Providing you with the proven benefits of Preventative and Predictive Maintenance Services.

Good Predictive and Preventive Maintenance programs are well documented and include many benefits. Implementation may reduce production downtime and reduce equipment costs by minimizing unnecessary repairs and reducing labor costs through fewer catastrophic failures. These programs provide improved ability to "schedule" downtime for repairs, improved product quality, increased safety of equipment and increased plant efficiency thereby improving overall performance.

Preventive Maintenance is typically triggered by a predetermined timeline, rather than a specific need or failure. The timeline may be established based upon a manufacturer's recommendation, age of the equipment, experience or planned maintenance shut-downs. These activities are intended to (and typically do) prolong equipment life. However, these activities may not take into account such things as how the equipment is loaded, which can lead to unnecessary and costly maintenance activities.

Predictive Maintenance activities typically monitor equipment trends based on sampling intervals, with the intention of providing information required to predict an issue before it actually occurs. Downtime and costs may be dramatically reduced by predicting critical failures before they occur. Some of the tools used to trend equipment conditions include: vibration analysis, infrared thermography, oil sampling and analysis, motor circuit analysis, alignment checks and many others.

Kirby Risk can provide you with assistance in both of these maintenance areas. We will start with an initial audit of your facility, identify machine requirements and critical equipment, and provide a detailed plan of recommended procedures. Upon completion of each scheduled visit, Kirby Risk technicians will prepare and deliver a report document including findings and/or suggestions regarding equipment condition.

Why Outsource a PM Program?

By contracting Kirby Risk as your Preventative/Predictive Maintenance Service provider, you can be assured that an unbiased and technically accurate report will be written to direct your resources appropriately. Our technicians are cross trained in multiple industrial manufacturing techniques and bring a wealth of knowledge with them on every service call. By outsourcing, you can reduce the expensive need for capital equipment and recurring training expenses. In addition, you will have access to trained technicians on an emergency basis if needed.

More About our Preventative/Predictive Maintenance Services:

Vibration Analysis

The performance of your plant’s equipment is improved by identifying and reducing vibration caused by unbalanced rotating devices, bad bearings, mechanical looseness, worn gears, misalignments or electrical problems.

This service can be performed at an interval that will return the best information for your facility. Vibration data is collected to measure the resonant vibrations of the equipment being operated. The evaluation will be based on the magnitude and trend of these readings, as compared to historical data for each machine. A report of findings and recommendations for additional service, surveillance or diagnostic testing will be generated for any machine that is found to be in exception of established criteria for normal, safe and reliable operation. The report will identify and explain why a problem exists and will list recommendations for corrections or improvements.

Laser Alignment

Reduced energy consumption, reduced incidents of repair, longer machine component life and improved product quality are among the benefits of precision laser alignment. The process consists of measuring, correcting (to industry standards) and recording the shaft alignment condition. A report will be generated and provided to you that shows a graphical display of the final alignment conditions.

On-Site Dynamic Balancing

On site balancing can minimize downtime and improve the operation of rotating equipment, without having to remove it. Benefits of a properly balanced machine include extended bearing life, smoother and quieter running equipment, reduced cost of energy and extended life of the machine components. Well balanced fans, turbines, rolls and spindles are crucial to process quality and in maximizing machine life.

Infrared Thermography

Our technicians use a high quality infrared camera to inspect, record, analyze and report on the thermal conditions of specified equipment. These thermal images are analyzed to identify thermal conditions that could be detrimental to the quality of the process, the reliability of the equipment and/or safety of the pant personnel or property. A detailed report of findings is presented for any equipment that exceeds the normal thermal profile for the equipment or operating parameters. The report will rank the severity of the problem and will list recommendations for corrections or improvements.

Oil Analysis

Oil sampling and analysis provides a variety of physical and chemical tests to access the oil/lubrication condition and overall equipment health. Contamination levels are identified and evaluated so that proper actions can be taken. Reports will include notifications of any critical contamination levels and possible reasons for the findings.

Motor Circuit Analysis

The goal of a complete motor circuit analysis is to combine the results of several tests to determine the health of an electric motor. Testing is performed by highly skilled technicians and can be performed on-line while the motor is operating normally, or off-line. Some of the tests can serve as pass/fail tests but many require trending over time to identify problems such as insulation degradation. Motor circuit analysis is a vital part of a good reliability program for critical motors.