This invention relates to the strategic long term planning for the maintenance of paints, coatings and linings, and in particular to a novel computer program that anticipates future work requirements and costs associated with the recoating and repainting operations for industrial and commercial facilities such as but not limited to amusement parks, resorts, petroleum refineries, paper mills, power generating stations, municipal waste and water treatment systems, off shore oil drilling platforms, chemical processing plants, pharmaceutical plants, mineral processing facilities, cement plants, food and beverage preparation plants, ships, mines, office buildings, sports stadiums, automobile production and assembly plants, steel mills, electronic component manufacturing facilities, bakeries, manufacturing plants, agricultural production facilities, textile mills, lumber operations, printing and publishing plants, marinas, aircraft manufacturing plants, government aerospace facilities, railroad equipment manufacturing and repair facilities, pipelines and related equipment.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
Industrial and commercial facilities am comprised of numerous components and sub components which require regular inspection to determine when recoating and repainting projects should occur. For example, a chemical processing facility can have master components such as storage buildings, production areas, tanks, cracking towers, platforms, pressure vessels and sub components such as piping, structural steel members, concrete floors, overhead cranes, blowers, pumps, motors, valves, conduit, exterior doors, interior doors, windows, and gutters that require repainting over time. Thus, the larger and more complex the facility, the greater the task of planing for recoating and repainting projects. Many facilities are not re-coated and repainted until natural weather conditions have deteriorated the surfaces to a point of needing recoating/repainting immediately. By this time, the substrate of the master or sub component could be damaged as well. Thus, there would be additional labor, material and equipment costs to repair the substrate as well as the labor, material and equipment costs associated with the recoating and repainting operations. Constantly re-inspecting the master components and sub components of the facilities to determine the various recoating and repainting needs requires the expenditure of considerable engineering manpower resources. The organizing, cataloging and retrieving of the data collected by the constant re inspections in a manner which is beneficial to a facility, is extremely difficult if not impossible. These tasks are further exacerbated with large scale facilities that include multiple storage buildings, production areas, tanks, cracking towers, platforms, pressure vessels and sub components such as piping, structural steel members, concrete floors, overhead cranes, blowers, pumps, motors, valves, and conduits.
Several U.S. patents will now be described that fail to adequately solve the above problems. U.S. Pat. No. 3,605,682 to Groce et al. describes a coating computer but does not apply to structures, facilities and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,398 to Homstad describes a software program for coating materials in a vacuum environment and does not encompass facilities such as exterior building structures. U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,648 to Fills et al. describes a system restricted for paint inspections using video cameras to monitor painting automobiles. U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,773 to Glass et al. is restricted to an environmental and corrosion monitoring system. Other patents that do not solve the above problems include U.S. Pat. No. 5,229,840 to Arnarson et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,317 to Cox et al.
Thus, the need exists for a solution to the above identified problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The first objective of the present invention is to provide a long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting facilities their master and sub components of facilities which tracks and reports what work needs to be done, when the work should be done and how much the work will cost.
The second objective of this invention is to provide a long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting master and sub components of facilities that prioritizes the maintenance work requirements for coating and lining systems.
The third objective of this invention is to provide a long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting master and sub components of facilities that forecasts future work requirements and annual budget estimates.
The fourth objective of this invention is to provide a long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting master and sub components of facilities that tracks and reports performance of installed coating and lining systems.
The fifth objective of this invention is to provide long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting master and sub components of facilities that pinpoints coating and lining failure trends.
The sixth objective of this invention is to provide a long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting master and sub components of facilities that schedules condition survey inspections.
The seventh objective of this invention is to provide a long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting master and sub components of facilities that stores, analyzes and reports condition survey data.
The eighth objective of this invention is to provide a long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting master and sub components of facilities that archives historical coating condition data for future reference.
The ninth objective of this invention is to provide a long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting a facility's components that compliments resource and manpower programs.
The novel software algorithm program are used primarily in mechanical component maintenance departments to write daily work orders for repairs and preventative maintenance. The invention can be used to track and report daily and weekly manpower utilization by maintenance departments and not for budgeting or prioritizing work to be performed.
