Plant Engineering Webcast Abstracts

Predictive and preventive maintenance: Rotating equipment maintenance
Optimizing rotating equipment maintenance: best practices and emerging trends
February 20

Maintaining rotating equipment, such as motors, pumps and compressors, is critical to reducing downtime, ensuring operational safety and maximizing equipment lifespan in industrial facilities. This webcast offers a high-level overview of rotating equipment maintenance practices, focusing on predictive and preventive maintenance strategies to keep production running smoothly.

Attendees will gain insights into how the latest technologies, such as internet of things (IoT)-driven condition monitoring and artificial intelligence-based diagnostics, are revolutionizing the way engineers and maintenance professionals approach equipment upkeep.

This one-hour session will provide practical advice for reducing unplanned downtime, improving safety and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Explore common challenges, such as balancing cost constraints with the need for continuous monitoring and provide solutions for ensuring equipment is running at peak performance.

Learning Objectives:

Understand predictive versus preventive maintenance: Learn the differences between these approaches and when each is most appropriate for maintaining various types of rotating
equipment.
Downtime reduction strategies: Explore practical techniques and tools that can minimize unplanned downtime and improve overall equipment efficiency in manufacturing environments.
Safety best practices: Identify key safety considerations and standards in rotating equipment maintenance and how to implement measures to ensure personnel and equipment safety.
Emerging technologies in equipment monitoring: Discover how internet of things, artificial intelligence and data analytics are reshaping maintenance programs and enabling smarter, more
efficient maintenance strategies.

Compressed air systems: Compressed air system costs
Reduce compressed air system costs by addressing inefficiencies and waste
March 20

Compressed air systems are essential for many industrial and manufacturing processes, but they are also notoriously expensive to operate and maintain. In fact, energy costs alone can account for up to 70% of a compressed air system’s lifetime expenses.

This educational webcast, designed for engineers and maintenance professionals at all levels, will dive into the core cost drivers of compressed air systems, from capital investments to the ongoing operational expenses and the total cost of ownership.

Attendees will learn about the most common and costly issues that lead to inefficiencies, such as system leaks, over-sized compressors and poor system design. These issues not only increase energy consumption but can also drive up maintenance costs and reduce equipment life. We’ll also explore ways to optimize compressed air systems, focusing on reducing unnecessary costs through proper design, regular maintenance and the use of data-driven monitoring systems.

The primary focus will remain on practical, proven strategies for cost reduction that attendees can implement immediately.

Learning Objectives:

Identify the key cost drivers: Understand the different elements that contribute to compressed air system costs, including capital expenses, operational energy costs and maintenance needs.
Recognize costly problem areas: Learn to identify the most expensive issues within compressed air systems, such as air leaks, over-sizing and inefficient system design and how they impact the total cost of ownership.
Implement cost-saving measures: Discover practical strategies for reducing compressed air system costs, from proper system design to regular maintenance and addressing inefficiencies in
operation.
Explore emerging trends: Gain insight into the latest trends and technologies, such as artificial intelligence and advanced monitoring systems, that can help optimize compressed air system
performance and reduce long-term costs.

Master motor troubleshooting: key techniques, tools, standards and emerging trends
April 22

Motor management is a critical aspect of maintaining industrial plant operations, especially for entry-level plant engineers responsible for keeping systems running efficiently. This webcast will introduce troubleshooting and diagnostics for the most-used motors in industrial settings. Attendees will learn how to identify and diagnose common motor issues, including overheating, vibration and electrical faults, all of which can lead to significant downtime if not addressed promptly.

Understand the essential diagnostic techniques, with examples of how to measure critical parameters using basic tools such as thermographic imaging and vibration sensors. Additionally, learn key industry standards that govern motor maintenance and diagnostics, helping attendees understand how to ensure
compliance and reliability in their operations.

