity, quality,utility consumption etc. are above normal then actions are required.Planning is then made as to when to shut down the equipment, what spare parts are needed and made available. It is also assessed as to whether skill is available within the maintenance group or help from outside will be needed. How much financial burden will be on the dairy and if the money is available. These are some of the crucial pints of judgment of efficient PM programme.

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