Automated Bearing Wear Detection

How can control systems trick operators? Operators are required to run their plants from control panels. They view the control panel dials, lights, and readouts. From those they interpret the plant and equipment operating condition. It is critical that every indicator on the panel be a true reflection of the equipment’s state out in the plant.

Installation and mounting errors are responsible for 27% of all bearing failures, second only to lubrication problems. Most installation errors can be avoided through proper training, correct procedures and selection of products with design features that are compatible with operating conditions of the application.

Over the years, I probably asked this of several hundred employees, and many of the answers related to the interaction of management within the plant. They wanted the magic fix to be management that worked together, shift changes that were transparent, maintenance to work with operations, supervisors to be knowledgeable about expectations, and to feel part of the team. In essence, they wanted to perform like the USS Lincoln.

Part III in this series explores principles 10-14 of Deming's 14 Principles for quality and CI leadership. Each principle is relevant today and transformative in preparing for and upgrading current continuous improvement leadership.

For aerospace and defense MRO organizations, demand has never looked stronger.