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Predictive maintenance in industry: how to anticipate failures and optimize production

Manutenção preditiva na indústria: como antecipar falhas e otimizar a produção

In industry, sudden machine failures cause significant losses, delay production, and compromise product quality. To prevent these problems, predictive maintenance is a great solution, as it allows for early identification of defects.

Using smart devices and data analysis, this approach frequently monitors equipment performance to make interventions at the ideal time.

But how can predictive maintenance be applied effectively? What techniques are used to optimize production capacity and reduce waste? Check out this content and learn about the main practices and advantages.

What is predictive maintenance and why is it essential in industry?

It is a methodology of management Based on identifying faults before they become critical defects. To achieve this, sensors attached to the equipment monitor variables such as pressure, temperature, and vibration to ensure targeted interventions.

Predictive maintenance ensures the continuity of operational flow. Machines in good condition offer greater reliability, avoid production bottlenecks, and help meet deadlines.

This practice benefits strategic planning by obtaining accurate information about how machinery is working, which optimizes the allocation of resources.

Neglecting predictive maintenance is detrimental to a company because waste and sudden failures can lead to large-scale losses. Therefore, using this approach is essential to achieve efficiency and sustainability.

What are the main techniques used?

Predictive maintenance uses various verification practices to intervene in equipment before it stops working. Generally speaking, it's necessary to understand the machine's failure conditions and then define the ideal analytical procedure.

Discover the most widely implemented techniques in industry!

Vibration analysis

Machines generally emit vibration frequencies when they are operating. Vibration analysis interprets this frequency through sensors coupled with accelerometers that convert mechanical vibration energy into electrical signals.

The log is sent to specific software for interpretation by a specialist. Here are some issues that can be detected:

  • cavitation (formation of vapor bubbles) in pumps;
  • shaft misalignment;
  • rotor unbalance;
  • bearing deterioration;
  • clearances in internal components;
  • insufficient lubrication.

Ultrasound

An ultrasonic acoustic emission detector monitors noise and captures sound waves imperceptible to humans. Ultrasound is used to diagnose problems in various parts and equipment, such as machine casings, compressors, welded joints, bearings, piping, turbines, and bearings.

It is a very sensitive equipment, capable of identifying the following conditions:

  • subsurface corrosion;
  • defects in welds;
  • deterioration of coatings;
  • erosion and wear with reduction of the internal wall;
  • compressed air, gas and vacuum leaks.

Thermography

Thermography can create images using different temperatures on a surface, highlighting defects invisible to the naked eye. Since heat is an early sign of damage or malfunctioning machinery, this is a good diagnostic tool.

The main applications of thermography in industries are:

  • detection of defects in high-power electrical boxes;
  • leak detection in sealed devices;
  • identification of overheating in electronic devices;
  • location of overloaded circuit breakers;
  • location of defective areas in pipe insulation.

Oil analysis

This procedure assesses whether the additives remain active and whether there has been any change in the oil's viscosity. The properties of the fluids in the machines are also analyzed, as well as the level of contamination and particle size.

In addition, it is possible to know what types of oil residues there are and where they come from, whether there are other solutions mixed in, and whether there are any internal leaks.

Large particles indicate adverse reactions and areas of overheating or friction in the system's components. This allows us to determine which part caused the wear, as well as the cause and severity of the problem.

Crack analysis

This test identifies defects such as cracks, fissures, and holes in metal surfaces—conditions that can lead to the failure of parts and equipment. Crack analysis is widely used in gas pipelines, oil pipelines, and ore pipelines.

What are the benefits of predictive maintenance?

This approach requires some investment, but it is a process that brings many advantages to the industry, including in the sector steelmaker.

Check out the main benefits of predictive maintenance!

Increases equipment durability

With a more in-depth understanding of how machinery works, it is possible to develop good prevention practices and a care routine that extends its useful life.

Reduces costs

Although predictive maintenance has a significant initial cost, it helps reduce repair costs because:

  • reduces the incidence of failures;
  • reduces the time spent on corrective interventions;
  • avoids unexpected stops.

Other unfavorable conditions are also mitigated when there is clarity in the signals presented by the equipment.

Enhances team protection

Using data collected through predictive review, it is possible to identify accident scenarios. This allows those responsible for occupational safety to anticipate and take control and prevention measures to ensure the protection of employees. collaborators.

Improves operational efficiency

Predictive maintenance prevents process interruptions and downtime in affected departments. It provides data that makes repairs more accurate and efficient, optimizing time.

Increases regulatory compliance

Medium and large industries face stringent environmental and safety guidelines. Predictive practices contribute to:

  • compliance in operations, eliminating fines and sanctions;
  • the company's reputation among investors, suppliers and customers.

Predictive maintenance is an intelligent solution that delivers efficiency and increases competitivenessBy monitoring equipment and anticipating failures, companies improve production results and increase operational safety.

Investing in this strategic practice is also a way to promote organizational innovation. With the support of technology and management planning, it's possible to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and success in the iron and steel industry.

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