Preventive Maintenance Practices Research Articles

Development and Usability Evaluation of VulcanH, a CMMS Prototype for Preventive and Predictive Maintenance of Mobile Mining Equipment

This paper details the design, development, and evaluation of VulcanH, a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) specialized in preventive maintenance (PM) and predictive maintenance (PdM) management for underground mobile mining equipment. Further, it aims to expand knowledge on trust in automation (TiA) for PdM as well as contribute to the literature on explainability requirements of a PdM-capable artificial intelligence (AI). This study adopted an empirical approach through the execution of user tests with nine maintenance experts from five East-Canadian mines and implemented the User Experience Questionnaire Plus (UEQ+) and the Reliance Intentions Scale (RIS) to evaluate usability and TiA, respectively. It was found that the usability and efficiency of VulcanH were satisfactory for expert users and encouraged the gradual transition from PM to PdM practices. Quantitative and qualitative results documented participants’ willingness to rely on PdM predictions as long as suitable explanations are provided. Graphical explanations covering the full spectrum of the derived data were preferred. Due to the prototypical nature of VulcanH, certain relevant aspects of maintenance planning were not considered. Researchers are encouraged to include these notions in the evaluation of future CMMS proposals. This paper suggests a harmonious integration of both preventive and predictive maintenance practices in the mining industry. It may also guide future research in PdM to select an analytical algorithm capable of supplying adequate and causal justifications for informed decision making. This study fulfills an identified need to adopt a user-centered approach in the development of CMMSs in the mining industry. Hence, both researchers and industry stakeholders may benefit from the findings.

Application of vibration analysis for medical diagnosis

The ability to interpret vibration signals in the biomedical field offers a promising path toward continuous improvement of medical devices. By examining the revolutions per minute profile, analysts can identify any deviations or anomalies in the vibration patterns at different speeds. This information can help identify potential faults or imbalances within the rotating machinery. With a comprehensive understanding of the revolutions per minute profile, analysts can make informed decisions regarding maintenance and repairs. Besides, the analysis of the order of vibration signals represents an essential pillar of biomedical engineering, bringing an innovative and in-depth perspective to the development of medical devices, and contributing to the continued advancement of medical technology and healthcare. Integrating vibration analysis into preventive maintenance practices can help ensure the reliability of medical equipment, reduce potential risks to patients, and contribute to the advancement of healthcare quality.

Vehicle preventive maintenance: a comprehensive analysis of its impact on society, economic, and environmental factors in General Villamil Playas City

This study investigates the pivotal role of preventive maintenance for vehicles in General Villamil Playas City, Ecuador, exploring its multifaceted impact on economic, social, and environmental aspects. With a focus on tricycle passengers and taxis, the research employs a comprehensive methodology involving literature review, strategic collaboration with local authorities, and targeted educational strategies for tricycle drivers. Implementation includes campaigns, talks, and practical workshops, strategically located to ensure maximum outreach. Results from beneficiary surveys underscore positive perceptions regarding knowledge enhancement, activity duration, and overall methodology. The paper emphasizes the economic savings, extended vehicle lifespan, optimized performance, and environmental benefits associated with preventive maintenance. The study concludes by advocating for sustainable, collaborative efforts, stressing the enduring impact of promoting preventive maintenance practices within the community.

Effects of Facilities Management on Workers' Performance in 3-5 Star Hotels in Nairobi County, Kenya

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of facilities management on workers' performance within the hotel industry, with a specific focus on maintenance management, workplace design and adherence to facilities regulations and standards in 3-5 star rated hotels in Nairobi County. The study employed a descriptive survey approach, and a purposive sampling technique was utilized to select 144 respondents' selected classified hotels. Data collection instruments included: self-administered questionnaires, interview guides and observation checklists. Descriptive statistics were analyzed through quantitative data, while qualitative insights were obtained from hotel workers. Major findings revealed that the majority of respondents, 52.8%, considered maintenance strategies in hotels as fairly efficient in supporting their daily work activities. 80% of staff and managers indicated that hotels provided training and safe procedures in response to facilities standards and regulations, including compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2007. However, a notable prevalence of accidents and injuries within these establishments was identified, which stood at 57.5%. On multiple regression analysis, maintenance management emerged as the most significant factor in predicting workers' performance, making a substantial contribution. Therefore, the study concludes that maintenance management plays a pivotal role in influencing workers' performance in the hotel industry. As a result, the study recommends that hotel management prioritizes preventive maintenance practices to reduce emergency maintenance and establish a sinking fund to address non-compliance with facility standards and health policies within hotels. These measures have the potential to enhance the overall performance and safety of workers, thereby contributing to the success and sustainability of the hotel industry.

