Component testing

The reliability of any system is dependent on the interconnection of the equipment and the equipment itself. This course’s content is predominately for testing of mechanical systems themselves. It is assumed that the detailed and comprehensive individual testing of equipment has been completed before the commencing of commissioning of the system. However, general testing procedures for the components of the systems described in this course are addressed in chapter 3. Commissioning requirements for the system components must be provided with the original proposal for the procurement of the equipment.

The requirements provided by the equipment manufacturer should be adhered to in addition to the recommended testing herein. Although there are many different components to any mechanical system, there are some tests that are common among the equipment. Examples of the common testing procedures include the assembly check, alignment check, grounding verification, insulation resistance tests and polarization index to name a few.

These common tests are described in detail later in this course. Sufficient time should be allocated to define the inspections required, perform the check, and document the results. A review of the system drawings will show major pieces of equipment. Specific procedures should be developed for each test referencing the equipment to be used, drawings to be followed, and step by step procedures with readings to be recorded and forms for the results.