V. Macián, B. Tormos, J.M. Salavert and S. Ballester
The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology for audit maintenance strategies and processes focused in urban transport fleets.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology for audit maintenance strategies and processes focused in urban transport fleets.
Design/methodology/approach
In response to this purpose, the main objective is to identify the strengths and the weaknesses of the maintenance system in order to establish actions that minimize the weaknesses and maximise the strengths. To audit properly, a well‐structured methodology is required, in which analyses will be performed, from general to more specific plans and procedures.
Findings
It was found that the evaluation of other related aspects is also necessary. Aspects such as: facilities, personnel, computerised information systems and the accurate management of the information derived from the proper maintenance activities.
Practical implications
Using the methodology described in this paper will make it easier for the company to evaluate real maintenance performance and possible improvements.
Originality/value
By using this methodology, a detailed situation of the fleet's maintenance is illustrated, and consequently different operations can be taken into account to achieve the established improvement objectives
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As lubricating oils are used, their performance deteriorates and they become contaminated. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the lubrication performance of reclaimed…
Abstract
Purpose
As lubricating oils are used, their performance deteriorates and they become contaminated. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the lubrication performance of reclaimed 5 W-30 a fully synthetic used engine oil (UEO) with wear tests after refining it from a solvent-based extraction method using solvent (1-PrOH) and adsorbent materials such as cement, celite and deep eutectic solvent (DES).
Design/methodology/approach
The treated oil mixtures were prepared by blending engine oils with various adsorbent materials at 5% (w/w) in organic 1-PrOH solvent at a UEO: solvent ratio of 1:2 (w/w). The measurement of kinematic viscosity, density, the total acid number (TAN) and elemental analysis of oil samples was done by the ASTM standards D445/D446, D4052, D974 and D6595, respectively. Adsorbents and treated oil samples characterized by SEM-EDX, FTIR and UV analysis, respectively. Meanwhile, lubricating performance in tribological applications was evaluated through the wear test device using a rotating steel alloy 1.2379 cylinder and a stationary 1.2738 pin under 20, 40 and 80 kg load conditions. Worn surface analysis was done with SEM and 2.5D images.
Findings
It was found that when using the combination of cement and celite as an adsorbent in the reclamation of used engine oil demonstrated better lubricant properties. The properties of used engine oil were improved in the manner of kinematic viscosity of 32.55 from 68.49 mm2/s, VI (Viscosity index) value of 154 from 130, TAN of 3.18 from 4.35 (mgKOH/g) and Fe content of 11 from 32 mg/L. The anti-wear properties of used engine oil improved by at least 32% when 5% cement and 5% celite adsorbent materials were used together.
Research limitations/implications
The paper is based on findings from a fully synthetic 5 W-30 A5 multi-grade engine lubrication oil collected after driving approximately 12.000 km.
Practical implications
The results are significant, as they suggest practical regeneration of used engine oil is achievable. Additionally, blending fresh oil with reclaimed used engine oil in a 1:1 ratio reduced wear loss by over 10% compared to fresh oil.
Social implications
Reusing used engine oils can reduce their environmental impact and bring economic benefits.
Originality/value
This study showed that the properties of UEO can be enhanced using the solvent extraction-adsorption method. Furthermore, the study provided valuable insights into the metal concentrations in engine oil samples and their impact on lubrication performance. The order of the number of the grooves quantity and the possibility of the observed scuffing region trend relative to the samples was UEO > 5W-30 fresh oil > Treated oil sample with the adsorbent cement and celite together.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-06-2024-0209/
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Xin Kuang, Bifeng Yin, Jian Wang, Hekun Jia and Bo Xu
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the dispersion stability and the wear properties of lubricating oil blends added with modified nanometer cerium oxide (CeO2) at high…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the dispersion stability and the wear properties of lubricating oil blends added with modified nanometer cerium oxide (CeO2) at high temperature.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, CeO2 was self-made and it was chemically modified. The dispersion stability of CeO2 in lubricating oil was studied. And the wear test of lubricating oil blends added with modified CeO2 was carried out at high temperature.
Findings
The results showed that CeO2 was successfully modified by oleic acid and stearic acid. The dispersion stability of modified CeO2 in lubricating oil was improved. Adding modified nano-CeO2 with the concentration less than 50 ppm into the lubricating oil can improve the wear properties of friction pairs in different extent. With the increase of the amount of CeO2, the wear properties increased first and then decreased. The lubricating oil blend added with 25 ppm CeO2 has the best wear properties.
Originality/value
The raw material CeO2 in this paper is self-made and its shape and size are well controlled. Research on the addition of nano-CeO2 to the engine low viscosity finished lubricants is lacking. It is of great significance to study the dispersion stability and tribological properties of nano-lubricants under the new background of low viscosity of lubricating oil and close to the real engine working conditions. It has certain significance to promote the development of nano-lubricants for engines.
