Predicting plant maintenance costs: Used oil analysis and management strategy

D. J. Edwards, G. D. Holt, F. C. Harris

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Used oil analysis is appraised as a technique for predicting the breakdown and associated maintenance costs of tracked hydraulic excavators in UK industry. Existing attitudes to the management of plant and equipment (and maintenance management strategies) are also examined. The findings of a pilot study conducted on a random sample of history file data for tracked hydraulic excavators are highlighted. The underlying aim of this continuing research is to develop a model for the prediction of total maintenance costs for this particular class of plant. The results indicate that although used oil analysis can predict certain mechanical faults, the method can overlook others accounting for up to 50% of total maintenance costs. It is suggested, therefore, that alternative (complementary) methodologies should be examined for their potential to improve this particular aspect of maintenance management.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)181-185
Number of pages5
JournalInternational Mining and Minerals
Volume2
Issue number19
Publication statusPublished - Jul 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Geology

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