A PUBLICATION FOR PUBLIC POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION FACILITIES MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL OF B.C.
M AY 2 0 1 0 V O LU M E 7 1
Ethics – we hear about it,
we talk about it, daily, at
least the lapses. It touches
our lives regularly in both
positive and negative ways.
Ethics in Practice
So what is ethics anyway? How do we define it? Why is it so important? What is the basis for
making ethical decisions? Without the sermon, how do we approach ethical situations or moral
dilemmas in both meaningful and practical ways?
These questions, among many others, will be explored throughout this article and further in a chapter slated for APPA’s Body of
Knowledge (BOK), the digitally revised version of the popular book Facilities Management: A Manual for Plant Administration.
In January 2000, C. David Lisman wrote an article for Community College Journal stating,“At the heart of competent citizenship
is the capability of individuals to be ethical.” Hence, I would suggest that at the heart of competent leadership is the capability
of individuals to be ethical.
Some are uncomfortable with the thought that ethics does not consist of an absolute set of principles.
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Nonetheless, we can develop and utilize a reasonable
set of guidelines for ethical behavior and action in
the workplace. Given the workplace as the basis for
discussion of these ethical principles and practices, it
should also be reasonable to adopt the perspective
that our moral point-of-view should concern actions
and behaviors that serve the interests of that
collective or the common good. This is important as
it aids in the design and implementation of a
framework of guiding principles and a set of practical
questions we can use in making ethical decisions and
taking action accordingly.
This basis also helps us address what is in the best
interest of all concerned, since that may not align
with our own specific or immediate needs and
desires. Further, we need to be able to work together
to support the good of all. Therefore, the basic
premise is concerned with the good of others (the
collective in this case) and not just for oneself.
In this way, we can demonstrate that leadership is a
blend of both competence (job knowledge and skill)
and character (high integrity and moral
responsibility). Certainly we need relevant skills and
knowledge (job competence) to succeed in the
workplace. Arguably, we need high integrity and a
strong moral fiber (character) to succeed as well.
• A theory or system of moral principles governing
the appropriate conduct for an individual or group
• A code of morality.
careful, we will tend toward making decisions based
only on our point of view or our own perspective.
PERSPECTIVE – ITS IMPORTANCE
The words we actually use to define ethics have an
intuitive meaning specific to each of us and around
the knowledge of right and wrong – our morals.
However, we need clarity and a common or shared
understanding of such terms if we expect to
communicate in meaningful ways on such a
complicated topic. Otherwise, the subject quickly
gets muddy and murky further complicating matters
and the decision-making process. The terms and
their definitions surrounding ethics are loaded with
ambiguity, have different meanings for different
people, and raise even more questions complicating
matters even further.
Nevertheless, the ethical behavior of individuals and
their organizations is extremely important, if not
essential, for an organization’s long-term integrity
and to build an environment of trust. Both the
individual and an organization’s reputation (its brand
value) is based on trust and integrity. The role of top
leadership in setting the tone and modeling ethical
behavior (what one does, not just what one says) is
critical in making ethics part of the organizational
culture, creating a trust environment, and ensuring
ethical behavior is an ongoing requirement.
Remember, trust is built slowly, one day at a time, but
can be destroyed in a matter of moments.
However, if we understand the fact that people see
what they believe, we can quickly see the limitations
of looking at the world through our own limited
perspective. It is through the power of shared
perspectives that we gain so much for our
organizations and begin to create the real possibility
of establishing open and shared channels of
communication and establish opportunities for deep
collaboration, which are critical elements in creating
an environment of trust. We are less apt to dismiss or
judge/misjudge others’ perspectives if we are open to
our differences and the perspectives they foster and
engender. By doing so, we are able to look at
problems and issues through a variety of different
lenses.
PRINCIPLES – A FOUNDATIONAL FRAMEWORK
When considering ethical issues or dilemmas, it is
important to establish a consistent and predictable
framework of foundational principles. And, it is
equally important to recognize there is a difference
between values and principles. Values represent
social norms, are personal, emotional, subjective, and
This leads us to the topic of ethical behavior and
arguable. Whereas principles represent natural laws,
ethics in the workplace and its importance in
are impersonal, factual, objective, and self-evident.
developing competent and
Therefore, principles stand the test
capable leaders. As ethics requires
of time and govern behavior with a
paying special heed to both
resultant set of consequences
oneself as well as to others. It's a
whether we agree or disagree. This
looking at the world through our individual
matter of balance.