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Jasper Veldman, Hans Wortmann and Warse Klingenberg
The purpose of this paper is the development of an empirically based typology of condition based maintenance (CBM) approaches, including the relevant characteristics and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is the development of an empirically based typology of condition based maintenance (CBM) approaches, including the relevant characteristics and requirements.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory case study was conducted in a major gas production facility. The CBM typology that resulted from this case study was subsequently tested against a large set of CBM literature.
Findings
In the literature, CBM is usually presented as a single theory or practice. The paper finds that CBM in fact includes several different approaches and that each of the approaches is only suitable in situations where the specific characteristics of the approach match the situational characteristics. Aided by these findings, a new typology for CBM was developed. The typology is based on the method for obtaining the expected value, or trend (through statistical vs analytical modeling) and the type of data used (process vs failure data). A subsequent literature survey reveals that the proposed typology is applicable for the categorization of a large number of CBM cases found in the literature.
Practical implications
One of the most important requirements in selecting and using a CBM approach is the availability and integration of various types of knowledge, in particular process engineering and maintenance engineering knowledge. Practitioners can use these insights to assess current CBM cases, and identify the key characteristics of current and future use of various CBM types.
Originality/value
This paper presents a novel and empirically based framework for the classification of the different CBM types. Such frameworks were lacking in the current literature. The paper adds to maintenance engineering literature by identifying the key dimensions of the various types along with their key requirements.
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Ashwani Kumar and Subrata Kumar Ghosh
The paper aims to monitor the condition of heavy Earth-moving machines (HEMMs) used in open cast mines by lube oil analysis.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to monitor the condition of heavy Earth-moving machines (HEMMs) used in open cast mines by lube oil analysis.
Design/methodology/approach
Oil samples at periodic interval were collected from the HEMM engine (Model No: BEML BH50M). Ferrography and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy have been used for the wear particle analysis present in oil samples. Viscosity analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy have been done to investigate the degradation in quality and changes as compared to the initial structural properties of the lubricants.
Findings
The results obtained indicates wear in cylinder liner and piston ring. Copper, cast iron, alloy steel and ferrous oxide have been found as rubbing wear particles and cutting wear particles. Contamination level has also been found to be increasing in consecutive older oil samples. Chemical properties degraded with usage time and variations in oxidation and soot level have also been observed in every sample.
Practical implications
The results will be very much useful to maintenance teams of mining industry for early prediction of any impending failure of the machines, for example, diesel dilution, severe wear of the piston or cylinder liner leading to seizure can be predicted.
Originality/value
The HEMMs are an important piece of equipment in coal mining. Proper condition monitoring of HEMM is required to reduce the break down and down time to increase production.
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Bifeng Yin, Xuefeng Wang, Bo Xu, Gongyin Huang and Xin Kuang
The purpose of this paper was to improve the frictional wear resistance properties of piston skirts caused by the low viscosity lubricant by studying the tribological performance…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to improve the frictional wear resistance properties of piston skirts caused by the low viscosity lubricant by studying the tribological performance of three novel coating materials.
Design/methodology/approach
Comparative tribological examinations were performed in a tribological tester using the ring-block arrangement under two viscosity lubricants, the loading force was applied as 100 N, the speed was set to 60 r/min and the testing time was 180 min.
Findings
Under low viscosity lubricant, the friction coefficient and wear of the three coatings all increase, and the friction coefficient and wear of the PTFE coating are the largest, while the MoS2 coating has the lowest friction coefficient and wear. Under low viscosity lubricant, the friction coefficient of the MoS2 coating is 2.1%–5.4% and 20.0%–24.3% lower than that of the SiO2 and PTFE coating, respectively. The friction coefficient and wear fluctuation rate of the MoS2 coating is the smallest when the lubricant viscosity decreases, which indicates that the MoS2 coating has excellent stability and adaptability under low viscosity lubricant.
Originality/value
To reduce the piston skirt wear caused by low viscosity lubricant in heavy-duty diesel engines, the friction and wear adaptability of three novel composite coating materials for piston skirts were compared under 0 W-20 low viscosity lubricant, which could provide a guidance for the application of wear-resistant materials for heavy-duty diesel engine piston skirt.
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Kurt Azevedo and Daniel B. Olsen
The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the altitude at which construction equipment operates affects or contributes to increased engine wear.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine whether the altitude at which construction equipment operates affects or contributes to increased engine wear.
Design/methodology/approach
The study includes the evaluation of two John Deere PowerTech Plus 6,068 Tier 3 diesel engines, the utilization of OSA3 oil analysis laboratory equipment to analyze oil samples, the employment of standard sampling scope and methods, and the analysis of key Engine Control Unit (ECU) data points (machine utilization, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and engine sensor data).
Findings
At 250 h of engine oil use, the engine operating at 3,657 meters above sea level (MASL) had considerably more wear than the engine operating at 416 MASL. The leading and earliest indicator of engine wear was a high level of iron particles in the engine oil, reaching abnormal levels at 218 h. The following engine oil contaminants were more prevalent in the engine operating at the higher altitude: potassium, glycol, water and soot. Furthermore, the engine operating at higher altitude also presented abnormal and critical levels of oil viscosity, Total Base Number and oxidation. When comparing the oil sample analysis with the engine ECU data, it was determined that engine idling is a contributor for soot accumulation in the engine operating at the higher altitude. The most prevalent DTCs were water in fuel, extreme low coolant levels and extreme high exhaust manifold temperature. The ECU operating data demonstrated that the higher altitude environment caused the engine to miss-fire and rail pressure was irregular.
