A common approach to plant condition monitoring

Power stations have long applied the principles of plant condition monitoring (PCM) to their main turbine plant, due to the high cost of failure and the critical nature of the plant. Similarly, the condition of the boiler and pressure system is routinely monitored to minimise operational damage and preserve integrity. Historically, the auxilliary plant in the power station has not been monitored to the same degree, partly because that plant may be less critical to operation, and partly because of the high cost of monitoring. Condition monitoring of the auxiliary plant plays an important part in this maintenance process. A major driver for National Power´s company wide implementation has been the benefits realised from introducing a standardised condition monitoring system. A widespread acceptance of predictive maintenance has been achieved, through both improved networking and demonstrated benefits