Equipment Life Expectancy

Question

Equipment Life Expectancy

maddocks (Petroleum)

(OP)

9 Nov 12 17:32

We've been asked to look at determining the life expectancy of gas processing equipment. Normally I would fall back on the standard of 20 years but most of the equipment in this plant is well over 20 years and is going strong. Any thoughts on how to do this? I thought I might try and contact the Long Island Medium and see if she had a Ouiji board or some dice....

MikeHalloran (Mechanical) · Answer 1 · 2012-11-09 23:00:27

The plant will die shortly after the last mechanic who knows how to keep it working leaves.

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

IRstuff (Aerospace) · Answer 2 · 2012-11-10 01:12:58

What is your definition of life expectancy? The only reason an electromechanic system can "die" is if no replacement parts are available for buying or making.

One general definition I've seen is that service life is defined as the point when replacement parts costs have cumulated to 1/2 of the purchase price.

Then, again, Model Ts are still on the road after 100 yrs, because people want them to continue working, regardless of the economic impact. Ditto B-52s at 60+ yrs and the USAF has pretty replaced every piece of metal and electronics in the every plane. Or consider any number structures and machines worldwide, like Big Ben at 150 yrs.

TTFN
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maddocks (Petroleum) · Answer 3 · 2012-11-11 12:26:12

IRstuff - that's actually a great question. I'll have to pose this question back to the plant guys - for example, if you can keep buying impellers and seals, then the pump should last (theoretically) forever.

IRstuff (Aerospace) · Answer 4 · 2012-11-11 19:52:45

There are also bearings and electrical, but yes, that's the fundamental idea.

TTFN
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Equipment Life Expectancy