Abstract
This paper attempts to take a broad look at the practice and prospects for condition monitoring in the CEGB. The strategy of on-condition maintenance is compared with the current maintenance policy in the Board and it is concluded that, apart from auxiliary plant, there is no clear economic case for an on-condition approach. It is suggested that a rational approach to condition monitoring can only be achieved with a knowledge of plant failure statistics and the detailed characteristics of the failure modes. A detailed survey of plant failures is given with the specific examples of a tribological nature where the monitoring derived from knowledge of the failure mechanism. A brief review of the available monitoring techniques, benefits and shortcomings, and how these can be applied to the problems discussed is also given.
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