distinction may seem minor, but is
critically important to ensure the
lens es i nvar i ably has si g n i f ic a nt
organization and the collective it
Unfortunately, the word “ethics”
represents is focused on and
means different things to
drawbacks. If we are not careful, we will
working from a set of unarguable
different people.
and objective foundational
tend toward making decisions based only
principles as their guide. Hopefully
For purposes of this article, ethics
on
our
point
of
view
or
our
own
perspective.
one’s personal values align with
is defined as a set of guidelines
these overarching principles. And,
and/or rules for the conduct of
although one might argue about
individual behavior in an
the
specific details surrounding
organization or civil society. This
each of the principles, in the main
ethical code of conduct (as it is normally identified) is
they are indeed self-evident.
PERCEPTION – ITS LIMITATIONS
intended to guide policies, practices, and decisionmaking for employees on behalf of the organization.
From much of the literature on this subject, six
Our perception of the world around us is created from
Although easily stated, what does this really mean?
foundational principles emerge and form the basis of
our experiences, parental upbringing, educational
Expanding on this definition, the FMI/ CMAA Survey
this framework. They are:
attainment, cultural background, our morals, and our
of Construction Industry Ethical Practices stated that
values. This perception is formed from our
ethics is:
• Trustworthiness, Honesty, and Personal Integrity –
paradigm(s), i.e., the mental map of how we see the
the most important, first and foremost, of all the
world;
our
world
view.
No
matter
what
our
• The discipline dealing with what is good and bad
principles; without it, all the others fall apart.
circumstances, our individual paradigms are limited
about moral duty and obligation
and incomplete. We all have blind spots. Therefore,
• Responsibility for Self – where character is built
• A set of accepted moral principles and values
looking at the world through our individual lenses
from the inside-out, day-in and day-out; and
about what ought to be
invariably has significant drawbacks. If we are not
where substance trumps symbolism every time.
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• Freedom of Thought and Choice – where
questions are encouraged and openness in
decision-making is valued.
• Being Equitable, Just, and/or Fair – which is
critically important that individuals in the
organization feel they are treated in a just manner
and will receive fair treatment whether they agree
with the decision(s) or not.
• Respect and Caring for Others – where
compassion and mercy reign in establishing
sincere and genuine understanding which inspires
trust and fosters openness.
• Respect for Human Rights and Dignity – where
one hopes that universal law will outweigh
outdated, societal norms and humility is everpresent.
PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
– A TOOL FOR DECISION-MAKING
Ten questions have been formulated from the myriad
questions found in the literature on this subject.
These types of questions can and should be used
regularly to address any given ethical issue or
dilemma that arises in the organization. They are:
1. What is the dilemma, issue, or problem?
Although the question sounds too basic, it is
extremely important to define the problem
accurately and assemble all the facts
immediately at hand. This way you know what
you don’t know and, therefore, what you need to
further examine. In addition, this effort helps to
understand the context and history associated
with the specific problem at hand.
2. Is it legal? Will I be violating either civil law
or organization policy?
This question forces you to research the actual
legalities of the case and ensures you
understand your own organization’s policies.
And, if you alternative course of action helps
open find your organization’s policy is up the
possibilities and ensures that all in some way
unethical, you should seek to have it changed or
modified.
3. How would you define the problem if you
stood on the other side of the fence?
Put yourself in the other parties’ shoes. Doing so
can enlighten your thinking and will illuminate
others’ perspectives.
4. What are the conflicting values and
principles apparent in this situation?
It is important to determine where personal
values and organizational principles come into
conflict. Identifying the conflicts help to smoke
out the ethics of any situation. This effort sets
the stage for identifying options and their
consequences.
York Times?” This type of disclosure (or its real
possibility) should give you cause for pause and
ensure that your character and the
reputation/brand of the organization is
preserved.
10. What is your decision?
5. What are the alternative courses of
action/options?
Forcing yourself and others to explore more than
one alternative course of action helps open up
the possibilities and ensures that all perspectives
have been gathered for consideration.
6. What are the consequences, risks,
Answering this question helps your further
distinguish the most responsible course of
action versus just taking the most expedient
choice. It also highlights or discloses how others
might be harmed by any particular course of
action.
7. Can you discuss the problem with the
affected parties before you make your
decision?
The engagement of all affected parties is often
overlooked but critical to ensure there are little,
if any, limitations of knowledge in your response
or action. Unfortunately, the pressure of time
and the potential discomfort associated with
this type of engagement all too often holds
people back from having such a critical set of
conversations as part of the fact-finding process.
