Chapter 12 - Training and Organizing for Successful Failure Analysis and Troubleshooting

Abstract

The proper training of maintenance engineers, equipment engineers and reliability engineers engaged in machinery failure analysis and troubleshooting is of immense importance. Specific experience-based training recommendations are set out. These include reading trade journals and technical books and attending staff seminars. The importance of role statements and setting out future training plans is discussed. The benefits, for both employee and employer, of participating actively in a professional society are outlined. The best use of mechanical technical support (MTS) or reliability engineers in failure analysis is discussed using the example of centrifugal pump failures in a typical petrochemical plant. The setting up of a centrifugal pump failure reduction program and the action steps required to implement the program are outlined. Documentation and reference data requirements, checklists and procedures, and steps for reviews of different components are presented. The results and conclusions of centrifugal pump failure reduction programs are summarized.