Objective 07: Monitoring Equipment

Question 1

Condition Monitoring

Answer 1

Measuring relevant indicators of equipment condition that can be useful in predicting deterioration and the likelihood of failure.

Question 2

What is the purpose of Condition Monitoring?

Answer 2

To make decisions about the type of maintenance required.

Question 3

What are the different Condition Monitoring Technique categories?

Answer 3

1. Vibration Monitoring
2. Oil Analysis
3. Thermography
4. Ultrasonic Inspection
5. General Monitoring, including equipment and process performance, output, pressures, and temperatures.

Question 4

Which Condition Monitoring Technique does not require specialized training?

Answer 4

General Monitoring

Question 5

How is General Monitoring done?

Answer 5

1. Manually by Paper log sheets
2. Computerized monitoring program using portable hand-held collectors or by monitoring control systems with permanently mounted sensors

Question 6

What should always be noted on log sheets?

Answer 6

1. Date and time of entry
2. Name of person
3. Unit of measurement
4. Alert values, where relevant

Question 7

What sequence should parameters on a log sheet follow for recording purposes?

Answer 7

The order that the readings are taken (this may differ between operators)

Question 8

What sequence should parameters on a log sheet follow for viewing purposes?

Answer 8

Logically according to systems and types of reading.

Question 9

How can both priorities in sequencing parameters on a log sheet be accommodated?

Answer 9

Sequence for viewing purposes but have an extra column with the input sequence for reference.

Question 10

Should calculated values for parameters be added to the log sheet?

Answer 10

If it is simple.

Question 11

What should operators filling out log sheets be trained in?

Answer 11

1. How to take readings
2. What readings are used for
3. What to do if an alert value is exceeded

Question 12

What is the best practice with Alert Value readings?

Answer 12

Document them separately from the log sheet by someone familiar with the equipment and its operation.

Question 13

What is the best way to monitor changes in equipment condition?

Answer 13

Display indicator values on a trend chart.

Question 14

How do some CMMS’s aid Condition Monitoring?

Answer 14

They include a condition monitoring feature that can automatically trigger maintenance tasks, e.g. by having 3 different alert bands that indicate progression of importance from alert to alarm to danger.