News - Marine & Offshore

Predictive maintenance has emerged as a highly effective solution to optimize equipment performance across various industrial sectors. Studies indicate that this approach can reduce maintenance costs by up to 30% and extend asset lifespan by as much as 20%. By continuously monitoring operational conditions through sensors and real-time data analysis, companies can anticipate failures before they happen, avoiding unexpected downtime that could lead to significant losses.

Below, we explain in detail how this technology works, its main advantages, and how it differs from traditional preventive maintenance.

What is predictive maintenance?

Predictive maintenance is an approach that utilizes continuous monitoring and data analysis to anticipate when a piece of equipment or component is about to fail. Unlike corrective maintenance, which only intervenes after a problem occurs, or preventive maintenance, which follows a fixed schedule, predictive maintenance aims to act at the precise moment, preventing equipment from reaching a failure point.

How does predictive maintenance work?

Predictive maintenance operates through data collection from equipment, monitored either in real-time or periodically. This data includes vibrations, temperature, noise, pressure, and other variables that can indicate equipment performance. Using sensors and specialized software, the collected information is analyzed, allowing technicians to identify signs of wear and deterioration before the equipment shows any failure.

By identifying potential issues in advance, maintenance can be efficiently scheduled, minimizing the impact on operations and avoiding unexpected disruptions.

What is the difference between preventive and predictive maintenance?

Although both preventive and predictive maintenance aim to avoid failures, they differ in their approaches. Preventive maintenance follows a fixed schedule based on the average lifespan of components. Even if the equipment is in good condition, it is inspected or replaced according to the schedule.

Predictive maintenance, however, is based on the actual condition of the equipment. With continuous monitoring, it is only performed when there are indications that a failure is imminent.

Predictive maintenance techniques

There are several techniques used to implement predictive maintenance. Among the most common are:

• Vibration Analysis: Detects anomalies in rotating equipment, such as motors and pumps, by monitoring vibration frequencies.
• Thermography: Uses infrared cameras to identify temperature variations in components, which may indicate overheating or electrical issues.
• Oil Analysis: Evaluates lubricant condition and detects wear particles, providing clues about the state of internal components.
• Ultrasound: Identifies air or gas leaks and detects bearing wear and gear issues.
• Remote Monitoring: Sensors connected to software enable real-time machine monitoring, sending automatic alerts when operational parameters exceed defined limits.

Predictive maintenance services by Metalock Brasil

Metalock Brasil offers comprehensive and advanced predictive maintenance solutions for the industrial, naval, and offshore sectors, from precise data collection to in-depth, complex analysis that requires extensive expertise. Our highly specialized team utilizes cutting-edge technologies, such as thermography, laser alignment, dynamic balancing, and vibration analysis, to monitor and optimize the performance of our clients’ equipment.

Laser alignment ensures that the shafts of rotating machines are perfectly aligned, minimizing wear and enhancing efficiency. Through dynamic balancing, we correct imbalances in components like fans and turbines, reducing excessive vibrations and improving overall functionality. Additionally, vibration analysis identifies mechanical issues early on, preventing failures and extending the lifespan of machinery.

Each service is part of a careful process that goes beyond data collection: rigorous analysis of the collected information is essential for providing precise diagnostics and customized solutions, reinforcing our commitment to our clients’ operational reliability and safety.

With Metalock Brasil’s expertise, you can count on state-of-the-art solutions to ensure the reliability and longevity of your assets, keeping your operation running smoothly.

To learn more about our services and how we can help your company implement predictive maintenance, visit the General Mechanical Services page on Metalock Brasil’s website.