Proper programming techniques

Systems which are easily maintained are the result of efforts made in the design stages of development. Proper programming techniques dictate the following (13.) ... 

Odorization is a primary concern for any gas transmission company [813,1379]. Accurate injection of the odorant, proper monitoring techniques, and complete record maintenance are important factors in developing and sustaining a successful odorization program. 

Early in my career, I became aware that musculoskeletal injuries, particularly back injuries, were prominent in the incident experience for every client I was advising. At that time, the principle method to reduce back injuries was to conduct training programs for workers, teaching them proper lifting techniques. Very soon, 1 became aware that those methods did not achieve the results expected, for a very good reason. 

A training program to teach proper lifting techniques should cover the following topics ... 

Previous studies have indicated that hospitals with effective surveillance and infection control programs have rates of pneumonia 20% lower than hospitals without such programs (2). Effective targeted surveillance for high-risk patients, coupled with staff education, use of proper isolation techniques, and effective infection control practices, is the cornerstone for the prevention of nosocomial pneumonia (1,162,165). 

Successful corrosion control programs depend both on proper application techniques of the protective chemicals and good monitoring. Consistent record keeping by both the supplier and the customer is an essential part of a successful monitoring program. 

Kits for cleaning up spills should be installed throughout the facility for use in the event of a chemical spill. The absorbents should be selected for the chemicals being used or stored in that particular area. The kits must be readily available in all areas access must not be blocked by product, debris, machinery, etc. Employees must be trained in the proper use of cleanup materials, the protective equipment they will wear, and the proper disposal techniques. Programmed inspections in the warehouse should include an evaluation of the cleanup kits. 

To properly handle the changing composition relationships it is almost essential to utilize some electronic computer techniques if good accuracy is to be achieved. Even three component systems become tedious using desk size electronic calculators without significant internal memory. Computers can be well programmed to handle the complexities of trial and check for convergence to a preset acceptable limit. 

Used properly, this feature greatly enhances a predictive-maintenance program. The real value of trending techniques is that they provide the capability of automatically scanning large amounts of data (both broadband and narrowband) and reporting any change in pre-selected values. 

To be successful, a predictive maintenance program must be able to quantify the cost-benefit generated by the program. This can be achieved if the program is properly established, uses the proper predictive maintenance techniques and has measurable benefits. The amount of effort expended to initially establish the program plant is directly proportional to its success or failure. Proper implementation of a predictive maintenance program must include the items listed in Sections 50.5.1-50.5.5. 

A vibration-based predictive maintenance program is the most difficult to properly establish and will require much more effort than any of the other techniques. It will also provide the most return on investment. Too many of the vibration-based programs fail to use the full capability of the predictive maintenance tool. They ignore the automatic diagnostic power that is built into most of the microprocessor-based systems and rely instead on manual interpretation of all acquired data. 

The type of transducers and data acquisition techniques that you will use for the program is the final critical factor that can determine the success or failure of your program. Their accuracy, proper application and mounting will determine whether valid data will be collected. 

Trade secret protection is probably the weakest of all intellectual property rights. The US Uniform Trade Secret Act defines a trade secret as information, including a formula, pattern, compilation, program device, method, technique, or process, that (1) derives independent economic value, actual or potential, from not being generally known to, and not being readily ascertainable by proper means by, other persons who can obtain economic value from its disclosure or use and (2) is the subject of efforts that are reasonable under the circumstances to maintain its secrecy [33]. 

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