Aitor Arnaiz Irigaray, Eduardo Gilabert, Erkki Jantunen and Adam Adgar
The purpose of this paper is to describe a flexible architecture concept to provide a ubiquitous computing framework where condition‐based maintenance (CBM) data and information…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe a flexible architecture concept to provide a ubiquitous computing framework where condition‐based maintenance (CBM) data and information can be easily accessed, and maintenance decisions may be performed wherever required.
Design/methodology/approach
The architecture is based on a platform of intelligent web services, and logically structured decision layers based on the open systems architecture for CBM definition, from condition monitoring to decision support, and provides automated extraction of results. The application of web services is demonstrated, first related with an original vision on the adoption of mobile devices for dynamic maintenance management solutions, and then with a more conventional web‐based predictive maintenance management system.
Findings
Scenarios for the upgrade of existing preventive maintenance practices towards condition‐based strategies are sufficiently different to require customised solutions. A web‐based platform can work with such differences in a cost‐effective way.
Research limitations/implications
Further research can expand the actual platform by embedding new complementary web services.
Practical implications
Condition‐based strategies can provide clear savings in many maintenance activities. The platform described will provide the necessary flexibility to industrial users to manage the volume of data and information needed in CBM.
Originality/value
The platform is flexible enough to provide intelligent processing “on‐demand” and ubiquitously, with a three‐level configuration of web services, agents and interfaces that facilitates interoperability with existing legacy systems. Finally, the platform can grow according to the needs of the user (e.g. new information, increased knowledge on the process, new measurements, etc.).
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Christos Emmanouilidis, Jayantha P. Liyanage and Erkki Jantunen
This paper seeks to present an overview of current trends in employing wireless solutions to engineering asset and maintenance management.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to present an overview of current trends in employing wireless solutions to engineering asset and maintenance management.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper reviews literature and technological advances in wireless technologies and their applications in engineering asset and maintenance management from the viewpoint of assessing their potential impact, use and penetration in industrial practice. Rather than attempting a literature survey, the paper highlights emerging opportunities, benefits and potential hurdles in the adoption of mobile application solutions for industrial assets.
Findings
Despite the fact that the use of advanced application solutions in manufacturing, production or process facilities takes place at a different scale, the emerging trend has already shown that mobile technologies have a great potential to redefine and re‐engineer the conventional setting for industrial asset and maintenance management. They have already begun to form the basis for offering advanced and smart solutions to remotely manage complex, high‐risk, and capital‐intensive assets, regardless of the geographical location, building agile information and knowledge networks. The key characteristics of the emerging environment include: 24/7 connectivity for active data management, enhanced web‐based interactivity, ready access to knowledge and information, and growth of use of advanced communication networks.
Research limitations/implications
The paper focuses on analysing current trends and concludes by highlighting promising research directions in employing wireless and mobile solutions for engineering and maintenance asset management.
Practical implications
Managerial and engineering personnel, as well as practitioners, can examine on a case‐by‐case basis the specific benefits that can be offered by the introduction of mobile technologies for engineering asset and maintenance management.
Originality/value
The recent penetration of mobile technologies in industrial practice highlights the need to assess the benefits of the technology in maintenance engineering. Much of the literature focuses on the contribution of ICT in maintenance, without analysing the impact of mobile technologies. The paper goes some way towards examining and analysing the current practice and prospects of implementing mobile application solutions in maintenance.
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Basim Al‐Najjar and Wenbin Wang
Rolling element bearing failures in paper mill machines are considered in relation to their critical role in the machine function. The use of expensive, sophisticated and highly…
Abstract
Rolling element bearing failures in paper mill machines are considered in relation to their critical role in the machine function. The use of expensive, sophisticated and highly automated equipment and machines and the intention to achieve higher quality products, longer machine life, higher machinery effectiveness and safer operating processes were the main driving force motivating efforts to improve the maintenance concept during the last 50 years. In this paper, a conceptual model that integrates the available condition information, the deterministic models used in condition monitoring based upon mechanical theory and the probabilistic models used in the area of operational research is developed and its applicability is discussed. This model covers fault detection of a mechanical component such as a rolling element bearing, prediction of its vibration level in the near future, assessment of the probability of failure of a component over a finite period of time of interest.