Reliability improvement of the boiler-coal processing plant in eskom using reliability centred maintenance principles

Abstract

The objective of this report is to compare the existing maintenance methods in Eskom to RCM and then test the applicability of RCM in improving boiler reliability. Firstly, a comparative study was conducted on different RCM methods and the RCM method to apply selected and compared to the Eskom’s initiatives. The RCM method is piloted to a sample system and the results are compared with those from the current Eskom’s initiatives. The biggest change due to the RCM analysis was the way to document the results of the RCM process as compared to the current practice. It was also found that intervals between maintenance tasks proposed by the RCM study are different from the intervals currently used. In conclusion, the report recommends that the RCM results be used as a guide for continuous improvement in order to fill in gaps that are crucial in determining reliability goals.