Failure and maintenance data analysis at a petrochemical plant

Abstract

Data arising from an existing collection system were analysed for failure modes and distribution. Pareto analysis was used to narrow successively the area of search for the principal causes of failure. Weibull shape factors β < 1 were found and attributed to unsatisfactory maintenance. The data system, although relatively sophisticated, had some shortcomings which could easily be corrected to considerably enhance its value in the determination and minimisation of the life-cycle costs of plant and machinery.