Reliability centered maintenance

RCM is a systematic way of establishing a preventive maintenance (PM) program or improving an existing PM program. RCM uses a structured methodology that establishes the maintenance requirements for equipment based on the consequences of failure. Equipment failures that may impact system functions are identified and PM tasks are then identified for those equipment failures. The intent of RCM is to establish maintenance practices which focus more on the functional importance of a piece of equipment, its failure/repair history and less on vendor PM recommendations, traditional 'time-directed' overhaul tasks. Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) is an efficient maintenance plan. Structures, systems and equipment that directly supports safe, reliable, cost-effective plant operations, strongly influence production reliability. All RCM-based production facilities see lower operating costs from reduced failures and less maintenance. RCM is found to be an efficient scheduled maintenance and condition monitoring plan development process. Effective adoption of RCM to enhance safety and reliability to nuclear power stations are outlined. (author)