A Multicriteria Method to Form Optional Preventive Maintenance Plans: A Case Study of a Large Fleet of Vehicles

Motor vehicles are composed of a large number of parts, and planning the maintenance activities of different parts is a crucial decision that affects system reliability, operation costs, and capacity requirements of service providers. We propose a systematic method to determine the critical parts that should be handled with extra preventive maintenance (PM) and prepare alternative PM plans with different levels of cost and capacity usage. Our method uses a multicriteria decision-making approach to determine the critical parts and conducts statistical reliability analysis with failure data and expert knowledge to create the maintenance plans. We use the proposed method in a case study to determine optional PM packages that would support regular PM practices in the after-sales service of a large motor vehicle manufacturer. The main aim of the case study is to increase the satisfaction of customers who are more sensitive to failures, such as carriers of food and medical supplies. The results show that the optional PM packages can decrease the cost of failures while obeying the capacity limitation of the company.

Adoption of prescriptive analytics for naval vessels risk-based maintenance:A conceptual framework

Prescriptive analytics is a novel maintenance approach by recommending the maintainer, the right maintenance action at the right time through prioritization of maintenance based on the risk. It assists in improving the existing preventive maintenance approach by offering a dynamic maintenance plan based on risk or Risk-based Maintenance Scheduling. To date, there is no clear definition of Naval Vessels Risk-based Maintenance as well as its framework, and it has not been applied extensively in naval vessel maintenance application which is peculiar compared to its application in plant maintenance. This paper reviews Risk-based Maintenance application in industries in an approach to develop prescriptive analytics for a comprehensive and dynamic naval vessels Risk-based Maintenance decision-making framework. It aims to establish an optimal maintenance scheduling to improve naval vessels availability and reduce maintenance costs while meeting stakeholders’ expectations. Objectives and considerations are also defined for peculiarities application of naval vessels. The framework is then evaluated to improve the effectiveness of the current Preventive Maintenance practice and the inconsistency of the existing maintenance decision-making model using the expert judgement in Reliability Centered Maintenance.

Preventive Maintenance Practices on School Facilities: Implications for Effective Instructional Delivery in Technical Education Programmes in Colleges of Education in South- East Nigeria

The study examined the implications of preventive maintenance practices on school facilities for effective instructional delivery in technical education programmes in Colleges of Education in South-East Nigeria. One research question guided the study and two null hypothesis was tested at 0.05 alpha level. It adopted survey research design. The population of the study comprised 204 lecturers in college of education in South-East of Nigeria. The entire population was used for the study since it was not too large and was manageable. Hence, the study did not adopt any sampling technique. A 21– item structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection for the study. Three experts validated the instrument. Cronbach’s Alpha method was used to establish the reliability of the instrument in a pilot test; which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.72. The instrument for data collection was sent to respondents through research assistants. Data related to the research questions were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The t-test statistics was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. Findings from the study revealed that preventive maintenance practices on school facilities to small extent influence instructional delivery in technical education programmes in Colleges of Education in South-East Nigeria. The study recommended among others that, government through the Ministry of Education and Provosts of Colleges of Education should provide funds and materials needed for preventive maintenance of school facilities.

Current Practices for Preventive Maintenance and Expectations for Predictive Maintenance in East-Canadian Mines

Preventive maintenance practices have been proven to reduce maintenance costs in many industries. In the mining industry, preventive maintenance is the main form of maintenance, especially for mobile equipment. With the increase of sensor data and the installation of wireless infrastructure within underground mines, predictive maintenance practices are beginning to be applied to the mining equipment maintenance process. However, for the transition from preventive to predictive maintenance to succeed, researchers must first understand the maintenance process implemented in mines. In this paper, we conducted interviews with 15 maintenance experts from 7 mining sites (6 gold, 1 diamond) across East-Canada to investigate the maintenance planning process currently implemented in Canadian mines. We documented experts’ feedback on the process, their expectations regarding the introduction of predictive maintenance in mining, and the usability of existing computerized maintenance management software (CMMS). From our results, we compiled a summary of actual maintenance practices and showed how they differ from theoretical practices. Finally, we list the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) relevant for maintenance planning and user requirements to improve the usability of CMMS.