8. Is it balanced? Is it fair to all concerned in
the short-term as well as the long-term?
When it comes to balance, it is important to
ensure consistency and predictability so there is
no confusion about the rules of the game. In
addition, it has been said that time alters
circumstances. You will want to make sure that
you have assessed the situation and its
circumstances such that your response/action
will indeed stand the test of time.
9. How will the decision make you feel about
yourself? Could you disclose, without
qualms, your decision or action to your boss,
other employees, the newspaper, your
family?
This is clearly the litmus test for any action you
plan to take. There is a standard question that
deserves repeating here:“Would you want your
decision to appear on the front page of the New
In any case, we have to come to a final
conclusion and render a response/action. It is
important to ascertain not only what your
decision is in the end but how it will be
communicated.
PROCESSES – STRATEGIES FOR INCREASING
AWARENESS & IMPROVING THE ETHICAL
CLIMATE
Ultimately, it is important to put policies into practice
and establish a process(s) to ensure broad knowledge
of what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior and
increase awareness of what constitutes ethics/ethical
behavior in your organization. By implementing
various strategies and publicizing them widely, you
will be able to illuminate your policies and practices
and further demonstrate commitment as an
organization to ethical behavior and the creation of
an ethical environment steeped in trust. Some
strategies to consider are:
• Open up varying channels of communication on
the topic
• Establish a hotline and/or website dedicated to or
exclusively for this topic
• Discuss regularly at managers/staff meetings
• Establish these foundation principles and practical
questions as a basis for handling ethical situations
and conflicts
• Develop a code of conduct for your organization
• Conduct educational training sessions with all
employees
• Establish an ethics officer or ombudsperson
• Establish an Ethics Advisory Committee
As you can readily see, a great deal of work is
involved in establishing ethics as an explicit and
implicit part of the organizational culture. And, don’t
underestimate the value of the organization’s
leadership serving as role models and guides and
daily reminders of the importance of ethical behavior.
Ultimately, it’s not really about compliance or
adherence to rules and legalities. It’s about the
character of your leadership, your perceived fairness,
and ultimately the reputation you and your team
build/earn over time.
Source: Reprinted with permission from the May/June 2010
issue of Facilities Manager magazine, the magazine of APPA,
1643 Prince Street, Alexandria, VA. 22314
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May 2010 - volume seventy one
Biomass. Can it be part of your campus energy solution?
What is Biomass?
Biomass is biological material derived from living,
or recently living organisms. In the context of
biomass for energy this term is often used to
mean plant based material, but biomass can
equally apply to both animal and vegetable
derived material.
Its Chemical Composition
Biomass is carbon based and is composed of a
mixture of organic molecules containing
hydrogen, usually including atoms of oxygen,
often nitrogen and also small quantities of other
atoms, including alkali, alkaline earth and heavy
metals. These metals are often found in
functional molecules such as the porphyrins which
include chlorophyll which contains magnesium.
Plant Material
The carbon used to construct biomass is absorbed
from the atmosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2) by
plant life, using energy from the sun.
The Difference between Biomass and Fossil
Fuels
The vital difference between biomass and fossil
fuels is one of time scale.
Biomass takes carbon out of the atmosphere
while it is growing, and returns it as it is burned. If
it is managed on a sustainable basis, biomass is
harvested as part of a constantly replenished crop.
This is either during woodland or arboricultural
management or coppicing or as part of a
continuous program of replanting with the new
growth taking up CO2 from the atmosphere at the
same time as it is released by combustion of the
previous harvest.
This maintains a closed carbon cycle with no net
increase in atmospheric CO2 levels.
Plants may subsequently be eaten by animals and
thus converted into animal biomass. However the
primary absorption is performed by plants.
There are five basic categories of material:
• Virgin wood, from forestry, arboricultural
activities or from wood processing
• Energy crops: high yield crops grown
specifically for energy applications
• Agricultural residues: residues from agriculture
harvesting or processing
• Food waste, from food and drink manufacture,
preparation and processing, and post-consumer
waste
• Industrial waste and co-products from
manufacturing and industrial processes.
Most campuses are only likely to be able to access
food waste and industrial waste and co-products
from on-campus or near-campus facilities at costs
that make Biomass energy a cost-effective
alternative or supplement to traditional energy
sources. Others may, due to their more rural
locales, be able to access one or more of the other
three but likely on a limited basis. The cost of
these other external raw material sources may
make their use inappropriate.
