Predictive maintenance visual inspection

A comprehensive program that includes predictive maintenance techniques to monitor and analyze critical machines, equipment, and systems in a typical plant. Techniques include vibration analysis, ultrasonics, thermography, tribology, process monitoring, visual inspection, and other non-destructive analysis methods. 

These techniques include (1) vibration monitoring (2) thermography, (3) tribology, (4) process parameters, (5) visual inspection and (5) other nondestructive testing techniques. This chapter will provide a description of each of the techniques that should be included in a full capabilities predictive maintenance program for typical plants. 

Regular visual inspection of the machinery and systems in a plant is a necessary part of any predictive maintenance program. In many cases, visual inspection will detect potential problems that will be missed using the other predictive maintenance techniques. 

All equipment and systems in the plant should be visually inspected on a regular basis. The additional information provided by visual inspection will augment the predictive maintenance program regardless of the primary techniques used. 

The most common method of identifying and monitoring corrosion is visual inspection. Evidence of leakage, staining, or a change in surface appearance can be an indication that some type of corrosion is taking place. Experience with certain types of equipment and processes may help dictate inspection intervals and areas on which to focus the inspection. Records of vessel operation, maintenance, and repair can be helpful in establishing a pattern of performance that will improve predictability and minimize down time. 

Predictive maintenance or Condition Monitoring (CM) uses primarily non-intmsive testing techniques, visual inspections and performance data to assess equipment condition. It replaces arbitrarily timed maintenance tasks with maintenance scheduled only when warranted by equipment condition. Continuous analysis of equipment condition monitoring data allows planning and scheduling of maintenance or repairs in advance of catastrophic and functional failure. 

---