Mueller moves from preventive to predictive maintenance

Recognizing the recent advances in and affordability of predictive maintenance (PdM), the company decided to implement a PdM program in one of its facilities on a trial basis. Anticipating positive results, we hope to gradually pursue wider implementation.

We based our initial decision to go with Augury on the quality of its products, most specifically its sensor technology. Augury combines Internet Age technologies and the gold-standard practices of predictive maintenance to extend the operational life of machine components, eliminate catastrophic equipment failures and reduce the costs of parts and labor. Augury’s diagnostic technology is built around a simple principle that every mechanical system can be characterized by the sound that it makes. The Auguscope incorporates more than three years of electronics and analog circuit development, resulting in analog signal sampling at rates of 120 kilo samples per second (ksps). Sampling at such a rate, as opposed to a lesser rate, allows Augury to determine with greater accuracy and specificity the exact type of malfunction present in rotating pieces of equipment. It can record results from both vibration and ultrasonic sensors and be used for mechanical diagnostics, as well as leak detection, pump cavitation and steam traps. The result is a compact yet rugged, portable device.

• [Efficiency Improvement - Production Uptime]
  Facility can plan resources and materials in order to minimize that downtime while lowering repair part expedition cost.
• [Cost Reduction - Production]
  Ensures the plant is better able to meet customer demands, stocking goals and total manufacturing cost targets
• [Management Effectiveness - Data Analysis]
  As the data collected will provide quantifiable impact of equipment and program on the business, Mueller will consider use of Augury in all facilities as a best practice.