Sources of Biomass
Raw materials that can be used to produce
biomass fuels are widely available and come from
a large number of different sources, and in a wide
variety of forms. All of these forms can be used
for fuel production purposes, however not all
energy conversion technologies are suitable for all
forms of biomass.
If plant material is not eaten it is generally either
broken down by microorganisms or burned:
If broken down it releases the carbon back to the
atmosphere, mainly as either carbon dioxide (CO2)
or methane (CH4), depending upon the conditions
and processes involved.
If burned the carbon is returned to the
atmosphere as CO2.
READILY AVAILABLE CLASSES OF BIOMASS
These processes have happened for as long as
there have been plants on Earth and is part of
what is known as the carbon cycle.
Fossil Fuels
Fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas are also
derived from biological material, however
material that absorbed CO2 from the atmosphere
many millions of years ago.
Categories of Biomass Materials
Within this definition, biomass for energy can
include a wide range of materials.
As fuels they offer high energy density, but
making use of that energy involves burning the
fuel, with the oxidation of the carbon to carbon
dioxide and the hydrogen to water (vapour).
Unless they are captured and stored, these
combustion products are usually released to the
atmosphere, returning carbon sequestered
millions of years ago and thus contributing to
increased atmospheric concentrations.
The realities of the economics mean that high
value material for which there is an alternative
market, such as good quality, large timber, are very
unlikely to become available for energy
applications. However there are huge resources of
residues, co-products and waste that exist in BC
which could potentially become available, in
quantity, at relatively low cost, or even negative
cost where there is currently a requirement to pay
for disposal.
Food Waste
There are residues and waste at all points in the
food supply chain from initial production, through
processing, handling and distributions to postconsumer waste from hotels, restaurants and
individual houses.
It has been calculated that about a third of all food
grown for human consumption is thrown away.
Agriculture also produces its own residues.
Many food materials are processed at some stage
to remove components that are inedible or not
required such as peel/skin, shells, husks, cores,
pips/stones, fish heads, pulp from juice and oil
extraction, etc.
Many manufactured foods and drinks, including
beer, whisky and wine, and cheese and other dairy
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products generate large quantities of organic
waste material. It has been estimated that up to
92% of ingredients used in brewing ultimately
become waste, principally spent grains, and the
dairy industry uses around 40 million m3 annually,
mainly for cleaning, which produces effluent
containing high levels of organic residues.
Food preparation on both the commercial and
domestic scale yield residues and waste, used
cooking oils and food that has had to be disposed
of because it has gone bad, for health and safety
reasons or because it is surplus
to requirements.
Food waste can be divided into
dry waste and wet waste,
however the majority is of
relatively high moisture
content.
proportion of the methane produced is therefore
highly undesirable.
Much organic waste still ends up in landfill,
though a growing proportion, around 2 million
tons of waste per year, is composted at either a
household or local council level.
A proportion of food waste that does not have
high water content is oily waste, particularly
waste vegetable oils and animal fats.
There is development work on
other technologies to exploit this potential
resource that is at a much more experimental
stage, such as hydrothermal upgrading.
Issues with Adding to Landfill
High moisture content wastes such as from the
food industry and domestic organic waste are
potentially available at low, or even negative costs
as a mechanism to prevent it being consigned to
landfill.
Organic waste in landfill breaks down
anaerobically to a mix of gases, including
predominantly methane (CH4), a greenhouse gas
21 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2).
Although this is collected from many landfill sites
and used for electricity generation, collection is
never 100% efficient and escape of even a small
Industrial Waste and Co-products
Many industrial processes and manufacturing
operations produce residues, waste or co-products
that can potentially be used or converted to
biomass fuel. These can be divided into woody
materials and non-woody materials.
Environmental Constraints
Although conversion
technologies may be
technically suitable, there are
regulatory and environmental
constraints associated with
the use of material
designated as waste.
Electricity
Processing Wet Food Waste
It is not efficient to transport
high moisture content material
very far and consequently any
scheme to process it should be
locally based.
Anaerobic digestion for the
production of biogas is well
suited to the processing of
high moisture content and wet
organic waste. Wastes with
high levels of sugar or starch
are also potentially suitable for
fermentation to bioethanol.
There are a number of manufacturers offering off
the shelf biodiesel production equipment,
allowing production facilities at a range of scales
to be set up easily.
