Operating Optimization of the Equipment and Machines Using Imposed Lifespan Between Maintenance

Abstract

One of the most important problem of the operating machines is the accidental failures. These failures generates stoppages that disturb the technological flow by introducing delays. The present paper proposes a method to control the working without failure for any equipment or machine. More exactly, each element is designed with an imposed lifespan between maintenance interventions. In these conditions, it is possible to plan precise maintenance intervention stoppages, known beforehand and with minimum stoppage time. In order to achieve these objectives, there are several stages, namely: - Identification and design of all parts, functional role as well as lifespan; - Analyzing lifespan information and setting the optimal operating time for each piece to ensure a minimum number of stoppages to restore working parameters; Re-designing the parts (where applicable) in order to change the lifespan as previously defined. This operation will involve changes in shape or material, with immediate impact, to increase the cost of manufacturing the parts/equipment. This immediate increase is, in the long run, a significant decrease in maintenance and operating costs of the equipment. The proposed method leads to an optimum operation, a maximumworking time without disorder or unpredicted stoppages. The paper analyses a case study which highlights the efficiency of the proposed method.