A systemic approach to integrated E-maintenance of large engineering plants

Large engineering plants (LEPs) have certain unique features that necessitate a maintenance strategy that is a combination of both time and condition based maintenance. Although this requirement is appreciated to varying degrees by asset owners, applied research leading to a systematic development of such a maintenance strategy is the need of the day. Such a strategy should also adopt a wholesome ``systemic' approach so that the realization of the overall objectives of maintenance is maximized. E-maintenance has several potential benefits for large engineering plants. In this paper, a three pronged strategy is suggested for the successful implementation of e-maintenance for LEPs. Firstly, an integrated condition and time based maintenance framework is proposed for LEPs. Secondly, reference is drawn to models for condition and time based maintenance at systemic levels. As a part of the ab initio development of a condition monitoring system for a LEP, one of the characteristics of the condition monitoring system, namely, predictability, is discussed in detail as a sample for a systemic study. Thirdly, emphasis is laid on the information and expertise available in the domain of plant design, operation and maintenance and the same is tapped for incorporation in maintenance decision making.