The novel invention includes a graphical Windows.TM. type based user interface. This interface promotes a pro-active approach to performing maintenance work. The invention can further be user customized in order to help plan work packages that take advantage of economies of scale. The outputs can be interactive reporting and include planning screens which allows for strategic use of available funding for particular applications. The invention allows for "what-if?" scenarios in forecasting and work planning and reduces overall maintenance costs through more effective planning. The invention collects, stores and analyzes critical maintenance data and provides an accurate method of forecasting annual coating maintenance costs. The novel invention tracks effectiveness of completed work and significantly reduces planning time. The invention allows the user to track planned verses actual costs and allows historical data to be quickly retrieved. The novel invention allows for extensive analysis and reporting capabilities and provides immediate access to critical maintenance data and further provides detail at the facility, master component, or sub component levels.
Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1A is an overview flow chart of the four step implementation process for the invention.
FIG. 1B is a detailed view of the four step implementation process of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred computer equipment set-up for using the novel four step implementation process of FIGS. 1A-1B.
FIG. 3A is a flow chart representation of Step 100 and part of step 200 of FIGS. 1A-1B.
FIG. 3B is a flow chart representation of another portion of step 200 of FIGS. 1A-1B.
FIG. 3C is a flow chart representation of another portion of step 200 of FIGS. 1A-1B.
FIG. 3D is a flow chart representation of another portion of step 200 and a portion of step 300 of FIGS. 1A-1B.
FIG. 3E is a flow chart representation of another portion of step 300 of FIGS. 1A-1B.
FIG. 3F is a flow chaff representation of the remaining portions of step 300 of FIGS. 1A-1B.
FIG. 3G is a flow chart representation of a portion of step 400 of FIGS. 1A-1B.
FIG. 3H is a flow chart representation of the remaining portion of step 400 of FIGS. 1A-1B.
FIG. 4 illustrates a exemplary facility 600 having major components and subcomponents that can benefit from the subject invention.
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary executive summary-work managment output of Step 400.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.
The invention incorporates a novel four-step implementation process which will first be briefly described in reference to FIG. 1A and followed by an in depth description in reference to FIG. 1B. Referring to FIG. 1A, the first step 100 is a facility breakdown where each facility is organized into manageable components. The second step 200 is a condition survey where the facility is inspected to determine the baseline condition and in order to collect necessary data. The third step 300 encompasses coating system standards to select the coating systems to be used. The fourth step 400 encompasses work management to forecast, plan and track coating maintenance work using interactive screens, data generating reports and the like.
FIG. 1B is a detailed overview of the four step implementation process of FIG. 1A. For the facility breakdown, five substeps: Identify Asset Groups 110, Define Master Components 120, Define Sub Components 130, Enter Master Components 140 and Enter Sub Components 150 are followed. Table 1 gives a detailed description of the implementation process for each of the five substeps 110-150 of Step 100.
Step 100-Facility Breakdown/Asset Grouping
Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B, the Condition Survey Step 200 includes two substeps: Conduct Condition Survey 210 and Make Work Recommendations by Sub Components 220. Table 2 gives a detailed description of the implementation process for each of the two substeps 210.01-210.13 and 220.10-220.20 of Step 200.
Step 200-Condition Survey
Referring FIGS. 1A-1B, the Coating System Standards Step 300 includes three substeps: Develop Coating Systems 310, Enter Cost Data 320 and Calculating Cost Per square Foot Applied 330. Table 3 gives a detailed description of the implementation process for each of the three substeps 310.01-310.11,320 and 330 of Step 300.
Step 300-Coating Systems Standards
Referring FIGS. 1A-1B, the Work Management Step 400 includes: Work Management Assessment By Sub Component 410, Accept or Alter Recommendations 420, Schedule Work By Sub Component 430, Calculate Costs 440, Data Operations 450, Management Reports 460, Report Historical Data 470 and Report Cost & Schedule Data 480. Table 4 gives a detailed description of each of the substeps 410-450 and reports 460-480.
