Adopting a “ Monitor , Inspect , & Manage ” approach is a proactive way to avoid the concerns at hand by maximizing the value of workforce time and skill .
installed inspection windows on the asset allows a safe , efficient method of inspecting and assessing any possible issue during an energized condition . Once solely designed for thermographic inspections using infrared cameras , advancements in manufacturing have led to the inclusion of ports that allow for ultrasound and partial discharge technologies to be incorporated into the inspection . Visual , infrared , and ultrasound inspections can be done simultaneously by a single employee .
Additionally , this design protects inspectors from arc flash / electrocution risk , removes the need for bulky and expensive PPE , and allows the inspection to be accomplished more efficiently . Not only does this represent a significant process improvement driven by original design , but it also falls in line with the most recent NFPA 70E updates and continues to protect critical assets from human interaction / mistakes that may cause failure .
MANAGE
The data collected during inspection can be stored through intelligent asset management tags attached to the pre-installed inspection windows . From the asset location , information can be transmitted into a dashboard system accessible from workstations and mobile devices .
Customizable routes can be established before , and condition reports generated after data analysis to further increase efficiency . These designed aspects allow managers to assess operations and decide how best to increase Mean Time Between Failure ( MTBF ).
PROPER TRAINING
One major issue facing the industrial world is a coming wave of retirements from the workforce , with fewer new workers entering the industry than the pending need created by this exodus . As the electrical industry expands worldwide , creating the need for a larger workforce , the problem is multiplied . The only way to succeed is to capitalize on reliability technologies designed into the system that allows the industry to do more with less .
While Designing for Safety & Reliability from the equipment-side should drive the overall process toward continuous improvements , the proper tools are only as useful as the hands wielding them . Hardware and software designed / specified by the engineer and constructed by the OEM are ineffective if the people responsible for their oversight are not adequately trained .
“ Monitor , Inspect , Manage ,” the use of technology allows single individuals to accomplish inspection tasks with minimal training . Specialized skill sets of electricalfocused staff can be used for actual necessary maintenance / repair activities .
CONCLUSIONS
From the inception of equipment design and manufacture , all possible measures to ensure asset reliability should be specified and implemented . These measures should prove themselves to be learnable , repeatable , and continued throughout any workforce changes to cement the successful practices into the very culture of the role requirements .
Transformers and other critical electrical power assets being monitored remotely cut down on technicians ’ routine tasks focused on engineering and electrical operations by providing around-the-clock coverage . When an alarm notification is received , correctly designed and installed inspection windows allow an individual technician to easily do visual , infrared , and ultrasound , and partial discharge assessments of the energized equipment . The data collected on the asset can then be stored , trended , and analyzed through the management software . This process increases the Mean Time Between Failure ( MTBF ) by allowing for planned shutdown and maintenance only when it is necessary .
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Shifting to an engineered reliability system for the electrical maintenance team means training new and veteran staff alike . With
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