Vibration inspection optimization for rotating assets in the Hinton Pulp mill

Inspections are carried out on machinery equipment to evaluate the equipment condition and to take necessary maintenance actions to prevent failures. Hinton Pulp, a Division of West Fraser mills have a 30-day inspection interval for vibration inspections on rotating assets. The fixed inspection interval adopted by the Hinton Pulp for vibration inspections are not effective enough to prevent the failures on critical and aging assets. Therefore, there is a definite need to study the vibration inspection intervals to better prevent the failures and achieve the desired reliability of equipment at Hinton Pulp. This study aims at developing optimal vibration inspection intervals for rotating assets at Hinton Pulp mill. Through this research project, an inspection interval optimization model will be developed. The inspection optimization model is expected to reduce the overall operation and maintenance costs of the assets at Hinton Pulp while maintaining the desired reliability.

Faculty Supervisor:

Zhigang Tian

Student:

Partner:

West Fraser Timber Company (Hinton, AB)

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Agriculture

University:

University of Alberta

Program: