Reliability centred maintenance of equipment and systems

This paper discusses the application of Reliability Centred Maintenance (RCM) to equipment and systems from a design and operations point of view; Failure rates and dominating failure modes often vary with time and the consequences of a specific failure may also vary with time due to Varying operating conditions. Furthermore, adequate reliability data is not always available. In addition, incomplete knowledge of the interaction between systems and selection of improper tools and methods for maintenance may contribute to deficiencies in the maintenance programmes. Maintenance strategies for equipment and systems are, for these and other reasons, therefore subject to revisions over time. It is a challenge to establish a decision basis to support revision of maintenance programmes. In addition to provide a brief introduction to the RCM analysis process, the paper presents experiences with and results of RCM analysis. An approach to continuous improvement of maintenance is also presented.