Main Cleaning Strategies Remove Legacy Manganese

Manganese (Mn) accumulation and release in distribution systems degrade water quality and pose underappreciated risks to public health. Main cleaning is an essential preventive maintenance practice to sustainably remove legacy Mn and preserve water quality to the tap.

Application of Analytical Hierarchical Process in Equipment Maintenance Scheduling and Decision-Making Process in Oil/Gas

Operational efficiency and reliability of equipment directly impact production and revenue streams. Maintenance, an essential aspect of Oil/Gas operations, is a set of activities that aim at preserving the condition of equipment to reduce the probability of failure and increase operating life cycle of equipment. The culture of maintenance evolves considerably from run to failure and corrective to preventive maintenance practices. These set of activities are expensive and significantly affect the cost of sales and operating expenditure especially in Oil and Gas sector. With the need to optimize operating cost, use of data in prioritizing equipment maintenance becomes necessary. This paper provides a novel approach for prioritizing critical equipment maintenance activities using Analytical Hierarchical Process (AH). A family of Weibull distribution function are use to define five parameters (criteria) namely the Weibull Continuous Distribution Function (CDF), Weibull Probability Density Function, Reliability function, failure rate and equipment availability. To validate the use of AHP method, data from Nine (9) critical equipment from a pump station in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria was used to prioritize maintenance activities. The slope shape parameter values of \(\gamma\) \(\epsilon\){0.5,1,2} are considered, which affects the shape of the distribution functions. The results show that multi-criterion AHP-approach supports subjective decision making by providing quantitative weighted ranking of equipment based on priority. The result indicates that equipment with best values has lowest priority ranking.

Preventive and Corrective Maintenance Practices on Instructional Technologies Adopted For Effective Instructional Delivery by Business Education Departments in Colleges of Education in Nigeria

The study was carried out to determine the preventive and corrective maintenance practices on instructional technologies adopted by Business Education Departments in Colleges of Education in Anambra and Enugu States of Nigeria. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The population of the study was 165 lecturers and 10 laboratory attendants in Business Education Department. A 21-item-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The questionnaire was validated and used to determine the reliability co-efficient of the instrument using Crombach Alpha approach, and 0.84 was obtained as the reliability coefficient. Mean and standard deviation were used to find answer to the research questions, while the hypotheses were tested using t-test statistic at the probability level of 0.05. The results of the analysis showed that the Business Education Departments adopted both the preventive and corrective maintenance practices. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the Departments should make deliberate efforts to strengthen the use of the preventive and the corrective maintenance practices. It was also recommended that qualified personnel should be employed to use and maintain the instructional technologies.

Community-based wheelchair caster failures call for improvements in quality and increased frequency of preventative maintenance

Study designSecondary data analysis of wheelchair failures and service repair logs from a network of wheelchair suppliers.ObjectiveTo determine the frequency of wheelchair caster failures and service repairs across wheelchair manufacturers and models and investigate the relationships between them.SettingWheelchair caster failures and service repairs occurred in the community.MethodsReported caster failure types were classified based on the risk they pose for user injuries and wheelchair damage. Caster failures experienced by users of tilt-in-space and ultralightweight manual wheelchair models and Group 2, 3 and 4 power wheelchair models between January 2017 and October 2019 were analyzed using Chi-Square tests for independence. Correlational analysis of failures and service repairs was performed.ResultsA total of 6470 failures and 151 service repairs reported across four manufacturers and five models were analyzed. Failure types were significantly associated with manufacturers and models, respectively. Users of tilt-in-space wheelchairs, who require greater seating support, experienced twice the proportion of high-risk caster failures than the ultralightweight manual wheelchair users. Similarly, Group 3 and 4 power wheelchair users, who have complex rehabilitation needs, experienced 15-36% more high-risk failures than Group 2 users. Service repairs negatively correlated with high-risk manual wheelchair caster failures.ConclusionsWheelchair users who have greater seating and complex rehabilitation needs are at a higher risk for sustaining injuries and secondary health complications due to frequent caster failures. The study findings call for significant reforms in product quality and preventative maintenance practices that can reduce wheelchair failures and user consequences.

