Predictive Maintenance Tools You Should Know About

In industrial manufacturing, unplanned downtime costs an estimated $50 billion each year. That’s a lot of money that goes down the drain due to preventable issues.

Fortunately, predictive maintenance tools can help companies reduce such losses. After all, they can predict problems before machines and systems break down. 

To that end, we came up with this guide listing such tools and a few predictive maintenance examples. Read on to learn what they are, as their uses apply not only to businesses but homeowners, too.

Vibration Analyzers

Most predictive maintenance services include the use of vibration analyzers. These devices measure and test vibrations created by machines. Their main use is to detect abnormal vibrations to assess overall equipment condition.

Vibration analysis is key to condition monitoring on machines with rotating parts. These include equipment with bearings, gears, wheels, motors, fans, and drivetrains. Pumps, compressors, and piston engines often undergo vibration analysis, too.

It’s vital to track vibrations since a lack of them can be a sign of malfunctioning parts. On the other hand, too much vibration can signal worn components.

Let’s use an air conditioner as an example, which has pumps, fans, and fan motors. If the gears connected to these parts wear out, they’re likely to loosen or become out of balance. In this case, they’re sure to create more vibrations and even loud noises.

More than that, the AC’s performance will likely suffer due to the faulty parts. That’s why during preventive AC services, techs use vibration analyzers. This way, they can catch abnormal patterns and correct them before they cause the AC to break down.

Thermal Imaging (Thermography) Devices

In the US, more than 5% of insured homes filed a claim in 2019. Close to one in three of these claims, in turn, were for water damage or freezing. The claim severity for these damages averaged a whopping $11,098.

Many similar cases of water damage are preventable with the help of thermography. One reason is that thermal imaging devices can detect moisture that may come from pipes.

As such, these infrared-using cameras help predict potential water damage. As a result, plumbers have enough time to fix the pipe leaks before actual water damage occurs.

In other equipment, IR cameras measure signatures that may signal too much heat. Once discovered, technicians can then inspect the equipment before it stops working. 

Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Devices

UT devices use transducers, devices that produce or detect ultrasound energy. They are non-destructive testers that use sound waves to catch defects in materials. They can also determine material thickness, such as in pipe walls.

In predictive maintenance, UT devices can help detect flaws without damaging materials. In pipes, for instance, they can help predict rusting and check for thinning. As a result, companies can take steps to fix or replace faulty pipes before they leak or burst.

Keep Systems in Tip Top Condition With Predictive Maintenance Tools

There you have it, your guide to some of the top predictive maintenance tools. As you can see, their uses are not only for businesses or large facilities. Even you, as a homeowner, can benefit from these tools, as they can catch issues in many parts of your home.

Ready for more informative guides on tech, business, or even health? Feel free to stick around then so that you can browse our other educational posts!

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Christophe Rude
Christophe Rude
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