Reliability Tip:

Fault-Failure Codes

Most EAM and CMMS software packages available today have a wide assortment of fault or failure codes already provided for the end user. It is up to the end user to filter and refine these codes to maximize their usefulness. Ideally, these codes should be refined based on the equipment class and subclass. Typically, these codes can be divided into two groups, those that are used when requesting work to communicate a problem, and those used by the mechanics or technicians to identify the cause(s).

Fault codes used when requesting work can often be characterized as those things we can sense; for example see, smell, hear, and feel. Requestors of work typically designate what the problem is perceived to be based on their observations and what the asset is doing or not doing. Additionally, a mature and well-disciplined organization will be trained in their use and expected to include these in their work requests.

Effective failure codes are equipment specific and better identify the underlying causes that result in the symptoms seen by the requestor. Typically, these codes are assigned by a knowledgeable mechanic or technician making the repairs.

Properly deployed, both the codes used to identify problems and those used to identify causes are foundational to effective asset management. To summarize:

• Define and refine: Define what codes are going to be used and refine that list based on asset class and subclass. Resist the use of codes that are too generic, for example “miscellaneous” or “other”.
• Train and expect: Train the organization on the benefit and use of these codes, and expect their consistent use.
• Mine and Exploit: Mine the data and exploit the results to drive improvements in your asset management program. Properly executed, these results effectively fuel capital improvements, improve reliability, reduce reactive work, improve safety, and generate value for the corporation.

Emerson’s CSI 2140 Machinery Health Analyzer is the only analyzer available on the market today with Class II Div 2 Groups F&G Dust Safety Rating. Operate safely in a wide range of combustible dust environments and applications such as:

• Grain Elevators
• Food Production (such as candy, sugar, spice, starch, flour, and feed)
• Chemical Manufacturing (such as rubber, plastics, pharmaceuticals)
• Woodworking Facilities
• Metal Processing (such as zinc, magnesium, aluminum, iron)
• Recycling Facilities (such as paper, plastics, metals)
• Coal-Fired Power Plants

Plan to attend. There will be very informative presentations, workshops, educational courses, industry forums, and meet-the-experts panel discussions.

Reminder: Early Bird Registration will be available until August 31, 2016