Emerging trends, such as the use of internet of things (IoT)-enabled motor monitoring systems, will be briefly discussed to provide an overview of the future direction of motor management without overwhelming the focus on fundamental troubleshooting skills. This webcast is designed to equip plant engineers with the knowledge needed to keep motors in top condition, minimize downtime and improve operational efficiency.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the basic principles of motor management and the common types of motors used in
industrial plants.
Learn how to identify and diagnose common motor issues such as overheating, vibration and
electrical faults.
Explore examples of diagnostic tools and measurement techniques, including thermography and
vibration analysis.
Gain knowledge of relevant industry standards, such as NFPA 70B: Standard for Electrical
Equipment Maintenance and how they apply to motor troubleshooting

How to implement an electrical safety program with NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
May 29

Electrical safety is paramount in manufacturing and industrial settings. NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace provides a framework to help organizations create and maintain an effective electrical safety program. This webcast will offer a practical guide on implementing key aspects of NFPA 70E, helping safety professionals and engineers of all levels protect workers, reduce risks and ensure compliance.

Throughout this hour-long session, attendees will learn how to develop a proactive safety culture by establishing consistent maintenance practices and procedures that align with NFPA 70E’s
recommendations. The core aspects look at the essential elements of hazard identification, risk assessment and safe work practices. Additionally, real-world examples will be shared to illustrate the challenges and solutions of maintaining electrical systems in industrial environments.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration also identifies how those who work directly with electrical hazards should approach the topic.

While NFPA 70E emphasizes structured processes and policies for safety, this session will also touch on emerging trends in electrical safety. Although technology continues to evolve, the foundational principles outlined in the standard remain crucial for protecting personnel and assets.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the key elements of NFPA 70E for developing an electrical safety program, including
maintenance and hazard identification.
Apply risk assessment and hazard control measures to protect workers and reduce incidents.
Implement standardized maintenance practices to ensure long-term electrical system reliability
and safety.
Recognize emerging trends and challenges in electrical safety while maintaining compliance with
NFPA 70E standards.

Motor replacement criteria for industrial systems: key metrics and standards
July 23

Deciding when to replace a motor in an industrial system is a crucial task for engineers and maintenance professionals. Dive into the critical criteria to assess when considering motor replacement, focusing on the most used motors in industrial plants. Whether you are dealing with aging motors or striving to enhance efficiency and performance, understanding when replacement is necessary can help avoid costly downtime, reduce energy consumption and optimize system operations.

This will cover key performance metrics and efficiency considerations, providing a roadmap for identifying when motor replacement is the best option. While life cycle factors will be discussed, the primary focus will be on measurable criteria like energy efficiency, power output and operating costs. Additionally, the session will reference relevant standards to ensure attendees can align their decisions with industry best practices. Also, briefly learn about emerging technologies and trends in motor design that may impact future replacement decisions.

Learning Objectives:

Identify key performance metrics: Learn how to assess critical performance metrics, such as
energy efficiency, power output and operating costs, to determine when motor replacement is
necessary.
Understand relevant standards: Explore the industry standards that govern motor replacement
decisions, ensuring compliance and adherence to best practices.
Evaluate efficiency considerations: Discover how efficiency plays a pivotal role in motor
replacement decisions, from reducing energy consumption to optimizing overall system
performance.
Consider emerging technologies: Gain insight into emerging trends in motor technology that could
influence future replacement criteria, helping you stay ahead in maintenance and decision making.

Compressed air systems: Pressure regulation best practices
August 21

Compressed air systems are vital across all sectors of manufacturing and industrial operations, yet improper pressure regulation can lead to inefficiencies, higher costs and even system failure. This hourlong session is designed for professionals at all levels, providing best practices for optimizing pressure regulation within compressed air systems across diverse industrial applications.

The session offers practical guidelines to help operators maintain optimal pressure, reduce energy consumption and improve the longevity of compressed air equipment. Attendees will explore strategies to avoid over-pressurization, air leaks and system instability. Drawing on real-world case study examples, participants will gain insights into how effective pressure management can reduce operational costs while ensuring consistent performance.

