Performance of Electromechanical Equipment Under Various Maintenance Strategies. A Case Study in Sasol Synfuels Catalyst Preparation Unit

International Journal of Mechanical Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJME Journal

Volume 12 Issue 10

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Pretty Maphosa, Patrick Nziu

10.14445/23488360/IJME-V12I10P109

How to Cite?

Pretty Maphosa, Patrick Nziu, "Performance of Electromechanical Equipment Under Various Maintenance Strategies. A Case Study in Sasol Synfuels Catalyst Preparation Unit," SSRG International Journal of Mechanical Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 10, pp. 106-118, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488360/IJME-V12I10P109

Abstract:

The subject of maintenance optimisation is not new, and many researchers have explored it. However, it is seen that one optimisation solution cannot be used in all industries. However, Turnaround management is the most used strategy in the petrochemical industries. Equipment downtime remains the biggest challenge; thus, the purpose of the study was to understand the different maintenance practices and how they impact the production use of the electromechanical equipment in Sasol Synfuels Catalyst Preparation. A case study having 5 electromechanical equipment, namely the Arc furnace, casting machine, Conveyor belt, Ball mill, and Kiln, was analysed to determine the overall performance of electromechanical equipment by analysing the current maintenance strategy applied in the identified electromechanical equipment. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were applied. From the results, it is observed that all the types of equipment identified apply on average above 50% condition-based maintenance. The fixed time maintenance strategy followed with a 30% ranking, then the operate to failure maintenance strategy with a 13% ranking, and lastly corrective maintenance with 7%.

Keywords:

Equipment performance, Maintenance strategy, Condition-Based Maintenance, Fixed maintenance, Operation to failure.

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