Refrigeration & Equipment Engineering

Unit 10 - General maintenance of plants

10.1.Introduction
A major pat of the expenditure is generally on the men, material and maintenance in an industry. Every machine will require repairs even if it is best designed, hence the repair must be done at such a time when it may have least disruptions, i.e. machine may be repaired when it is not being used or its use may be postponed without affecting the production of the whole concern. Therefore, checking of the machine is generally done when it is not in operation, sol that the defect, if any, can be immediately and easily rectified without causing extensive damage to the plant.

In this way, we say that maintenance is responsible for the smooth and efficient working of an industry and helps in improving the productivity. It also helps in keeping the machines in a state of maximum efficiency with economy.

Realizing the high importance of maintenance of plants and equipments, National Productivity Council, undertook the survey of engineering industries and found that due to failure of the plants, equipment and machineries, non-availability is 28 per cent. Looking to this high percentage of failures, it is essential that the engineering units should improve their maintenance system.