OVERVIEW

Maintenance, defined as the "upkeep of property," is one of the most important operations in a plant. The manufacture and maintenance of turbomachinery are totally different. The first involves the shaping and assembly of various parts to required tolerances, while the second, maintenance, involves restoration of these tolerances through a series of intelligent compromises. The crux of maintenance technique is in keeping the compromises intelligent.

Maintenance is not a glamorous procedure; however, its importance is second to none. Maintenance procedures are always controversial, since the definition of "upkeep" varies with the individual interpretation of each maintenance supervisor. The latitude of maintenance ranges from strict planning and execution, inspection, and overhaul, accompanied by complete reports and accounting of costs, to the operation of machinery until some failure occurs and then making the necessary repairs.

Modern day turbomachinery is built to last between thirty to forty years. Thus, the keeping of basic maintenance records and critical data is imperative for a good maintenance program. Economic justification is always the controlling factor for any program, and maintenance practices are not different.

Maintenance costs can be minimized by, and are directly related to, good operation; likewise, better operating results can be obtained when the equipment is under the control of a planned maintenance program. Improper operation of mechanical equipment can be as much or more the cause of its deterioration and failure as is actual, normal mechanical wear. Thus, operation and maintenance go together.

Combining the practice of preventive maintenance with total quality...