Analysis of maintenance strategies

An industrial process plant should be operated effectively from the economic point of view, and undisturbed production should be ensured with long-term minimum cost. At the same time, the risks for the owners, plant workers, public and environment should be kept as low as reasonably possible. Usually, enterprises develop strategies to cope with economical production, environmental requirements and occupational safety. These strategies lean on the general goals and objectives set for the economy and society's confidence in the plant. From a wide perspective, the goal of maintenance and operability activities of a successful industrial plant is the assurance of long-term asset management by keeping the plant continuously in a condition as good as new. Maintenance has a key role in controlling the risks caused by equipment damages, system failures or plant disturbances. However, there are many ways to organise and perform maintenance, and each maintenance option has its own characteristics with respect to benefits, costs and risks. The decision maker should be able to estimate the effects of maintenance and to evaluate benefits, costs and risks in order to create the most appropriate maintenance strategy, which should bc based on the goals set for the use of the plant and be in accordance with advanced enterprise strategies.