[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” positioning=”none” horizontal_offset_tablet=”” horizontal_offset_phone=”” horizontal_offset_last_edited=”on|tablet” custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px|||0px|false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”|||25px|false|false” custom_padding_phone=”” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover_enabled=”on|desktop” custom_padding__hover=”0px|||0px|false|false” theme_builder_area=”post_content” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
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The criticality of any asset will change over\u00a0<\/span><\/span>time<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>but there are also ways to reduce risk and thus change the criticality of an asset<\/span>, potentially extending its remaining useful life<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_flipbox _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,7,73,0.17)” custom_padding=”3px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_flipbox_child title=”Redundancy ” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” parent_header_level=”h4″][\/dsm_flipbox_child][dsm_flipbox_child button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” parent_header_level=”h4″]<\/p>\n Duplicate assets in critical areas to provide backup in the events of failure.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/dsm_flipbox_child][\/dsm_flipbox][dsm_flipbox _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,7,73,0.17)” custom_padding=”3px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_flipbox_child title=”Specialized Training ” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” parent_header_level=”h4″][\/dsm_flipbox_child][dsm_flipbox_child button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” parent_header_level=”h4″]<\/p>\n Ensure staff know how to properly repair or replace an asset.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/dsm_flipbox_child][\/dsm_flipbox][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_flipbox _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,7,73,0.17)” custom_padding=”3px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_flipbox_child title=”Routine & Preventative Maintenance” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” parent_header_level=”h4″][\/dsm_flipbox_child][dsm_flipbox_child button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” parent_header_level=”h4″]<\/p>\n Regularly scheduled maintenance as part of an O&M plan.<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/dsm_flipbox_child][\/dsm_flipbox][dsm_flipbox _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,7,73,0.17)” custom_padding=”3px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_flipbox_child title=”Replace Asset Early” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” parent_header_level=”h4″][\/dsm_flipbox_child][dsm_flipbox_child button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” parent_header_level=”h4″]<\/p>\n Replace critical assets before failure to prevent significant consequences.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/dsm_flipbox_child][\/dsm_flipbox][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_flipbox _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,7,73,0.17)” custom_padding=”3px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_flipbox_child title=”Spare Parts” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” parent_header_level=”h4″][\/dsm_flipbox_child][dsm_flipbox_child button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” parent_header_level=”h4″]<\/p>\n Inventory of essential parts and equipment<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>to avoid delivery or shipping delays.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/dsm_flipbox_child][\/dsm_flipbox][dsm_flipbox _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”rgba(0,7,73,0.17)” custom_padding=”3px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_flipbox_child title=”Monitoring ” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|700|||||||” header_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” parent_header_level=”h4″][\/dsm_flipbox_child][dsm_flipbox_child button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” parent_header_level=”h4″]<\/p>\n Consistent and frequent monitoring to ensure that assets are\u00a0<\/span><\/span>operating<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>as desired.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n [\/dsm_flipbox_child][\/dsm_flipbox][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n The feasibility of implementing any of these approaches depends on several factors, such as budget or available personnel, but\u00a0<\/span><\/span>utilities<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>should consider these and any other ways to reduce risk for their assets.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Review these options in depth to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>determine<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>which options may work for your utility to reduce risk.