Track 2 Session 7
1:10 to 2:20 p.m. Thursday April 12, 2007

A New Methodology for Industrial Equipment Analysis Based on RAMS: Practical Applications

All equipment needs maintenance to perform the required function with the desired level of performance in proper conditions of safety and operation. Thus, this presentation presents a 13-step methodology for the maintenance analysis of industrial equipment based on RAMS elements. Applying it, it is possible to define the system, divide it and carry out the analysis using tools such as FMECA, HAZOP, RCM and others to select the critical components and define the required maintenance tasks. Considering the methods application to the electrostatic precipitators of the recovery boilers existing in paper mills, it is possible to conclude that the methodology allows the selection of the critical subsystems and their components in a structured, objective and complete way, and also allow the definition of the required maintenance tasks. Using this method, it is also possible to identify the components and subsystems that can be improved when new equipment is developed.

Key Words: RAMS, Maintenance Analysis, HAZOP, RCM