Overview
The presentation discusses setting up Critical Asset Surveillance Technologies (CAST) programs for electrical distribution systems and the steps needed to create a means of balancing the requirements of safety, operations and finance while maintaining our assets at optimal efficiency and reliability.
CAST inspection programs utilize equipment that inspects electrical distribution equipment under full load conditions and open to provide direct access or direct line of sight to energized components inside the electrical system. To overcome the dangers associated with this type of inspection we utilize Electrical Maintenance Safety Devices (EMSDs). EMSDs maintain an energized compartment's closed and guarded condition during inspections and ensure personnel are not exposed to energized components. CAST inspection programs can be used safely at any time.
Open panel maintenance of our critical electrical assets is dangerous, very expensive and frankly unnecessary. Using CAST and EMSDs makes the task safer and more productive. Well-designed EMSDs allow multiple condition based technology types to be utilized though one device and find multiple modes of potential equipment failure. EMSDs and CAST allow users to increase inspection frequencies and repair "actual" faults found all of which drive MTBF and MTBR figures in the right direction. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) can be shown to be much lower when implementing a CBM program using EMSDs and CAST. The final result is significant returns in terms of safety, efficiency and profitability.
Key Takeaways
- See a holistic overview of the technologies available for implementing a Critical Asset Surveillance Technologies (CAST) inspection program and a better understanding of the complimentary nature of the technologies and techniques used in successful electrical maintenance programs
- Understand the requirements of OSHA, NFPA and CSA that relate to electrical inspections and how EMSDs assist in meeting these requirements
- Learn how electrical systems modes of failure and how different inspection techniques / technologies can identify significant changes in performance which allows operators to schedule repairs well before the equipment fails
- Learn the impact on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) when a CAST - EMSD program is utilized
- Understand trends in data management and wireless monitoring solutions and just how the internet of things (IoT) is starting to impact current maintenance trends
Speaker
Rudy Wodrich is an Electrical Engineer whose career has revolved around designing electrical distribution systems for industrial, commercial and power generation applications for both high efficiency and reliability. Rudy spent 15 years at Schneider Electric designing and implementing energy efficiency and Power Quality mitigation strategies for Fortune 500 clients. This was followed 8 years in the Renewable Energy sector at both Schneider and ABB working to improve the reliability of commercial rooftop and utility scale solar power generation facilities. He was involved in over 1.5 GW of solar power plant projects across North and South America. Rudy now leads new product development at IRISS Inc. in Bradenton, Florida working on Electrical Maintenance Safety Devices (EMSD) and Critical Asset Surveillance Technologies (CAST) to provide early warning of potential electrical equipment failure and to automate maintenance record keeping with Internet of Things technologies. Rudy also holds an MBA from the University of Toronto.
