This handbook provides a framework for understanding how to characterize plastic manufacturing processes for use in troubleshooting problems. The 21 chapters are authored by well-known and experienced engineers who have specialized knowledge about the processes covered in this practical guide. From the Preface: “In every chapter, the process is described and the most common problems are discussed along with the root causes and potential technical solutions. Numerous case studies are provided that illustrate the troubleshooting process. Mark A. Spalding, The Dow Chemical Company

The book presents practical examples of troubleshooting tools applied in real technological processes. The content is useful for technicians, engineers, or maintenance professionals involved in setting up technical systems and reliable operation of rotary machines. The book presents various proactive maintenance methods, exploring how they can be applied to enhance the reliability and efficiency of technical systems. The importance of technical diagnostics is highlighted, offering valuable insights into the process of identifying and analyzing potential issues. The measurement and assessment of vibrations in technical systems are examined. Moreover, the book covers assessing the condition of systems through the study of friction, lubrication, and wear. The application of technical diagnostics tools in reductors' test operation is also detailed. In the concluding section, readers will find a thoughtful synthesis of the key concepts discussed throughout the book.

Ready to earn your fix-it PhD? Then it's time to read The Art Of Troubleshooting. Combining theory and practice, you'll gain insight into the principles that underlie the diagnosis and repair of all machines. Explore the entire ecosystem of fixing things, including economics, psychology, and preventing future malfunctions by learning from current ones. Extremely practical too, you'll benefit from an entire section devoted to the bread-and-butter strategies that get you from "broken" to "fixed" in the shortest time possible. Finally, The Art Of Troubleshooting focuses on you. Understand the mindset and behaviors that can make anyone a truly powerful master of repair. Whether at home or at work, be the hero and save the day by getting things running again!

Process machines are critical to the profitability of processes. Safe, efficient and reliable machines are required to maintain dependable manufacturing processes that can create saleable, on-spec product on time, and at the desired production rate. As the wards of process machinery, we wish to keep our equipment in serviceable condition. One of the most challenging aspects of a machinery professional or operator’s job is deciding whether an operating machine should be shut down due to a perceived problem or be allowed to keep operating. If he or she wrongly recommends a repair be conducted, the remaining useful machine life is wasted, but if he or she is right, they can save the organization from severe consequences, such as product releases, fires, costly secondary machine damage, etc. This economic balancing act is at the heart of all machinery assessments. Troubleshooting is part science and part art. Simple troubleshooting tables or decision trees are rarely effective in solving complex, real-world machine problems. For this reason, the authors want to offer a novel way to attack machinery issues that can adversely affect the reliability and efficiency of your plant processes. The methodology presented in this book is not a rigid “cook book” approach but rather a flexible and dynamic process aimed at exploring process plant machines holistically, in order uncover the true nature the problem at hand.