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Redundancy<\/strong><\/p>\n Risk can be reduced by having redundant assets. Redundancy is the use of duplicate assets in critical areas in order to provide a backup in the event of failure, as well as to allow for operational flexibility during day-to-day operations. If an asset fails, there is another asset that can operate in its place without causing downtime. For example, perhaps there are three pumps available but only two are needed to meet the demand. If one pump fails, the standby pump can take over so the demand will still be met. If there is total redundancy, then the consequence of the initial asset failing is greatly reduced. The probability of failure is not affected because the asset still has the same likelihood of failure, but its consequence is much less. The consequence does not fall to zero, however, because the asset would still need to be repaired; the redundant asset must be able to perform; and when the redundant asset is put into service, there is no redundancy until the failed asset is returned to service or replaced. Furthermore, there is always the potential that all the assets will fail in the same manner, removing all redundancy. In general, the more redundancy, the lower the consequence of failure because redundant assets support uninterrupted service as well as minimize the financial and regulatory impacts caused by an asset failure.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Redundancy can be\u00a0inherently\u00a0part of green infrastructure. There are often several smaller green assets that are all providing the same service. When many of the same green assets are installed near each other, their consequences of failure rating may be lower because of the redundancy present. For example, in cities, rain gardens are often placed near each other to reduce stormwater flow and filter stormwater. If one of those rain gardens were to fail, the other rain gardens would\u00a0likely be\u00a0able to handle the\u00a0additional\u00a0stormwater flow. However, if several rain gardens fail then it is\u00a0unlikely\u00a0the remaining rain gardens will be able to handle the excess stormwater and could even fail because of that excess. This possibility needs to be considered when deciding how much to reduce the consequence of failure based on redundancy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Routine & Preventive Maintenance<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Proper,\u00a0proactive maintenance will reduce the likelihood of failure of assets. Routine maintenance is regularly\u00a0scheduled\u00a0maintenance, completed on a calendar or use base schedule (e.g.,\u00a0every month or every\u00a01000 hours\u00a0of run time). This kind of maintenance would include lubricating a pump once per year or\u00a0operating\u00a0a valve every year. Preventive maintenance is more complicated. It is conducted to\u00a0maintain\u00a0operating\u00a0condition, slow\u00a0deterioration\u00a0and prevent unexpected failure. It requires monitoring and an understanding of an asset\u2019s condition. Systems should try to perform routine maintenance on all assets and\u00a0preventive maintenance on the moderate to high-risk assets. Reviewing an asset\u2019s likelihood of failure and consequence of failure can help\u00a0determine\u00a0which type of maintenance to provide.\u00a0Proactive maintenance (both routine and preventive),\u00a0practiced regularly and appropriately,\u00a0not only reduces risk, but saves money. Reactive maintenance\u00a0(i.e., after a problem occurs)\u00a0is\u00a0almost always\u00a0more expensive than proactive maintenance. It is inefficient, unplanned, often complex, may require overtime, and may involve parts that are not available within the system\u2019s spare parts inventory. To learn more about the maintenance\u00a0types\u00a0<\/span>click here<\/span>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Spare Parts<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n System availability and system efficiency depend, among other things, on the availability of spare parts. The unavailability of the right parts may have serious, negative impacts on equipment availability, due to increased downtime,\u00a0as well as\u00a0on resource efficiency, due to schedule interruptions. The lack of parts may also\u00a0impact\u00a0water quality, cause environmental\u00a0hazards\u00a0or create hazards for staff. Having spare parts\u00a0on hand\u00a0greatly reduces\u00a0downtime and\u00a0eliminates\u00a0the delay when parts are not locally and readily available.\u00a0This situation is particularly acute in remote, rural areas, or on islands where delivery times can be quite long. Obtaining the appropriate spare parts can be expensive, but costs can be minimized by stocking only as many spare parts as are actually necessary for the number of failures anticipated over a specific time period (e.g.,\u00a0the\u00a0number of parts needed per month if the part can be ordered quickly or per year if\u00a0delivery\u00a0takes longer.)<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Spare\u00a0parts should be stored properly to prevent premature failure or damage. It is\u00a0a good idea\u00a0for systems to link their spare parts inventory to their electronic work order\u00a0system,\u00a0so it is easy to tell when assets are used. In this manner, parts can be restocked before the number\u00a0on hand\u00a0drops\u00a0too low. At a minimum, it is necessary to have spare parts for high-risk assets that can be repaired and for assets that are intended to be run to failure.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Specialized Training<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Specialized training may be needed to\u00a0operate, repair, or\u00a0maintain\u00a0important\u00a0assets.\u00a0If an untrained employee undertakes a task using the wrong materials or techniques, it is possible that the asset\u00a0can be\u00a0damaged and fail due to the error.\u00a0Additionally, specialized training may be\u00a0required\u00a0to ensure that a repair technique is done properly to prolong the life of the asset\u00a0or\u00a0maintain\u00a0the warranty.\u00a0For\u00a0example, lubrication can be done incorrectly if the employee does not know how much to use, what lubricant to use, and how to tell when it is needed.