News - Marine & Offshore

Preventive maintenance is a fundamental practice for the longevity and proper functioning of machines and equipment across various sectors, such as industrial, marine, and offshore. 

In this article, we will explore what preventive maintenance is, its objectives, the criteria for its implementation and how to develop an efficient plan to ensure the continuous operation of your systems.

What is preventive maintenance?

Preventive maintenance is a set of planned actions executed regularly to prevent failures and unexpected shutdowns in equipment. 

Unlike corrective maintenance, which is performed after a problem occurs, preventive maintenance focuses on anticipating potential failures, thereby reducing downtime and extending the lifespan of equipment.

What is the objective of preventive maintenance?

The primary objective of preventive maintenance is to avoid unplanned interruptions and minimize costs associated with sudden failures. 

By performing scheduled interventions, companies can prevent greater damage that often requires expensive repairs or complete replacement of parts and components. Other objectives include:

• Increasing the reliability of equipment.
• Eliminating operational costs by preventing prolonged shutdowns.
• Improving energy efficiency, as well-maintained machines tend to consume less energy.
• Ensuring the safety of operators and the environment by preventing accidents caused by failures.

What criteria should be adopted for preventive maintenance?

The adoption of preventive maintenance depends on various criteria, such as the type of equipment, frequency of use, and operating conditions. Some guidelines that can help define these criteria include:

• Equipment age: Older machines generally require more frequent maintenance.
• Failure history: Understanding recurring failures can guide preventive actions. The Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) is a metric that indicates the average time between equipment failures and is an important indicator for preventive maintenance.
• Operating conditions: Equipment operating in extreme conditions (high temperatures, corrosive environments, etc.) tends to require more attention.
• Manufacturer recommendations: Following the maintenance manual recommended by manufacturers is essential.
• Safety standards: Complying with technical standards and industry regulations to ensure a safe working environment.

How to develop a preventive maintenance plan?

Creating an efficient preventive maintenance plan involves several fundamental steps:

• Equipment inventory: Prepare a comprehensive list of the equipment to be included in the plan, specifying their characteristics, acquisition date, and maintenance history.
• Frequency definition: Establish the frequency of maintenance based on the criteria mentioned. Consider the lifecycle of each piece of equipment, the Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), intensity of use, and manufacturer recommendations. One tip is to implement condition monitoring, a technique that involves continuously analyzing the operational state of the equipment to identify signs of wear before they lead to failures.
• Assignment of responsibilities: Determine who will be responsible for executing and monitoring the maintenance activities. Having a qualified technical team is important to ensure that procedures are carried out correctly.
• Continuous monitoring: Use monitoring tools to track equipment performance in real time. This can help identify problems before they occur and adjust the plan as needed.
• Documentation: Maintain a detailed record of all maintenance performed, specifying replaced parts, adjustments made, and inspections carried out. This aids in equipment history and facilitates plan management.

Preventive maintenance services from Metalock Brasil

Metalock Brasil offers specialized preventive maintenance services for the industrial, marine and offshore sectors, focusing on preserving and optimizing the performance of machines and equipment. Our service portfolio includes:

• General mechanical services: Overhaul and repair of mechanical components such as pumps, valves, and reducers, focusing on failure prevention.
• Diesel and electric motor maintenance: Diagnosis and maintenance of motors to ensure greater efficiency and durability.
• Laser alignment: Precision in aligning rotating machines, avoiding premature wear and excessive vibrations.
• Metal structure repair: Advanced welding techniques and parts recovery to ensure structural integrity.
• Services for the marine sector: Preventive maintenance of critical equipment, such as propulsion systems and generators, reducing the risk of failures at sea.

Our commitment is to keep your equipment in perfect working condition, ensuring efficiency, safety, and cost savings. For more information, contact Metalock Brasil and discover how we can customize a preventive maintenance plan to meet your operational needs.