All Member Open Forum

 View Only

  • 1.  Choosing the right tools and equipment

    Posted 08-19-2024 08:51 AM
    Edited by Joseph Dillenburg 08-19-2024 08:54 AM

    How do you choose the right maintenance equipment for your plant?

    I am looking for better ways to lift heavy components on and off the tops of machines. We currently use a forklift mounted boom and suspend components from it with nylon straps or a chains.  I would like to find a solution that gives the techs on top of the machine more control and finer control of the lift.  We use our current method because it's how we have always done it.  When techs are told "get it done" they can find lots of ways to use the equipment they have available, but it probably won't be the safest, quickest, or most appropriate method.

    How can we find the tools and equipment for the job that are safe, efficient, and affordable?

    How often do you review your procedures to see if there are better methods available?

    Where do you go to find out what other methods exist?

    What factors are most important when selecting tools and equipment for a task?

    Do you have a documented process for finding and selecting tools and equipment?



    ------------------------------
    Joseph Dillenburg
    Process Control and Instrumentation Specialist
    Creative Converting
    Clintonville WI
    ------------------------------



  • 2.  RE: Choosing the right tools and equipment

    Posted 08-20-2024 07:16 AM

    Dear All, In my 35 years work in the oil and gas industry especially in the offshore environment, I have learned that "No job is to important if it cannot be done safely". The topic is a very important and interesting subject for discussion. What I would like to suggest is that I will be attending the annual conference in October, maybe we can meet at a table at the exhibition hall and discuss "shared learning and experience". If accepted, Those who are interested can prepare from now for the discussion 



    ------------------------------
    Kuarlal Rampersad
    Chairman, SMRP Trinidad Caribbean Chapter
    Maintenance and Reliability Engineering Consultant.
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Choosing the right tools and equipment

    Posted 08-20-2024 08:50 AM

    Joseph,

    In my distant past as a maintenance supervisor, we had a very small crane that fit into a lot of tight places.  I believe it was a Broderson, they make them as narrow as 4' in width.  We used the heck out of it.  If you are talking about places a crane can't reach, then I would suggest an engineered I-beam with a traveling winch.  This can be much more expensive overall due to the number of them you may need to install.

    Just some ideas to think about.



    ------------------------------
    Matthew Meyer
    Houston TX
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Choosing the right tools and equipment

    Posted 08-20-2024 08:51 AM
    Hi Joseph,

    I am giving my opinion depending on my past experience in dealing with heavy mechanical parts in maintenance works at a height. 

    I have found overhead electric crane / hoists to be very safe, reliable and efficient in executing activities that involves lifting heavy parts. However this may require planning before the plant itself is established so that the facility and the plant installations accommodate the installation and usage of the overhead crane. 

    There are many other options available like using fork lifts like you currently do, mobile cranes / boom lifts, and Chain blocks / chain hoists. 

    Mechanical maintenance works are most times involving heavy parts lifting. When I am new in a place, I always make it a priority to evaluate or assess the installations there in order to ensure I'm able to identify what I will need when I will be faced with such a situation. 

    I consider the following when making my choices for the lifting tools and equipment. 
    *Load to be lifted. 
    *Rated capacity of the tool/eqpt. 
    *The safety in using the tool/eqpt (Condition should be inspected and rating verified safe). 
    *Is it available or can be made available. 
    *Size of the tool/equipment if it fits the work area. 
    *Plant installation if it can allow usage of the equipment or tool. 
    *Flexibility of the equipment. 

    The bottom line is what is available should offer safety and convenience to users and machineries or parts, and the users of these equipment must have the training and knowledge on these equipment and tools to ensure they use them the right way. 

    Documentation is key in any maintenance work. I do review procedures anytime deemed necessary. 

    Where to go to find other methods? Consult lift making companies to advise on what suit your plant, visit other plants (similar or not) to learn how they deal with these situations, consult colleagues in the profession. 

