Anyone who crunches numbers for industrial facilities knows that their mechanical equipment takes up a good portion of the overall budget. In fact, for many processing plants and the like, their equipment is their bread and butter. In this article we are going to discuss some of the ways to keep your machinery in tiptop condition for as long as possible.
Keep Operators Well-Trained
No matter how automated your systems are, you will always need some type of operator. When machinery isn’t used properly, it doesn’t work efficiently. This lack of efficiency can be hard on a system. That’s why it is so important to keep operators in the know with ongoing up-to-date training. High turnover rates and stagnancy can both lead to negligence. Ensure that equipment personnel have the resources they need to succeed. One great example of this is to have an operator manual and document of best practices available at all times either digitally or in hard copy.
Look for Signs of Wear
As long as your machines are running, they are expending energy. This could manifest as vibration, extreme temperatures, or even friction. Dry seals, loose bolts, and gears that are out of alignment will have a negative effect on your equipment. In many cases, these issues can be mitigated or avoided completely with proper insulation. Completing these checks is as easy as maintaining a clean environment. If your operators are doing this, they will notice that something is off right away. In sum, if anything looks or sounds off, it’s worth looking into.
Don’t Skimp on Maintenance
As with anything from cars to HVAC, computers to your personal health, preventative maintenance on your machinery will always be less expensive than full-blown repairs. Have professional inspections done regularly, ensuring that any problems are fixed before they become costly to both the safety of your workers and the stability of your budget. Consider insulation an important step in preventative maintenance. Through its proper installation, you will be able to preserve your equipment for much longer.
Extending the lifespan of your equipment is not a complicated process. It merely requires some attention and forethought. For more information on how mechanical insulation can help protect your machinery, give us a call today at (403) 242-1357!
