Reliability Centered Maintenance : Different Implementation Approaches

Abstract: Mining equipment are becoming very sophisticated and complex. At the same time, mining companies modernise its operation by increased mechanisation and automation (Dhillon, 2008). That requires well-developed and planned maintenance strategy. A proper maintenance strategy and appropriate maintenance actions, are essential to keep equipment safe & reliable, decrease the overall costs, and it helps to eliminate workplace hazards. Maintenance strategies and maintenance actions, in turn, are changed and developed more than any technology (Moubray, 1997). Changing and developing of the maintenance can be due to many factors, perhaps due to the complexity of the systems or due to the development of the technology. One of the best research (developed technology) that has been done in this area is the research by Nowlan and Heap about Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) in 1978. RCM is defined as, “a zero-based, structured process used to identify the failure management strategies required to ensure an asset meets its mission requirements in its operational environment in the safest and cost – effective manner” (Regan, 2012). The RCM is one of the best powerful asset management strategies. RCM can be applied to any asset, nuclear power plant, aeroplane, or truck ship. According to (Nowlan & Heap, 1978), the main goal of implementation an RCM process is to provide the stated function of the facility with required reliability and availability at the lowest cost. In this master thesis, an RCM analysis process has been described in details. Moreover, two types of implementation approaches of an RCM analysis process have also been described. The intention of describing these two approaches is to see what the differences between them are and which one can be recommended for using in mining. The first approach is according to (Hinchcliffe & Smith, 2004) and the second approach is according to (Regan, 2012). Moreover, in this master thesis, there are also two case studies that have been analysed. The intention of analysing these two case-studies is to see how the RCM has been implemented. As a result of the research carried out in this master thesis, some basic streamline RCM analysis process has been recommended for using in mining. This recommended RCM analysis process could be applicable to be used in every industry section. The result of this work can be summarised that RCM is an applicable tool which can be used in mining for selecting the right maintenance approach for different equipment, systems or subsystem. RCM analysis process is discussed from different perspective. In the discussion, the misconceptions about the implementation of an RCM analysis process have been discussed. Altogether, Reliability Centered Maintenance is one of the most powerful asset management strategies that can be used in every industry section. If the RCM is applied by right people and by the right way, the result can be profitable for the mining companies.