A practical application of reliability centered maintenance

This paper describes a practical and cost effective method for applying Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) principles to improve the effectiveness of an existing Preventive Maintenance program. While this program was developed for a modern nuclear power plant, it is based on the premise that many plants already have effective Maintenance and PM Programs, some of which may be relatively comprehensive, even at non-nuclear facilities. Therefore, the objective of this type of upgrade project is to identify and select the most effective PM tasks, whether currently active, or recommended new tasks or revisions, and to eliminate ineffective tasks. Then, apply those changes within the existing programs in a way that will allow the most efficient allocation of resources. It is anticipated that this program will enhance plant safety, improve plant availability and the reliability of plant equipment, as well as prevent escalation of maintenance costs when fully implemented