13. MAINTENANCE

Maintenance means those operations which guarantee the satisfactory functionality and the durability of the machines in time. It is an essential need of any industrial plant if it is to produce continuously and efficiently over a long life.

13.1 ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE

The organization structure of an industrial plant includes a maintenance staff consisting, among other things, of members allocated to programming, execution and engineering (see Organization diagram).

The programming section defines, on the basis of the work to be carried out and the degree of urgency required, the number of personnel to use, and directs them to the execution of those works which have greatest priority for the efficiency of the machines and equipment, and establishes the means, the materials and the times needed for completion of the work.

The engineering section plays an important role in the acquisition of data and their analysis, while preparing inspection and control schemes able to individuate any slightest malfunction at the earliest possible moment. Among the modern investigatory techniques, that of the individuation and analysis of vibrations is the most rewarding for giving indications on correct operation of machinery.

By checking the members of dismantled machines a list can be made of the work to be done immediately and that which can be carried out, after the necessary preparation, on later occasions when the machine is stopped. As regards substitution of components, it is very important to have a redy availability of spare parts and an efficient stores system.

Obviously there are checks and inspections which can be carried out even when the machines are in operation, but are limited to the parts that can be reached safely. The collection of running data, the scrupulous analysis of the same and the comparison with data recorded in conditions of maximum efficiency provide a series of indispensable information for the efficient running of the machinery and for a suitable maintenance program.

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