Implementing a Cost Effective Machinery Condition Monitoring Program

Abstract

The implementation of a machinery condition monitoring program will undoubtably incur significant cost to the plant operator. These costs will not only be associated with purchase of the necessary hardware/software system but will continue through the on-going operation and support of the program. The program will require to be installed, set-up, commissioned and operated and, in addition, the company will be required to provide training to the appropriate plant personnel. Therefore, before condition monitoring is implemented it must be demonstrated to management that:

‘The cost savings exceed the cost of the condition monitoring’

To ensure that condition monitoring is cost effective it must be driven by FINANCIAL, OPERATIONAL and SAFETY requirements and not by the available technology. Furthermore, the program must produce usable condition INFORMATION, and not data, upon which maintenance decisions may be undertaken.