Optimizing intervals for inspection and failure-finding tasks

摘要

Many organizations use Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) to optimize their maintenance operations. RCM is a decision analysis process to identify the most optimum maintenance task. However it does not provide detailed logic for determining the appropriate interval at which to perform the identified task. To compensate for this, the author suggests using a family of mathematical tools and techniques to determine an appropriate interval for specific maintenance actions. This collection of tools, henceforth called the RCM Toolbox, allows maintenance personnel to ascertain the best interval for performing maintenance based on the probability of failure, expected success of the task and historical operating data. The RCM Tool Box is a simple, easy to use suite of tools to identify the optimum interval for tasks such as Inspection, Preventive Maintenance, and Failure Finding Tasks. It can also assist with age exploration. By understanding the failure rationale behind the different types of maintenance tasks, operators can set appropriate intervals for many situations, thus further optimizing their maintenance program.