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Maintenance & Reliability

Make computerized maintenance management systems pay off

Consultant: Weiss, W. H.

Take the correct steps to ensure successful implementation

HP Reliability: Use fifty ways to improve pump reliability

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

In the eight years that this column has been published, pump reliability improvements have been addressed on many occasions. A Brazilian maintenance consultant brought this fact to my attention. Also,..

HP Reliability: Insulation systems affect electric motor service life

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

Last month, we looked at realistic criteria to determine true value when purchasing an "high-efficiency" electric motor. High-efficiency motors must meet the following criteria to comply with the DOE ..

HP Reliability: Are electric motor efficiency improvements worth the price?

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

At Gulf Publishing's Fifth International Process Plant Reliability Conference in 1996, Lincoln Electric's Jean Revelt provided valuable insight on electric motor efficiency. Having spent 40+ years in ..

HP Reliability: Improve selecting valve unloaders for reciprocating compressors

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

In a recent investigation of serious compressor distress, it was alleged that finger-type unloaders had undergone 600 actuations per day. Since the service was corrosive and less-than-clean, the unloa..

HP Reliability: Compressor valve breakage: what are the options?

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

Reciprocating compressors may experience valve failures. Excessive breakage, especially at startup, has left a bad impression on many responsible people. Installation dirt, liquid, and off-design temp..

HP Reliability: Improve reliability through shot peening

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

Whenever component distress is causing equipment failure, the analyst should remember that the life expectancy of replacement components can be improved by shot peening. Shot peening process. It is..

HP Reliability: What is reliability?

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

Since reliability is a trendy term, which is used by the both the weakest and strongest players in the HPI, it is prudent to occasionally remind ourselves of the meaning of this word. Reliability is..

HP Reliability: Detect accelerated wear in compressors

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

For compressor pistons, rings, liners, packing and rods, normal wear is not a significant problem. Generally, their normal service life is long and satisfactory; typical wear is gradual and can be det..

HP Reliability: Maintainability – What are the options?

Hydrocarbon Processing Staff: Bloch, Heinz P.

Many optimally designed process machines require minimal maintenance. However, if maintenance is necessary and it cannot be easy, then at least it should be possible. What should maintenance engineers..