If you’ve ever wondered, “What is a linear asset?” or wondered what it is, read this article. You’ll learn how to identify a linear asset, manage it, perform preventive maintenance, and monitor it. By the time you’re done, you’ll be able to confidently dispatch a work crew to a failing asset. In a nutshell, linear assets are the lifeblood of a railroad, ensuring its continued safe and efficient service.
Identifying a linear asset
The first step in identifying a linear asset is to define its section. Linear assets can have one or more segments, which allows you to work on or analyze specific sections. Examples of segmented assets include freeway roads, gathering and transmission pipelines, main and feeder pipelines, and so on. Identifying a segment is very easy when you use the same name for the feature in both directions. In addition to knowing the name of each segment, you can also use offsets to place the segments in a different positions.
Identifying a linear asset involves creating a corresponding category and defining its location attributes along the track. From there, you can assign attributes to the linear asset. These attributes will determine whether the asset is subject to varying conditions. For example, a road might have a 45 MPH speed limit, while pipelines have different conditions. This information is then recorded in the Asset Specification. A similar process can be used to identify multiple assets, as well as to apply costs to the asset where an instance occurs.
Managing a linear asset
Managing a linear asset can be complex, given the geographical dispersion of these assets. It requires mobile workers who can determine the exact location of a specific asset. Using geospatial references to define physical locations is critical. By leveraging a transit planning system, it is possible to pinpoint the exact location of a linear asset and the work that needs to be performed. It also allows managers to generate a work order that is accurate in location and complete with the appropriate work order.
Several industry segments struggle with the management of linear assets. In addition to compliance, operating costs, and equipment reliability, these assets can also increase profitability and safety. By implementing a linear asset management solution, you will see increased productivity, better asset availability, and lower operational costs. All of these benefits translate to a higher return on your most valuable assets. But what are the benefits of linear asset management? How do you make the most of your network?
Performing preventive maintenance on a linear asset
The best way to optimize the performance of a linear asset is to conduct proactive preventive maintenance (PM). Linear assets typically span long distances and are generally divided into segments. Because of their high costs and long lifespan, linear asset owners seek to reduce total expected costs over time by performing preventive maintenance on their linear assets. This is easier said than done. In this article, we examine some of the key considerations when performing preventive maintenance on a linear asset.
Using condition based monitoring (CBM) to assess the condition of a linear asset will help extend its life and improve its reliability. Condition based monitoring tracks key condition parameters and signals when significant changes occur. Such changes may be a sign of a potential failure, and an inspection or maintenance alert can be set up to perform the necessary maintenance. Condition data can also be collected via automated track recording and ultrasonic rail flaw detection.
Monitoring a linear asset
Monitoring a linear asset is a vital process for railway companies. These assets have many fixed assets and defined interfaces to track. Rail tracks, for example, may span dozens of miles and contain a wide variety of fixed assets. Whether the assets are power lines, 3rd rails, communications/fiber cables, or roadways for vehicles, it is vital that you stay on top of their condition. Unfortunately, traditional geographic tracking and inspection methods don’t provide reliable information that is useful for keeping a track of fixed assets.
For government agencies and transportation departments, monitoring a linear asset by district can be a critical function. Asset failure can result in loss of revenue, reduced customer satisfaction, delays in getting goods to market, and regulatory fines. The right LAM solution can provide the necessary information to ensure that these assets are performing as they should.