Consulting & Performance Solutions

Machines deteriorate as they get older so we can expect a certain amount of performance falloff and general deterioration of the machine. If we understand the failure mechanisms through various vibration and other monitoring techniques that are in place we can identify which parameters best indicate the deterioration of the machine and give advance warning of impending failure.

Failure analysis and Predictive Maintenance techniques, including vibration analysis is available with a view to optimising the maintenance engineering effort while maximising production. Further consultancy is available in the form of maintenance management optimisation and audits of existing systems.

AZTech, through its highly experienced, knowledgeable and qualified consultants, offers organisations the following services:

• Vibration analysis & troubleshooting
• CBM & CM system specification & advice
• Audits of existing PdM, CBM, CM & RCM systems
• Setup & installation of PdM, CBM, CM & RCM systems
• Mechanical failure analysis
• Acceptance testing & commissioning via CM parameters
• Consultancy advice for communication of monitoring data over digital networks
• Data analysis & representation
• Signal processing
• Maintenance management & manpower optimisation

Emergency Management and Planning is an essential element of modern HSE Management Systems. Although the majority of accidents should be proactively prevented by risk assessment & risk management, there is a need to think the unthinkable. Therefore, organisations need to demonstrate that, in the case of a major accident, there are measures in place; to respond, to prevent escalations and to mitigate the consequences of such events. Training in any level of scenario from a simple false alarm to a full-scale emergency (worst case scenario), involving casualties, fatalities and eventual site abandonment can be re-enacted, creating a high pressure environment that can be used as a training tool which will successfully assess a manager's ability and Emergency Response Team member's ability to take effective command and control of an accident.

AZTech, through its very experienced Associate Consultants, offer organisations the following services:

• Review of existing plans and policies
• Assessment of Emergency Preparedness
• Emergency contingency/scenario development
• Advice on Policies, Emergency Command and Control structure
• Composing and Producing Emergency Plans
• Guidance on Command and Control Centre(s) and Communications
• Working with Emergency Services, Local Authorities and Communities
• Business Continuity Planning
• Security procedures
• Press/Media handling
• Reputation Management
• Emergency Management Maintenance

To improve competitive operation and long term profitability and to improve HSE performance, cost-effective equipment integrity and reliability is essential. The objective of Mechanical Integrity is to ensure equipment does not fail in a way that causes or affects a release of covered chemicals. Technical integrity not only refers to hardware (mechanical and structural) and software issues, but also to human issues - sound people management. The technical integrity of a facility is achieved when, under specified operating conditions, there is no foreseeable risk of failure endangering safety of personnel, environment or asset value. It can only be achieved when: the equipment/piping systems are designed correctly for the specified service conditions; they are operated and maintained by qualified competent people within the design envelope; the current condition of critical equipment is identified/validated and are deemed fit for continued service; and the damage mechanisms they are subjected to are understood, monitored, and their impacts on the remaining life of the respective equipment/components/systems is assessed. Furthermore, risk-based decision methodology must be used to prioritize equipment inspection and maintenance.

Technical integrity is a joint responsibility of Engineering, Operations and Maintenance. Engineering is responsible for defining what constitutes technical integrity (design intent) while Operations and Maintenance are responsible for safeguarding technical integrity. The ongoing link between the three disciplines is the design envelope and the application of an effective management of change (MOC) program. The potential threats to mechanical integrity are in the area of methodology and controls through: application of inappropriate standards; inadequate assessment/control of plant changes; inappropriate condition assessment; deferred or uncontrolled maintenance; and inadequate quality of workmanship.

To achieve a sustainable safe, reliable and cost-effective plant operation, integrated asset management and utilization systems are essential.

AZTech, through its very experienced Associate Consultants, offer organizations integrated and focused services to assist in improving equipment integrity and plant reliability including:

• Guidance on Reliability Program Development
• Improve Specific Reliability Management Practices
• Reliability, Availability and Maintainability Analyses
• Setup/Improve Plant Maintenance Strategies, Systems and Practices
• Risk-based inspection program and studies
• Develop and Set-Up Engineering Systems and Programs
• Guidance on Management of Change (MOC) Programs
• Setup/Conduct Engineering Audits and Reviews ­ Asset integrity, Energy utilization
• Conduct Incident Investigation and Causal Analysis
• Review/enhance Engineering Organization Effectiveness
• Provide Customized Professional Development Training ­ Including: design, operation and maintenance of plant equipment and piping systems; mechanical integrity; failures & failure prevention