Reliability and Maintenance

Analyzing and eliminating the root cause of a failure is a powerful tool for improving plant reliability. At IDCON, we call this process Root Cause Problem Elimination (RCPE). We find that this term more accurately defines the desired outcome of the process. 

Cutting the maintenance budget will be easier if you have a plan that is well thought through and a partnership with the plant management team.

Imagine you work in a mill as a mechanic and get a work order that states: Replace bearings on a press roll due to high vibration level. You complete the work and the damaged bearings and seals were replaced according to the plan. The machine was started up and is now producing paper again.

Accurately determining maximum operating temperature for motors is critical for setting temperature limits.

TORBJÖRN IDHAMMAR, IDCON INC. Why do we need an Operations Maintenance Coordinator? Maintaining a good Reliability and Maintenance program requires sharpening existing skills and reminding ourselves of what we already know: that improving production reliability largely depends on the commitment and involvement of operations. To achieve this, assigning the role of an Operations Maintenance Coordinator (OMC) is critical. It is ...

"Gemba" is a Japanese word meaning the actual place where value is created, or where actions are executed. It includes Gemba walks to the actual place to observe, learn and improve work.

A key inspection for gear reducers is to listen for noise. The inspection should focus on a change in the sound.

Whether it’s parts shortages or equipment delays, working with equipment manufacturers can help mills untangle disrupted supply chains.

Tips from the field to validate your installation.

Small jobs are managed instead of planned; they do not need to go through the formal planning process. However, there are some controls that must be followed to prevent this job category from being abused.