CO2
Power Plant
Wood Waste
Truck Transport
CONVERTING TO BIODIESEL
Much waste oil can be collected, filtered and
converted to biodiesel.
Waste oil is a much more variable feedstock for
the production of biodiesel than virgin oil such as
rapeseed oil and typically requires more
assessment and pre-processing to remove
impurities, and check for free fatty acids and
iodine number before use.
Many small scale, local producers of biodiesel,
often processing in batches of only 150 litres at a
time, have set up around the world using locally
sourced waste vegetable oil (WVO, a.k.a. used
vegetable oil - UVO) as feedstock as this material
is often available at low or zero cost.
These apply to any material
that may incorporate
contaminants as a result of
deliberate treatments,
finishes or manufacturing
processes, or accidental spills
of chemicals or other
contaminants.
Heavy metals, arsenic and
halogens in particular, if
present in treatments or
contaminants, are likely to
cause hazardous or toxic
content of bottom ash, fly ash
or flue gas emissions. If so,
this is likely to require suitable
filters or traps on the flue, suitable handling and
disposal of ash and adsorbent, and possibly
monitoring of emissions.
Non-woody Wastes and Residues
A number of industries also generate wastes, coproducts or residues that are not primarily woody
in nature, but are still biomass derived and are
also potentially suitable for use as biomass fuel.
Forms of Biomass and Wood Fuel
Raw biomass typically has a low energy density as
a result of both its physical form and moisture
content. This makes it inconvenient and
inefficient for storage and transport, and also
usually unsuitable for use without some kind of
pre-processing.
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There are however a range of processes available
to convert it into a more convenient form.
Raw biomass is converted into what can be
described as a 'biomass fuel'. For example, virgin
wood (above) is a simple form of biomass and for
many applications may require relatively
straightforward processing. For ease of handling,
transport and storage it may be cut into a number
of physical forms, as best suit the requirements of
the next handling or processing stage.
HANDLING BIOMASS
Methods of Reducing Moisture Content
Biomass may be dried after harvesting/collection.
Alternatively, if the primary purpose of a biomass
crop is for fuel, then a reduction in moisture
content may be achieved by a range of techniques
before or during harvesting.
Storing Biomass
Solid and wet biomass fuels are of relatively low
energy density, compared with fossil alternatives,
and consequently large volumes are typically
required to be stored and transported, both into
the storage receptacle and from it to the energy
conversion equipment.
Different classes of biomass fuel have different
characteristics such as moisture
content and size. These
characteristics can be affected by
transportation and storage.
Drying Biomass Material
Reduction in the moisture content
of biomass material may be
required to achieve a number of
purposes in energy applications.
Biomass may be dried before
and/or after harvesting and
harvested for reduced moisture
content.
Transporting Biomass
Biomass material may be transported in several
different forms but transport may not be an
option for Facilities Managers given the logistics
and costs associated.
Conversion Technologies
As there is wide diversity in the
characteristics and properties of these
different classes of material, and their
various sub-groups, there is also a wide
range of conversion technologies to
make optimum use of them, which
include both thermal and chemical
conversion technologies.
Biomass
Why Dry Biomass Material?
Any moisture content must be
driven off before combustion can take place,
either in advance before storage or as part of the
combustion process (which then uses part of the
energy of the fuel); in either case this reduces the
overall energetic efficiency. Equally, gasification
also requires relatively low moisture content
(<10-15%).
Design of the Storage Facility
The storage of biomass must be well designed and
constructed for a number of functions.
It must keep the fuel in good condition,
particularly protecting it from moisture.
It must also be possible to deliver the fuel into an
appropriate receptacle for transport, and convey it
from there to its next destination conveniently
and efficiently and requiring the minimum of
additional energy input
Factors to Consider
• Biomass does not generally flow as freely as oil
or natural gas.
• It will usually absorb moisture if exposed to it.
• It may naturally biodegrade in storage through
a number of mechanisms, particularly if not
absolutely dry. This will lead to loss of energy
content and potentially the formation of
moulds, the spores of which can be dangerous
if inhaled.
Making the Right Decision
There are many reasons why the
collection and use of Biomass as an
energy source should be considered by
Facilities Managers. There are numerous
pros and cons and the goals driving the use of
Biomass should be carefully defined. Many local
issues will come into play when examining the
option of Biomass as an energy source.
Considerable research should be undertaken and
consultation with regulatory and government
bodies is essential prior to making any
commitment. But the right decision and the right
conditions may yield economic and environmental
benefits for many, many years to come.
