Cost savings from a practical predictive-maintenance program

Careful monitoring of the condition of the engine can detect any strange noises (vibrations) that may indicate abnormal wear of the moving parts. Additionally, nondestructive testing such as oil analysis can be used to determine the extent of contamination in the lubricant. The composition of the contamination in the oil can indicate the source and extent of mechanical problems within the engine. Predictive maintenance techniques such as vibration analysis, thermography and oil analysis are being applied to Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) rotating equipment with the expectation of improving equipment reliability and availability while lowering maintenance costs. The SPR predictive maintenance program is just getting started but expectations are running high. The benefits of such a program are expected to include a sizable reduction in the rework of rebuilt pumps and motors, a reduction of improper pump and motor alignment, and repair of worn bearings before catastrophic bearing failure causes related damage to other components of the equipment. These actions are expected to increase equipment reliability, and availability while saving money