How to Build a Maintenance Program for Expansion Joints

To maximize the lifespan of an industrial component, each asset must follow a standard operating procedure and adhere to a specific maintenance program. These programs involve regular inspections and timely repairs to prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly downtime. By implementing a comprehensive strategy, companies can extend the lifespan of their equipment, improve safety standards, and enhance overall productivity.

By Angelica Pajkovic and Nelson Kavanagh, Teadit Group, Pasadena, Texas; David Wahl, Dominion Energy, Richmond, Virginia

Maintenance programs can generally be categorized into three types: preventive maintenance (PM), condition-based maintenance (CBM) and corrective maintenance (CM).

• Preventive maintenance: This type of maintenance is time-based and scheduled at regular intervals, such as monthly, annually or biennially. It involves routine inspections and servicing to prevent equipment failures.
• Condition-based maintenance: CBM relies on monitoring the condition of equipment to decide when maintenance should be performed. Techniques such as vibration analysis, thermography and acoustic testing are used to assess the health of the equipment.
• Corrective maintenance: This approach addresses issues as they occur, focusing on fixing problems after they have been identified during regular operations or inspections.

It is recommended that each piece of equipment have one or more of these dedicated maintenance programs. This approach ensures maintenance tasks are performed regularly and consistently.

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