A framework for the health-ready characterization of manufacturing systems

Manufacturers often use reactive and preventive maintenance practices on their machinery, which can result in substantial economic losses that could be prevented with advanced maintenance strategies. While past research has defined frameworks and system architectures for smart manufacturing, guidance for implementing prognostics and health management (PHM) solutions for manufacturing is needed. This article presents “health-ready” concepts and characterizes health-ready capabilities for smart manufacturing systems to support the implementation of PHM solutions. Future work is recommended to evaluate the health-readiness of manufacturing assets and validate the expected value of increasing its health-readiness capability level.

Use of low bandwidth network technologies and sensors for operation and performance monitoring of rural development projects: A case study in South Africa

AbstractPoor infrastructure maintenance of basic services in developing countries undermine economic development and sustainability. The process of reactive maintenance on equipment are practiced in many rural projects, resulting in a range of challenges, including high cost, shorter life expectancy of equipment and inefficient use of project engagement time by project teams. This paper proposes the use of low data rate sensors for the monitoring of rural infrastructure to assist in the practice of preventive maintenance in rural projects. The paper argues and demonstrates the importance of on‐going operation and performance monitoring of infrastructure to implement preventive maintenance throughout the life cycle of rural infrastructure projects with the use of a case study—a remote village in rural South Africa. The implementation of preventive maintenance practices in rural projects show that project maintenance budgets can be utilized more efficiently when compared to traditional reactive maintenance. In addition to the reduction of maintenance cost, the implementation of preventive maintenance can lead to better life expectancy of equipment as well as safer operating and maintenance conditions for operators and maintenance teams. Findings reveal that the utilization of low data rate sensors for equipment operation and performance monitoring can support rural development as it assists preventive maintenance solutions, replacing reactive maintenance strategies. The paper further aims to assist project teams working in rural projects to improve support and maintenance of deployed infrastructure and equipment to improve the sustainability of these rural projects. The contribution of this paper is the demonstration of how the implementation of low bandwidth network technologies and sensors can be utilized for operation and performance monitoring in deep rural projects without incurring major costs to support the sustainability of these projects.

EFICIÊNCIA DE IRRIGAÇÃO EM LAVOURAS DE CAFEEIROS CONILON NA REGIÃO CENTRO SERRANA DO ESPÍRITO SANTO

O café representa a principal fonte de renda dos produtores rurais de São Roque do Canaã, porém o município apresenta restrição hídrica ao cafeeiro devido à baixa e irregular distribuição de chuvas. Fato que implica na adoção de sistemas de irrigação para suprir as exigências hídricas do cafeeiro, onde é utilizado principalmente do tipo localizada por gotejamento. Porém, identifica-se a ausência de limpeza, manutenção e avaliações nestes sistemas de irrigação, o que reduz a eficiência e uniformidade de aplicação de água. Diante do exposto, objetivou-se com a realização deste trabalho, avaliar o desempenho de sistemas de irrigação localizada por gotejamento no município de São Roque do Canaã, visando determinação da uniformidade e eficiência de aplicação de água. Foram avaliados sistemas de irrigação em dez propriedades no município. Com base nos resultados obtidos, foram determinados e classificados o Coeficiente de Uniformidade de Christiansen (CUC), o Coeficiente de Uniformidade de Distribuição (CUD), Coeficiente de Uniformidade Estatística (Us) e Eficiência de aplicação (Ea). Os sistemas de irrigação localizada por gotejamento apresentaram baixa uniformidade de aplicação de água, sendo necessário que algumas práticas de manutenção preventiva e corretiva sejam adotadas para que os sistemas operem com maior uniformidade, e em consequência, com maior eficiência no uso da água.

