Sawan Jasoliya

Last weekend, my team informed me that the bearing on the auxiliary drive side of the cement mill gear box has started making a slight noise. We checked it. Looking at the parameters like vibration and temperature, we decided that we will run the mill right away and fill the cement silo. And yes, we will monitor the equipment very carefully. And as we do, we started arranging the necessary equipment and tools and tackles. The silos were filled. Today my team opened the top cover of the gear box and invited me for inspection. We found the cage damaged. We saw that the alignment was correct. Lubrication was also correct. The bearing clearance was found to be slightly on the higher side. Now we will check all the other bearings as well. We will do all the necessary replacement and maintenance and start the cement mail again. Before there is any problem in dispatch. Cleaning – Inspection – Lubrication – Tightening i.e. CILT, this is a mantra which always proves to be a boon for us. [Planne...

Unplanned stoppages are bad.  But shutdowns can be a big opportunity — A really big opportunity… IF ONLY WE ARE PREPARED, our job-lists are ready. There are two types of job-lists for any shutdown: 1. Standard Job-List This is the list of jobs that we perform as part of our standard inspection and maintenance routines (mostly preventive maintenance). Process Department: checks refractory conditions in cooler, kiln, and preheater; dip tube, feedpipe, flap valve condition, etc., and carries out the necessary maintenance. Mechanical Department: checks DPC, cooler, kiln supporting roller bearings, drive, HTD, bucket elevator, blowers, process fans, mill internals, screw conveyors, etc., and performs the required maintenance. Electrical Department: checks HT/LT panels, circuit breakers, cable terminations, MCCs, motors, lighting systems, earthing, and ensures functionality of interlocks and protection systems. Instrument Department: calibrates and maintains field instr...