MechChem Africa February 2017

⎪ Plant maintenance, lubrication and filtration ⎪

man-hours, data feedback, andcompetence levels. Effectiveplanning at this stage will fully optimise resources and plant efficiency. The final element, work execution, sees all this planning and preparation carriedout. Feedback is collected via post-maintenance testing and fed back into the maintenance system to ensure con- stant ‘fine tuning’ of the maintenance plan and a maximum return on investment. PRMand asset care are closely linked.Maintenance is carriedout under normal operating conditions which means that any potential faults or failures aredetectedandactedupon at anearly stage avoid- ing the risk of major damage or downtime. This careful monitoring and measuring brings into play the three elements necessary for success; culture, process and technology. Culture needs to stabilise as it is this complete understanding and adoption of PRM across the business that will enable accepted processes to alter and new technology to be implemented. New monitoring and analysis tools are only effective with trained opera- tors or technicians. In terms of process and technology stages, data collected by op- erators or technicians is uploaded onto shared software for analysis and todevelop improvements. Onlybyunderstanding the causes and consequences of change can the benefits of the supporting technol- ogy be fully realised. Short term effects are better run equipment, fewer occasions for repair and a lower energy bill with longer term gains centred on a more transparent cultural environment, with regular interdepartmental collaboration. q

SKF offers new shaft alignment tool SKF recently announced the in-

troduction of its SKF Shaft Alignment Tool, TKSA 71. Designed for professional alignment in harsh indus- trial environments, the TKSA71provides superior alignment performanceand long service life. The tool is easy-to-use, dedicated software applications

enabling different types of alignments: shaft alignment, soft foot correction, vertical shaft alignment, spacer shaft align- ment, machine train shaft alignment and dial gauge values. Its innovative instrument design offers high measurement accuracy and excellent protection against dust and water. The versatile TKSA 71 also has ultra-compact measuring units for use in narrow spaces. Suitable for a wide range of applications, the TKSA 71 is offered as the base model with standard accessories and a rugged case that meets airline standards for cabin luggage. The TKSA 71/PRO includes additional accessories for more demanding applications and is supplied in a larger, rugged trolley case. Models TKSA 71D and TKSA71D/PRO include a display devicewithprotective cover andpre-installed apps that are ready to usewithout Internet connection or account setup. The TKSA 71’s software apps are designed for intuitive use without prior training and are available free of charge for both Android and Apple iOS platforms. Common features include comprehensive, automatic reports, export and sharing options, instructional videoswithintheapp,built-intoleranceguidelines, disturbance compensation, 3-D live view and a fully functional demonstration mode. q

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