Assessment of infrastructure maintenance practices of three airports in southern Nigeria

This research examined the maintenance plans and strategies used by three airports in Nigeria to ascertain how they maintain existing infrastructure for full assets utilization and safer operational capacities. Interviews and questionnaires were employed to get concise data from all the areas and infrastructure available at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Port Harcourt International Airport and Margaret Ekpo International Airport. Descriptive statistics and ordinal logistic regression were used in analysis and report. While Akanu Ibiam International Airport employs preventive maintenance practices on most of their facilities, Port Harcourt International Airport and Margaret Ekpo International Airport adopt corrective maintenance practices. All the airports investigated suffer poor operational efficiency, dilapidating infrastructure and facilities, and lack maintenance actions. The maintenance schedule available at Akanu Ibiam International airport can serve as a template at Port Harcourt International Airport and Margaret Ekpo International Airport. This maintenance plan must be implemented in order to achieve improvement in operational capacities.
 Keywords: Infrastructure, maintenance practices; airports; challenges; Akanu Ibiam; Port Harcourt; Margaret Ekpo

Prevalent general and preventive maintenance practices in Indian process industry

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of general and preventive maintenance practices in the process industries of India. Data for the analysis was collected through a structured questionnaire from the reputed process industries of India. Statistical techniques cluster analysis and one-way ANOVA were used to investigate the maintenance scenario in the Indian process industry. The study highlighted the status of important practices related to the general maintenance and preventive maintenance (PM) in the process industry and emphasised on strengthening of maintenance activities in Indian Process industry especially in the changing needs of the Industry 4.0.

Prevalent General and Preventive Maintenance Practices in Indian Process Industry

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of general and preventive maintenance practices in the process industries of India. Data for the analysis was collected through a structured questionnaire from the reputed process industries of India. Statistical techniques cluster analysis and one-way ANOVA were used to investigate the maintenance scenario in the Indian process industry. The study highlighted the status of important practices related to the general maintenance and preventive maintenance (PM) in the process industry and emphasised on strengthening of maintenance activities in Indian Process industry especially in the changing needs of the Industry 4.0.

Preventive Maintenance Planning in A Nigerian Aircraft Industry using Quality Function Deployment

Abstract Quality improvement research in aircraft maintenance as well as our knowledge of the methods in the course of which enhancement is achieved and managed is disoriented and deficient. Current preventive maintenance practices are usually based on the number of flight cycles, flight hours or calendar time. Such PM activities are technical programme-oriented without any consideration for customer requirements are expectations. The unfortunate issue is that the results provided by these technically-oriented decisions are usually sub-optional. After characterised by poor customer satisfaction, requiring repeat services in some cases. A worse situation may even result such that total customer dissatisfaction may trigger out souring maintenance services despite having resources for repairs and services. In this communication, a complete departure from current practice in preventive maintenance of pure technical content to technical plus customer focused practice is adopted. This innovative approach involves obtaining customer requirements and translating them into design requirements in the house of quality of the quality function deployment (QFD). Questionnaire were developed and administered while the results were coupled with interviews to obtain the desired model validation of the QFD structure formulated. The results indicated feasibility of the proposed approach in practice. With thus novel contribution to literature, preventive maintenance managers in airline could confidently schedule services for success with a customer orientation.

An Assessment of the Impact of Property Maintenance on Property Rental Values in D-Line Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The study investigates the impact of property maintenance on property rental values in Port Harcourt: A case study of D/line Housing. The population of the study consists of 119 firms of estate surveyors and valuers practicing in Rivers State and 230 tenants occupying blocks of 2 and 3 bedroom flats in the study area. This was selected through purposive sampling techniques with sample size of 238 respondents using the Taro Yamane formular. Three research questions were answered. Data were collected through the administration of a questionnaire. A total of 238 questionnaires were distributed to the sample groups, out of which 210 were retrieved representing 89% response which was found useful for the analysis. Data obtained were analyzed using percentage, mean, and chart. The result from the analysis showed that preventive maintenance practices are adopted in property maintenance to enhance its value. The study further revealed that lack of sufficient funds is the most prevalent factor that affects property maintenance. The mean from the study also revealed that roof is the most significant element that will impact on property rental values. The study also revealed that rental values of well-maintained properties are higher than the poorly maintained properties. The study concludes that maintenance of property requires attention at the highest level. Therefore, maintenance of properties should not be neglected by owners and users. The study recommends that preventive maintenance practices should be adopted by property managers to ensure adequate preservation of the building and its elements to enhance its values. Some percentage of rent should be set aside annually to prevent lack of sufficient fund to carryout maintenance.