Predictive maintenance strategy to increase the availability of positive displacement pumps: A case study based in Ekurhuleni base metals in South Africa

The paper argues the use of the case research method to study predictive maintenance of positive displacement pumps of Ekurhuleni base metals in Springs, Gauteng district of South Africa. The study covered detailed predictive maintenance techniques that was applied to these pumps for improving availability and further reducing the maintenance costs. The case findings were very interesting and it was observed that from the time predictive maintenance was initiated, the pumps never failed and production targets were also met successfully. Root cause and failure analysis also played an important role in finding the root cause failure of the electric motors. The results of root cause and failure analysis proved that predictive maintenance increases the availability of positive displacement pumps. The current case study is unique in terms of providing detailed analysis and understanding of the subject matter. The results will add tremendous practical value to the maintenance teams working on a regular basis with positive displacement pumps.