The Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals Certifying Organization (SMRPCO) announced on November 18 that, following the October board meeting, the CMRP exam duration will increase from two hours to two and a half hours. The new timing will take effect on December 1. As the CMRP certi

The Hydraulic Institute (HI) has refreshed the 2000 edition of the ANSI/HI standard for sealless centrifugal pumps, issuing ANSI/HI 5.1–5.6—2010, Sealless Rotodynamic Pumps for Nomenclature, Definitions, Application, Operation and Test. The revision covers pumps powered by canned motors or magnetic

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a medical imaging technology that captures detailed 3‑dimensional data of moving fluids, is poised to transform jet engine design, says Lt. Colonel Michael Benson, a Ph.D. candidate in Mechanical Engineering at Stanford University. In a single MRI scan, researchers

Emerson Process Management’s Smart Wireless technology, built on the IEC 62591 (WirelessHART) standard, has enabled Tecpetrol to increase natural‑gas output while slashing maintenance and supervisory‑control expenses across its Argentine compression and delivery facilities. “With improved data for m

PAS 55 is the industry‑recognised standard that sets the benchmark for managing physical assets throughout their lifecycle. If you’ve come across the term but aren’t sure what it means for your organization, this article breaks it down and explains how you can start applying its principles today. In

For the past several years, Azima DLI’s integrated monitoring and diagnostics platform has been deployed across Nucor Steel’s Hickman Sheet Mill. The solution combines automated data collection with the mill’s established manual condition‑monitoring program. Both data streams feed a single web porta

The new SKF Microlog Advisor Pro gives maintenance, service and quality inspection technicians an on‑the‑spot, intuitive diagnosis of machine condition. It operates independently of prior measurement data and does not require advanced predictive‑maintenance software, enabling teams to adopt a proact

If you frequently open cabinets and drawers in facilities, youll often discover unsanctioned storage of parts and consumables. In the early stages of a maintenance best‑practice rollout or storeroom upgrade, the instinct is to sweep up every hidden stash and return items to the official storeroom. A

Food and beverage manufacturers produce and ship thousands of items daily, making technology selection critical for consistent quality and safety. This guide explains the key factors to consider when choosing controllers and recorders for food and beverage processes. Regulators focus on safety and t

Plain bearings, also known as sleeve, plane, journal or babbitt bearings, are engineered for a wide array of sliding or oscillating applications—including door hinges, automotive ball joints, and tractor‑trailers’ fifth wheels. When full rotation is required, a plain bearing transforms into a sleeve

The 24th annual salary survey by Quality Progress, the flagship publication of the American Society for Quality (ASQ), confirms a positive shift in the quality profession. U.S. full‑time quality professionals now command an average salary of $85,289—up from $83,442 in 2009 and $81,064 in 2008—reflec

Asset owners, service providers, and organizations responsible for physical assets—along with their revenue, reliability, and safety outcomes—are invited to apply for the Asset Management Council’s 2011 Asset Management Awards. Now in its 15th year, the Asset Management Awards remain the industry’s

I recently drove a plant site with an engineer when I spotted an anomaly: a cable tray hung loosely and had detached from its mounting. He initially missed it, but a quick second pass confirmed the tray was broken loose. This incident reminded me how easily tunnel vision can blind us to critical iss

Advanced Technology Services (ATS) announced on August 11 that Vlad Bacalu, its business development manager, has been elected to the board of directors of the Society for Maintenance &Reliability Professionals Certifying Organization (SMRPCO). The manufacturing sector remains a cornerstone of the U

With rising fossil fuel prices and growing global demand for alternative energy, transmission and distribution (T&D) projects must prioritize the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO) while maximizing asset utilization. During front‑end loading, the reliability and maintainability plan should begin i

ABB’s award‑winning FACTS solution is helping Oncor, Texas’s largest transmission and distribution company, secure grid reliability across the Dallas‑Fort Worth metropolitan area—while integrating variable wind generation, reacting to disturbances in record‑breaking 20 ms, and saving almost one mill

At PPL Montana’s Colstrip Steam Electric Station, Hank Coffin recognized that optimal plant performance hinges on skilled maintenance. Coffin, a maintenance manager, understood that sustaining the plant’s four generators required a deep appreciation for the value of proper upkeep. He partnered with

Starting December 2010, the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) introduced new motor efficiency requirements for manufacturers. Motors rated under 600 V must now comply with NEMA Premium standards for both NEMA and IEC frame sizes. PdMA Corporation is breaking down the implications o

Rockwell Automation, the world’s largest industrial automation solutions provider, and Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) announced on August 16 a memorandum of understanding that will broaden access to professional automation training throughout outstate Minnesota. Under the agreem

Motor reliability is one of the most powerful levers for reducing manufacturing costs and boosting return on investment. Relying on spare motors is an expensive band‑aid; the real solution is a cradle‑to‑grave strategy that starts with precise specification and ends with informed replacement decisio