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Education and training are especially important for operation and maintenance of green infrastructure because the field is still relatively\u00a0new\u00a0and there has been less time for institutional knowledge to accumulate.\u00a0Green infrastructure projects are often implemented by local governments and nonprofit organizations who may rely on private residents or volunteers to conduct maintenance. In these cases, many of the participants do not have experience performing the maintenance activities required for the asset to function optimally. Many\u00a0systems are working with outside partners to set up\u00a0trainings\u00a0programs to engage the community and ensure these assets receive\u00a0proper\u00a0maintenance.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Replace Asset Early<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Assets will decay over\u00a0time,\u00a0and,\u00a0at some point, each asset will no longer meet the desired level of service. Knowing when an asset will no longer provide the minimum level of service is\u00a0the best\u00a0guess. Ideally, system staff want to replace,\u00a0repair\u00a0or rehabilitate an asset right before it stops meeting the acceptable level of service. However, it is\u00a0nearly impossible\u00a0to estimate correctly when\u00a0this point is for every asset in the system. Part of the problem is that not all assets perform the same,\u00a0and some assets have such long lives that it is not possible to watch them in\u00a0operation\u00a0through\u00a0many years of service. The factors that help\u00a0determine\u00a0the\u00a0optimal\u00a0replacement are discussed in\u00a0<\/span>Remaining Useful Life<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Because this optimal replacement time frame cannot be determined easily, the next best approach is to choose to replace some assets early to prevent severe consequences from occurring.\u00a0In this case, the tradeoff is to give up some of the\u00a0asset\u2019s\u00a0life\u00a0(lose asset value)\u00a0to\u00a0prevent a bad outcome. The asset replacement will hopefully save money\u00a0in the long run\u00a0because of avoided costs (e.g.,\u00a0legal expenses, environmental contamination, etc.) that\u00a0could result from\u00a0failure.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Monitoring<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Regular monitoring,\u00a0such as visual inspections of facilities or equipment measurements (meter readings, water levels in wells etc.) ensure that assets in a system are\u00a0operating\u00a0properly and help staff\u00a0identify\u00a0problems, such as potential failures,\u00a0early\u00a0so they can act quickly and efficiently. Monitoring can be a simple, low-cost\u00a0option\u00a0or it can be an expensive, time-consuming activity. This type of monitoring is also called predictive\u00a0maintenance,\u00a0and it uses technology to\u00a0determine\u00a0when an asset is likely to fail or to\u00a0identify\u00a0small problems before they become bigger problems. Predictive monitoring can involve processes, such as vibration analysis, precision alignment checks, lubrication analysis, pipe inspection, or\u00a0many\u00a0other\u00a0procedures. How much monitoring should be done depends on the cost and personnel time involved as well as the benefit of the information. The benefit of the information is higher when the risk is higher and when there are actions that can be taken to intervene in the asset\u2019s life and prevent failure.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Monitoring is also an effective technique for green assets. For example, condition monitoring can\u00a0identify\u00a0clogging levels of permeable pavement so that it can be cleaned before the levels are too high. This is important because clogging damages the asset and prevents it from providing an acceptable level of service and can be\u00a0an indication\u00a0of an erosion problem which can lead to more significant failures.\u00a0Monitoring is also a critical component when investigating green assets during pilot project initiatives.\u00a0Monitoring the pilot project\u2019s performance allows decision makers to make informed decisions about how to\u00a0adapt\u00a0the design, operation, and\/or\u00a0maintenance of future projects. The lessons learned could decrease the risk associated with the next similar installation.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100%” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Duplication of assets to manage risk \u2013 Ross Waugh, Waugh Infrastructure Management Ltd, Timaru, NZ<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/nl0AMTa2LmA” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|25px|25px|25px|25px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Redundancy for critical assets \u2013 Ted Riehle, Chief Operator, Old Forge Wastewater Treatment Plant, Old Forge, NY<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/k7la_bOWK8s” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|25px|25px|25px|25px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Ways to Reduce Risk The criticality of any asset will change over\u00a0time\u00a0but there are also ways to reduce risk and thus change the criticality of an asset, potentially extending its remaining useful life.\u00a0\u00a0Redundancy <\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>
Specialized Training <\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>
Routine & Preventative Maintenance<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>
Replace Asset Early<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>
Spare Parts<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>