Standards such as ISO 8573 (Compressed Air Quality) and ISO 1217 (Displacement Compressors — Acceptance Tests) will be referenced as tools to guide best practices. Additionally, Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s guidelines on compressed air use in industrial settings, specifically focusing on safety concerns, will be discussed to ensure that participants are aware of the regulatory framework that governs compressed air systems. The session will provide unbiased guidance on available technologies without reference to specific brands or products, keeping the focus on universally applicable best practices.

Learning Objectives

Understand the fundamentals of pressure regulation in compressed air systems: Participants will
learn key concepts of pressure control and how they impact system performance, efficiency,
safety and energy use.
Identify common challenges and best practices for maintaining optimal pressure levels: Attendees
will explore methods to prevent over-pressurization, air leaks and other inefficiencies that can
compromise system stability.
Apply lessons from real-world case studies to improve system efficiency: The session will feature
practical examples of successful pressure regulation strategies that have resulted in operational
cost reductions and increased system reliability.
Familiarize with relevant standards and regulations for compressed air systems: Participants will
be introduced to ISO 8573 and ISO 1217, as well as OSHA guidelines, which address both
performance benchmarks and safety standards essential for compliant and efficient compressed
air system operation.

Power and electrical system efficiency: Efficient design for power distribution
September 23

In industrial and manufacturing environments, the efficiency of power distribution systems plays a critical role in operational performance. Power distribution systems are often the backbone of plant operations and optimizing their efficiency can reduce energy waste, decrease downtime and enhance overall system reliability.

This hourlong session will focus on the principles and practices of creating efficient power distribution designs tailored for industrial and manufacturing facilities.

Learn about operational efficiency, from reducing power losses to improving system reliability and reducing maintenance costs. Attendees will learn how to apply the latest best practices for efficient design and distribution, including strategies to streamline system performance and address energy waste.

Presenters will discuss key industry standards, particularly NFPA 70: National Electrical Code, while also touching on relevant guidelines from IEEE and International Electrotechnical Commission to ensure compliance with safety and performance standards.

Real-world examples and case studies will illustrate how companies have successfully implemented efficient power distribution systems, offering valuable lessons learned and practical insights.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the core principles of designing efficient power distribution systems and their role in
improving operational efficiency.
Identify key industry standards, including NFPA 70, IEEE and IEC and understand how they
impact power distribution design.
Analyze real-world case studies that demonstrate successful implementations of efficient power
distribution systems.
Learn practical strategies to reduce power losses, minimize downtime and improve overall
system performance in industrial and manufacturing environments.

Predictive and preventive maintenance: Pumping systems
October 23

In industrial and manufacturing facilities, pumping systems are essential for ensuring smooth operations across plumbing, piping and process systems. Proper maintenance of these systems is critical to reduce downtime, increase efficiency and avoid costly repairs or replacements. This session will explore both predictive and preventive maintenance strategies tailored to pumping systems used in industrial and manufacturing environments.

The presenters will begin by establishing an understanding of preventive maintenance — covering routine inspections, monitoring techniques and maintenance schedules that help to avoid failures. The discussion will then transition to predictive maintenance, focusing on data-driven strategies that use real-time monitoring and condition-based tools to anticipate equipment needs before breakdowns occur.

National standards such as those from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), along with other applicable regulations, will be reviewed to provide context and ensure compliance in maintenance practices. Participants will also be introduced to forward-looking trends, such as the integration of internet of things (IoT) technology, machine learning and advanced analytics in pumping system maintenance, which are shaping the future of plant efficiency.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the key differences between preventive and predictive maintenance for pumping
systems, including the benefits and limitations of each approach.
Identify critical components in pumping systems that require regular maintenance and monitoring
to ensure operational efficiency.
Gain insight into relevant standards and regulations, including ASME and other national
guidelines and how they inform maintenance practices.
Explore emerging trends in pumping system maintenance, including IoT integration, predictive
analytics and advanced monitoring tools that enhance system reliability.