Equipment Maintenance and Repair
Wind turbines demand bearings that can withstand extreme conditions, making their selection and lifetime calculations distinct from typical industrial applications. For most industrial systems, engineers can readily match bearing models to specific locations, collaborating with suppliers and basing
Across the 2010 Asset Management Awards, participants consistently highlighted how enhanced asset reliability and cost reductions drive business improvement. Organizations at various stages of adopting sound asset‑management practices were recognized. The Awards Dinner, held at Adelaide’s Hilton and
ABB’s high‑efficiency medium‑voltage drives have cut the energy use of two boiler‑feed pumps at the GKM coal‑fired plant in Mannheim, Germany, by 25%. The upgrade boosts annual revenue by $800,000 and reduces CO₂ emissions by 10,200 t.The drives—ABB’s ACS 1000 medium‑voltage variable‑speed units—man
Steve Richter, the Boiler Core Leader at Great River Energy’s Coal Creek Station in North Dakota, was tasked with cutting costs for replacing tapered journal bearings in the plant’s pulverizers while ensuring reliability. Previously, he sourced bearings from multiple vendors, purchasing new and refu
GE has entered a five‑year, $116 million service alliance with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the nation’s largest public power provider. The partnership will strengthen TVA’s four key plants, ensuring long‑term reliability, heightened efficiency, and cost‑effective operation of its power gen
Shaft voltages and currents that can reduce bearing life have been known for more than a century. Early research identified several culprits: accidental potential applied to a motor frame, electrostatic charging, shaft magnetization, electrical dissymmetry, and common‑mode voltage. Each of these fac
In a strategic effort to slash energy consumption and reduce operating costs, the J.R. Simplot Company upgraded the steam system at its Caldwell, Idaho potato‑processing plant. Leveraging the DOE‑developed Steam System Assessment Tool (SSAT) and the expertise of Bill Moir, a Qualified Specialist wit
On July 19, The Timken Company announced it has agreed to acquire QM Bearings and Power Transmission Inc., a Ferndale, Washington‑based manufacturer of spherical roller bearing steel‑housed units and elastomeric and steel couplings for demanding processes such as sawmill and logging operations.The a
Cutting energy costs with variable‑frequency drives (VFDs) and lighting retrofits is common, but the upgrades can introduce new electrical challenges. Understanding that the energy‑efficient devices themselves can be the root cause is the first step. Modern VFDs, electronic ballasts, and other high‑
Whether budget constraints, limited personnel, or a small‑scale operation are the challenge, it’s possible to launch a cost‑effective oil analysis program that delivers measurable reliability gains and cost savings. This article presents real‑world case studies that illustrate how to replace expensi
During start‑up, electric motors endure significant mechanical and thermal stresses. Rotor bar temperatures rise sharply, stator winding end turns expand, and magnetic attraction pulls the rotor and stator together. Once the motor reaches a steady operating load, these forces subside, and the machin
Achieving a high level of reliability in manufacturing is a milestone, but the real challenge lies in keeping that performance steady over time. This guide explains how leadership can anticipate and navigate the common valley of despair that follows initial momentum, and how to embed sustainable pra
Turbine Generator Maintenance Becomes Management-Owned Independent turbine inspection, maintenance, and repair specialist Turbine Generator Maintenance Inc. (TGM) is now privately owned by its senior management team. CEO David Branton, CFO Robert Davis, and VP Sales Todd Feeley have acquired the com
Gearbox upkeep accounts for roughly 30 % of a wind farm’s operating and maintenance expenses. By slashing these costs, operators can enhance profitability, efficiency, and market competitiveness, positioning clean‑energy projects at the industry’s forefront. GE Energy’s Condition‑Based Maintenance S
Cold mounting—placing a bearing directly onto a shaft without heat—is a common, cost‑effective technique for attaching cylindrical bearings. However, modern bearings are built to tighter tolerances, and improper mounting can compromise performance or cause premature failure. Follow these industry‑te
American Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are set to honor a distinguished mechanic for five decades of exemplary service in the airline industry. On Thursday, July 29, the FAA will present James Davis—an inspector at American’s Kansas City Maintenance & Engineering base in
Honeywell announced July 29 that its Total Integrated Engine Revitalization (TIGER) program with the U.S. Army has been extended through Option Year 5, with a not‑to‑exceed value of $190 million, bringing the total contract value to more than $1.5 billion since the original award.The TIGER program i
Air Wisconsin Airlines Corporation has appointed Gary Pratt as Director of Maintenance. Pratt reports directly to Managing Director of Maintenance Ed Baranowski and will lead the Maintenance Operations division, overseeing all maintenance activities in Philadelphia, Milwaukee, and Norfolk, VA, and m
The hot summer and fall months impose extreme demands on process cooling systems. If cooling towers and associated equipment are not maintained, companies face costly losses in efficiency, equipment damage, and production downtime. Like an overheated car engine, a cooling tower that cannot dissipate
Data shows that 22% of reliability issues in manufacturing stem from uncontrolled changes—process tweaks, equipment upgrades, and new installations that lack formal oversight. Since the 1960s, this insight has driven the evolution of what was once called Configuration Management into today’s compreh
Equipment Maintenance and Repair