Facilities Administrators’ Conference Schedule
The Fall 2010 Facilities Administrators’ Conference will be hosted by Langara College in Vancouver, BC from November 4 – 5, 2010.
Topics will be advised when available. Note that there will be no golf game scheduled for this forthcoming conference.
Additional details will be made available prior to the Conference.
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May 2010 - volume seventy one
Proactive Maintenance?
According to major industries throughout the
world, it’s time to throw out your old ideas on
machine maintenance. The cost-saving trend is
toward a maintenance program that targets the
root causes of machine wear and failure.
Predictive and preventive methods are out:
proactive maintenance are in. Why? Because
proactive maintenance methods are currently
saving industries of all sizes thousands, even
millions, of dollars on machine maintenance
every year. This concept of saving large amounts
of maintenance, however, may be tough for
some to grasp.
According to DuPont, maintenance is the largest
single controllable expenditure in a plant. The
problem of costly maintenance has truly reached
a serious level, but as some have found out, and
more come to realize every day, their
maintenance costs can be cut drastically by
establishing a “proactive” line of defense.
Getting to the Root of the Problem
When it comes to the life of any machine,
whether it’s a lawn mower or a 1,000 h.p.
bulldozer, cleanliness counts. Laboratory and
field tests show that more than any other factor,
fluid contamination is the number one culprit of
equipment failure - even the most microscopic
particles can eventually grind a machine to a
halt. Yet, the accepted methods currently being
used to combat machine damage are based on
either detecting the warning signs of failure
once they’ve already begun (predictive) or
regular maintenance according to a schedule
rather than the machine’s true condition
(preventive).
No discipline has previously taken a micro view
on machine damage - concentrating on the
causes instead of the symptoms of wear.
Proactive maintenance is that discipline, and it is
quickly being recognized worldwide as the
single most important means of achieving
savings unsurpassed by conventional
maintenance techniques.
warning signs of failure once they’ve already
begun (predictive) or regular maintenance
according to a schedule rather than the
machine’s true condition (preventive).
Proactive vs. Preventive/Predictive
Imagine being able to pinpoint and eliminate a
disease long before any symptoms occur in your
body. It would save you money in doctor bills
and keep you out of the hospital in the long run.
This is the advantage of proactive maintenance
over predictive maintenance
Proactive maintenance commissions corrective
actions aimed at he sources of failure. It is
designed to extend the life of mechanical
machinery as opposed to:
1) making repairs when often nothing is broken,
2) accommodating failure as routine and
normal; and,
Maintenance Strategy
Technique Needed
Human Body Parallel
Proactive Maintenance
Monitoring and correction
of failing root causes, e.g.,
contamination
Cholesterol and blood
pressure monitoring with
diet control
Predictive Maintenance
Monitoring of vibration,
heat, alignment, wear debris
Detection of heart disease
using EKG or ultrasonics
Preventive Maintenance
Periodic component
replacement
By-pass or transplant
surgery
Breakdown Maintenance
Large maintenance budget
Heart attack or stroke
3) preempting crisis failure maintenance - all of
which are characteristics of the
predictive/preventive disciplines.
While effective to a degree, neither preventive
nor predictive maintenance is geared to detect
the most common and serious failure culprit:
contamination. Therefore, the first logical step to
proactive maintenance is the implementation of
a strict contamination control program for
lubrication fluids, hydraulic fluids, gear oils, and
transmission fluids.
The Steps to Contamination Control
Heat, moisture, air and particles literally rob
fluids and lubricants of life. But with rigid
contamination control practices, these fluids and
lubricants can last indefinitely which, in turn,
prolongs the life of the machine’s components
and keeps the machine running at the highest
level of efficiency. Plus, the costs to begin a
proactive contamination control program are
quickly absorbed in maintenance cost savings.
A basic contamination control program can be
implemented in three steps:
1. Establish the target fluid cleanliness levels
for each machine fluid system.
2. Select and install filtration equipment (or
upgrade current filter rating) and
contaminant exclusion techniques to
achieve target cleanliness levels.
3. Monitor fluid cleanliness at regular intervals
to achieve target cleanliness levels.
Contaminant Monitoring: The Cornerstone
of Contamination Control
For the same reason you wouldn’t drive a car
cross country without a fuel gage, you shouldn’t
attempt proactive maintenance without a
routine monitoring program. Monitoring will
give you the information you need to ensure
your machinery is operating below harmful
contamination levels.
Source: Reprinted courtesy of Diagnetics Inc.
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