Practical implications
Many of the mining operations and construction projects are accomplished at mid to high altitudes. This research provides a comparison of how construction equipment engines are affected by this type of environment (i.e. higher altitudes, cooler temperatures and lower atmospheric pressure). Consequently, service engineers can implement maintenance strategies to minimize internal engine wear for equipment operating at higher altitudes.
Originality/value
The main contribution of this paper will help construction equipment end-users, maintenance engineers and manufacturers to implement mitigation strategies to improve engine durability for countries with operating conditions similar to those described in this research.
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Liu Tonggang, Wu Jian, Tang Xiaohang and Yang Zhiyi
The purpose of this paper is to propose a method of qualitative ferrographic analysis by quantitative parameters of wear debris characteristics.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a method of qualitative ferrographic analysis by quantitative parameters of wear debris characteristics.
Design/methodology/approach
The amount of the wear debris needed for analysis on the ferrogram made by rotary ferrograph is discussed based on the theory of debris group. Quantitative parameters are constituted to express the characteristics of wear debris group, and correlation coefficients are employed to establish the relationship between wear debris and wear condition. The reliability of the method was verified by wear test experiments and ferrographic analysis.
Findings
The wear condition of machines should be determined by studying all the debris together as a group rather than by focusing on individual debris. In the proposed method, the qualitative analysis result is obtained by synthetic analysis of quantitative parameters of wear debris characteristics using a computer program, which makes the judgment of the wear system condition more objective and precise.
Research limitations/implications
In the procedure of wear condition monitoring by the proposed method, because the weight factors and correlation coefficients introduced in this paper are determined according to the experiences deriving from practice among mining machinery, further rectifications may be needed if they are applied to other industrial field.
Originality/value
The paper illustrates a more objective and precise ferrographic analysis method for wear condition monitoring.
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Jingrui Ge, Kristoffer Vandrup Sigsgaard, Bjørn Sørskot Andersen, Niels Henrik Mortensen, Julie Krogh Agergaard and Kasper Barslund Hansen
This paper proposes a progressive, multi-level framework for diagnosing maintenance performance: rapid performance health checks of key performance for different equipment groups…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper proposes a progressive, multi-level framework for diagnosing maintenance performance: rapid performance health checks of key performance for different equipment groups and end-to-end process diagnostics to further locate potential performance issues. A question-based performance evaluation approach is introduced to support the selection and derivation of case-specific indicators based on diagnostic aspects.
Design/methodology/approach
The case research method is used to develop the proposed framework. The generic parts of the framework are built on existing maintenance performance measurement theories through a literature review. In the case study, empirical maintenance data of 196 emergency shutdown valves (ESDVs) are collected over a two-year period to support the development and validation of the proposed approach.
Findings
To improve processes, companies need a separate performance measurement structure. This paper suggests a hierarchical model in four layers (objective, domain, aspect and performance measurement) to facilitate the selection and derivation of indicators, which could potentially reduce management complexity and help prioritize continuous performance improvement. Examples of new indicators are derived from a case study that includes 196 ESDVs at an offshore oil and gas production plant.
Originality/value
Methodological approaches to deriving various performance indicators have rarely been addressed in the maintenance field. The proposed diagnostic framework provides a structured way to identify and locate process performance issues by creating indicators that can bridge generic evaluation aspects and maintenance data. The framework is highly adaptive as data availability functions are used as inputs to generate indicators instead of passively filtering out non-applicable existing indicators.
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Ajith Tom James and Jasmin James
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the service quality automobile garages through development of a service quality index based on the factors influencing service quality.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the service quality automobile garages through development of a service quality index based on the factors influencing service quality.
Design/methodology/approach
A structural methodology of graph theory and matrix approach is applied for developing the service quality index.
Findings
The automobile maintenance can be considered as a service industry and in order to sustain in the competitive business environment, the service providers must ensure quality in their services. There are several factors that influence the service quality. Each factor is comprised of several sub-factors. Moreover, the factors are interrelated with each other. Modelling of these factors and their interrelations with due consideration of their structure is accomplished through the graph theory. The directed graph (digraph) of the service quality is defined; the nodes of this symbolize the quality influencing factors, while the edges represent their degrees of interrelationships. An equivalent matrix developed from the digraph establishes a service quality function which leads to evaluation of service quality index (SQI). A greater value of the service quality index displays that the organization and functioning of the garage is adequate.
Practical implications
The methodology can be applied for evaluating as well as comparing service quality of different garages. The observations would be helpful to the managers the garages to make strategies for improving their service quality.
Originality/value
The paper establishes the interrelations among various factors that influence the service quality at automobile garages and develop a numeric index for the evaluation of the same.