    How to find the tools /equipment? Identify what you need, look for where you can get them, get them if you can. 

    Get the right tools /equipment for your plant activities. It offers unmatched benefits to the users themselves and the organization at large. 

    I hope my contribution is helpful. 

    Regards! 







    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Choosing the right tools and equipment

    Posted 08-20-2024 12:08 PM

    Hi Joseph

    From my experience I have seen everything you mentioned. Gantry crane systems are best for lifting any equipment. You cam also look into portable cranes as well. Rigging can be a challenge in some applications. Hope this helps 



    ------------------------------
    Scott Furman
    Maintenance Reliability Coordinator
    City of Tulsa Water and Sewer Dept
    Broken Arrow OK
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Choosing the right tools and equipment

    Posted 08-20-2024 03:37 PM

    Hi Joseph,

    Do you have I/H beams above the equipment, if not,  its worth considering fitting them, you can then use beam clamps or trolleys and chain hoists. If unable to to fit a beam, fitting  pad eyes might be sufficient. Just got to ensure you keep them certified etc. The other thing, if you have the space round the equipment get portable lifting beams, I've used them up to 3 tons, I think.

    Regards

    Ron



    ------------------------------
    Ron Gray
    RGGServicesLtd
    Ron@rggservicesltd.com
    Scotland, UK
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Choosing the right tools and equipment

    Posted 08-21-2024 03:42 PM
    Edited by Robert BRADBURY 08-21-2024 03:51 PM

    Hello Joseph,

    I can see two parts to your query; one more general in nature and then the second specific to the lifting task/s.  In my experience I can offer the following as guidance - when trying to identify what tooling/equipment a business should consider to safely execute maintenance:

    1.  Is it specialised - do you need end user training and what effort is required to sustain use - verification of competency?
    2.  Is it inherently safe or are there hazards introduced in the use of the tool or equipment.
    3.  What does it cost - does the capital outlay to purchase warrant the investment.  Things to consider here are frequency of use, maintenance effort to keep the items in a serviceable condition, training as mentioned, storage requirements, calibrations etc etc.  Is it more cost effective to lease or hire for the period required.
    4. If you purchase, are there supportability considerations - parts, service items.  Obsolescence.  What is the expected life cycle of the tooling/equipment?
    5. Quality parameters - buy cheap buy twice thinking.  Do you go for the less expensive equipment recognising that the turn-over or life may be shorter hence the business is purchasing more often.
    6. Do your ergonomics survey and study the area of application - all too often I have seen maintenance equipment tooling purchased and it is not fit for purpose for the specific environment or context where it will be used.
    7. Get end-user advice.  Ask the teams that will be using the tooling and equipment what they think - too often an untapped resource as business accountants make purchasing decisions that end up be problematic for the teams on the ground.

    In terms of the specific lifting task/s you refer to - my take.

    It is unlikely that your application is unique.  Garnish the advice of subject matter experts in the field and suppliers of the equipment you are considering.  Be aware that you will come across two sorts of beasts - the salesman just wanting to make a buck or the genuine person wanting to see their product successful in the application.  It is important to recognise the hay from the chaff - oh and do not forget point 7 above.

    Apologies for the long-winded answer - you probably right, needs a document or book on the subject.

    Good luck!

    Rob



    ------------------------------
    Robert BRADBURY
    Manager Asset Management
    Newmont
    Port Moresby
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Choosing the right tools and equipment

    Posted 08-27-2024 12:40 PM
    Edited by Joseph Dillenburg 08-27-2024 12:42 PM

    Thank you all for the information and advice.  It will be very useful for creating a process for future decisions.

    For my current problem I am looking at either a davit, if the machine frame/walkway will support it, or a small remote-operated crane.  The location of the machines and piping prevent the use of a bridge/trolley, gantry or the installation of beams.



    ------------------------------
    Joseph Dillenburg
    Process Control and Instrumentation Specialist
    Creative Converting
    Clintonville WI
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


Related Content