Step 400-Work Management
FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred computer equipment set-up 900 for using the novel four step implementation process 100, 200, 300 and 400 of FIGS. 1A-1B. A keyboard 910 can be used to input the facility breakdown data of step 100 and the condition survey data of step 200 onto a computer 930 such as but not limited to an IBM compatible 386SX processor, an IBM compatible 586, Macintosh Power PC and the like, with at least 4 megabytes minimum RAM, (8 recommended), a hard disk with 30 megabytes of available space with a color VGA monitor or high resolution monitor 920. The program running the computer 930 can be written in C++ Windows.TM., and the like. A preferred software algorithm flow chart for the computer program is described in reference to FIGS. 3A-3H. Computer 930 can perform calculations needed from steps 200, and the coating system standards 300. Final work management output step 400 can be displayed on conventional display screens 920 and output in hardcopy form at laser printer 400 such as but not limited a Hewlet Packard Printer 5M, 5ML, an ink jet or the like(dot matrix not recommended).
FIG. 3A is a flow chart representation of Step 100 and part of step 200 of FIGS. 1A-1B. From start 10, defines and enters asset group data 110, defines and enters master component data 120, 140, defines and enters sub component data 130, 150. After which the program can prompt back whether any more asset groups are to be listed 190. If yes, box 110 is repeated, if no the program begins to conduct a condition survey by Sub component 210. Next the user selects the exposure type 210.01 from a menu which includes: atmospheric, ultraviolet, acidic, alkaline, immersion, splash zone, salt spray and high temperature.
FIG. 3B is a flow chart representation of another portion of step 200 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The user next selects the operating environment 210.02 from the choices: mild, moderate or aggressive. The user then rates the substrate condition 210.03 from the choices: intact, superficial damage, structural damage and structurally failed. Next the existing coating integrity is rated 210.04 from the choices: excellent, good, fair and poor. The sub component visual view 210.05 is now selected such as hidden, visible and high profile. The user can then rate the visual appearance 210.06 from the choices: excellent, good, fair and poor. The adhesion of the current coating 210.07 can be measured using an ASTM D3359 X cut knife Adhesion Test where the user selects one of the choices: excellent, good, fair, and poor.
FIG. 3C is a flow chart representation of another portion of step 200 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The user next selects the observed defects 210.08 from the choices: chalking, fading, mildew, dirt, blushing, discoloration, checking, alligatoring, delamination-intercoat, blistering-intercoat, pinholing, pinpoint rusting, general rusting, cracking, blistering to subsrate, flaking and peeling. The user inputs the measured dry film thickness value 210.09 measured by an Elcometer Model 211 Thickness Gauge. Next any observed hazardous conditions 210.10 such as lead or asbestos are input. The user next makes an inspection frequency recommendation 210.11 from the choices: monthly, semi annual, and annual. Next the surveyor/inspector can input comments 210.12 where the comments are regarding the sub component's condition such as exposure, etc. that are not part of the observed attributes. Next, a digitized photograph can be assigned 210.13 where the photograph can be scanned to produce a digital representation as part of the sub component record.
FIG. 3D is a flow chart representation of another portion of step 200 and a portion of step 300 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The next input is where the user recommends the work task 220.10 from the choices: touchup, re-coat, replace, and new construction. Next, the application cost multipliers are recorded 220.20. These are specific problems that will increase the cost of maintenance such as barricades, scaffolding, rigging and confined space. The program prompts the user whether any more sub components are to be listed 290. If yes, substep 210 is repeated, if no, the coating systems step 300 begins where the program starts to develop coating systems 310. Next, a coating system ID is assigned 310.01 where a name or number is assigned that is descriptive of the systems used at this facility such as acrylic exterior touchup. Next a system description is entered 310.02 where a brief description is entered to assist in identification. For example: this is a single coat system based on Sherwin Williams.RTM. DTM(Direct-to-Metal) Acrylic coatings for use on steel, aluminum, galvanized and masonry.
