title = "Predictive Maintenance: Vibration, Thermography, and Oil Analysis"

content = """
Predictive Maintenance (PdM) uses condition monitoring data to determine the actual health of machinery and schedule maintenance based on evidence of deterioration rather than elapsed time. At Ridgecrest Metalworks, PdM is applied to critical rotating and electrical equipment to reduce reactive failures and avoid performing unnecessary preventive maintenance.

Vibration analysis is the primary PdM technique for rotating machinery (motors, fans, pumps, gearboxes, spindles). A vibration sensor (accelerometer) is placed on the bearing housing during operation. The vibration signature — amplitude and frequency spectrum — is analyzed to detect:
- Bearing defects: Characteristic frequencies (BPFI, BPFO, BSF, FTF) in the spectrum indicate developing bearing damage
- Imbalance: Elevated vibration at 1× running speed
- Misalignment: Elevated 2× (and sometimes 3×) running speed vibration with axial component
- Gear mesh faults: Elevated vibration at gear mesh frequency (shaft RPM × number of teeth)
Measurements are trended over time; rising vibration levels trigger alert and alarm thresholds, scheduling maintenance before failure occurs.

Infrared thermography uses a thermal imaging camera to detect abnormal heat signatures in electrical panels, switchgear, motor windings, hydraulic systems, and mechanical couplings. Electrical connections with high resistance (loose terminals, corroded lugs) generate excess heat detectable before they fail. Overloaded components, failing bearings, and friction points also produce distinctive thermal signatures. Thermographic surveys of all electrical distribution equipment are performed annually; critical panels and high-load circuits are surveyed quarterly.

Oil and fluid analysis: Samples of lubricating oil (gearboxes, hydraulic systems, compressors) or cutting fluid are sent to an analytical laboratory. Analysis measures:
- Wear metal concentrations (iron, copper, chromium, aluminum): Elevated levels indicate abnormal component wear
- Particle count and size distribution: ISO cleanliness level
- Fluid condition: Viscosity, acid number, water content, additive depletion

Results are compared to baseline values and alarm limits. Trending of wear metals over sequential samples is more informative than single measurements.

Ultrasonic inspection uses ultrasonic listening equipment to detect high-frequency noise from compressed air leaks, steam trap failures, developing bearing defects (early stage), and partial electrical discharge in switchgear.

PdM data is collected by the maintenance technician on a defined route schedule and entered into the CMMS. Trends and alerts are reviewed by the maintenance engineer monthly.
"""

version = "0.0.1"
