SECTION TITLE
MOTORS, DRIVES & CONTROLS
REDUCE DOWNTIME DRIVE COUPLINGS David Proud discusses reducing the costs and consequences of unplanned downtime I
n today’s competitive business environment, it’s essential that productivity, efficiency and customer service levels remain high if cost and profitability targets are to be achieved. Although there are many different aspects to manufacturing and operational processes, one of the main inhibitors to achieving required output levels and targets is that of unplanned downtime. However, there are a number of basic steps that can be taken to reduce the potential for these events and the subsequent costs associated with downtime. Te issue of downtime, and especially unplanned events, is a blight for any business whether it is a manufacturer, plant and transport operator or a firm that delivers key infrastructure services. Tere can be many causes of unplanned downtime ranging from unavailability of materials, shortages of manpower, extended changeover periods and of course one of the most common reasons, equipment or machinery failure. Regardless of the reasons behind the stoppage, the effects are the same: loss of production and value while overhead costs continue to accrue. Although it is almost impossible to avoid all unplanned downtime, it is possible to significantly reduce the potential for these costly events by taking a proactive and technically led approach. When considering the potential for unexpected downtime caused by components or equipment, it is highly likely that the oldest or obsolete items will pose the greatest risk. Initiating a detailed review or audit of all machinery and componentry will highlight any particular items that may require immediate maintenance attention or indeed replacement. Tis review will also help to enhance and update any existing preventative
70
www.engineerlive.com
stops and potential shock loadings are just some of the key elements in the selection of the coupling. If a previous coupling has failed unexpectedly it is likely that one or more of these factors has been overlooked. If there is any uncertainty in specifying a replacement part, engineers should speak with a reputable supplier, which will be able to review the application details and identify a variant capable of meeting the challenges of the specific application. Time spent on this exercise, even in the
Reich’s Multi Mont Sella coupling allows transmission elements to be changed without moving machinery
maintenance schedules, setting new priorities for other items deemed at imminent risk of obsolescence or failure, and also identifying items that are vital to maintaining high operational efficiencies. Taking steps to replace items perceived to be at risk before they actually fail is much less costly than suffering the consequences and costs associated with unplanned downtime. When considering replacements, it is also essential to look closely at the specification of the replacement item. Merely selecting the exact same part, or the least expensive part that will fit, may not be the right decision as this is likely to replicate the original problem, possibly even in the short term.
Tis is especially true of drive couplings,
which are an essential part of any drivetrain, and therefore a key element in maintaining uptime and efficiency. Drive couplings vary greatly in their design and capabilities, so for any given application engineers must ensure that they specify the drive coupling correctly to guarantee ongoing reliable, efficient and safe operation. Factors such as torque transmission, speed ranges, running start/
face of pressure by production to have the system running again, will pay dividends in the long run as the drivetrain will be highly reliable and unlikely to fail again unexpectedly. Taking time to review the different coupling types, and selecting a coupling that not only meets all of the technical and application requirements, but is also either maintenance free, or has the ability to have change parts replaced in-situ will bring significant ongoing benefits to uptimes and efficiency. One other important and contributing
factor to reducing downtime is that of training. A topic sometimes overlooked, structured and ongoing training for maintenance engineering teams will bring tangible dividends. Ensuring that all maintenance engineers are multi-skilled, and involved in the introduction of new components, systems and technologies within the business, means that they will have both the knowledge and tools required to identify and resolve any issues quickly.
David Proud is general manger of Reich Drive Systems UK.
www.reich-uk.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