FIG. 3E is a flow chart representation of another portion of step 300 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The next step is for the user to select the surface preparation method 310.03 from hand tool cleaning, power tool cleaning, white metal blast cleaning, commercial blast cleaning, brush off blast cleaning, near white metal blast cleaning, and power tool cleaning to bare metal. Next the coating material information is entered 310.04. A unique material identification is entered such as name/number, manufacturers name, product name, generic type, percent solids by volume, cost per gallon, recommended dry film thickness range, and the volotile organic compounds. A prompt asks if another coating material exists 310.049. If yes substep 310.04 is repeated, if no then the user is asked to enter application method information 310.05. Here, a unique application method name is entered including the estimated material transfer efficiency percent, the estimated labor cost per square foot, and the estimated equipment cost per square foot. A prompt asks if there is another application method 310.059. If yes, then substep 310.05 is repeated, if no the next substep 310.07 occurs.
FIG. 3F is a flow chart representation of the remaining portions of step 300 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The coating system purpose is entered 310.07 from choices such as architectural, lining, protective coating, sacrificial, and decorative. Next, the coating system type is entered 310.06 such as touchup, recoat, replace, and new construction. Next the material design basis is selected 310.08-310.09 from the choices: selected coating material (name/number) such as SW DTM acrylic primer/finish. Next the number of coats of material that are to be used such as one substep 310.10, as previously described in TABLE 3 shown above. Next, the desired application method is selected 310.11 for example: brush, roll and the like. The user is prompted whether there is another coating material 310.90. If yes then substep 310.08-310.09 is repeated, if no the cost data is entered 320 followed by the calculated cost per square foot 330.
FIG. 3G is a flow chart representation of a portion of step 400 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The next step is for work management assessment by sub component 410. Next the user is asked whether to accept the work task recommendation 420. If no, the user is asked to select new work task recommendation 422 from: inspect, touchup, recoat and replace, and then passes to 424. If yes is the answer to box 420, then the program selects the coating system from those available 424. Next, the work status is selected 430 from the choices: forecast, planned, completed, and recommended. Next, the user is asked whether they accept the application cost multipliers 440 previously inputted. If no, then the user selects new application cost multipliers 442 from: barricades, scaffolding, rigging, and confined space, and then to box 444. If yes is the answer to box 440, then the estimated cost is reviewed 444.
FIG. 3H is a flow chart representation of the remaining portion of step 400 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The next step is to enter the actual cost, if known 446. Comments of the user can be entered at substep 448. The user is prompted whether any more subcomponents are to be evaluated 449. If yes then substep 410 is repeated, if no then data operations 450 begins where management reports 460, historical data 470, cost and schedule data 480 can be output on screen or printed out, before the program ends at step 490.
FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary facility 600 having major components and subcomponents that can benefit from the subject invention. Referring to FIG. 4, a petroleum transportation facility includes major components such as a tank farm, control building, ship unloading dock and pumping yard. Each of the major components has subcomponents such as tank 1, tank 2 and the like. Tables 5 and 6 represents the data input for the FIG. 4 example of the asset group determination 110, and the master component 120, 140. Each of the defined asset groups, master components and sub components are entered into their respective forms. Tables 5 and 6 refer to the first step 100 of FIGS. 1A-1B.
Tables 7 and 8 represent step 200 of FIGS. 1A-1B using the FIG. 4 facility example. Each sub component is inspected and all sub component attributes and coating defects are noted in the appropriate locations on the Sub Component Evaluation Form.
Table 9 represents step 300 of FIGS. 1A-1B using the FIG. 4 facility example. Coating systems are built for each asset groups use by entry of data into the Coating System Builder Form.
Table 10 represent step 400 of FIGS. 1A-1B using the FIG. 4 facility example. Each sub component's condition and recommended work task and coating system is reviewed and assessed by either the administrative or engineering user to verify that the recommendation conforms with the facility's asset maintenance plan.
FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary executive summary-work managment output of Step 400.
Although, the data operations substep 450 of FIG. 1B describes various types of outputs, the invention is not limited to these outputs. The invention can be used generate various types of reports such as but not limited to: Master Asset Lists, Master Asset Condition Summary, Work Management Report, Master Asset Planned Work & Summary, Master Asset or Subcomponent Priority Lists, Maintenance Activity by Master Asset List, Asset and Subcomponent Cost Data List, Maintenance Cost Data & Annual Summary List, Maintenance History List, Defect &Defect Cost Analysis List, Coating Use and Performance List, Maintenance & Safety Flags List, Condition Survey History List, and User Defined Lists.
While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.