Enhancing Equipment Reliability and Safety with our Retrofit Program

Enhancing Equipment Reliability and Safety with our Retrofit Program

In the demanding field of oilfield services, maintaining high-quality, reliable and safe equipment is crucial, to meet stringent industry standards and ensure consistent performance and success in the field. At Motus Solutions, our Retrofit Program plays a key role in fulfilling this, enabling a structured approach to equipment maintenance and refurbishment.

Objectives of the Retrofit Program

The main goal of our Retrofit Program is to enhance the reliability and safety of our equipment. By regularly inspecting and refurbishing each piece of equipment, we aim to:
– Ensure Compliance: Meet and exceed industry standards and regulatory requirements.
– Improve Performance: Enhance the operational efficiency and lifespan of our equipment.
– Minimize Downtime: Reduce the likelihood of equipment failure and associated downtime.
– Promote Safety: Ensure all equipment operates safely, protecting both people and the environment.

Benefits of the Retrofit Program

Our Retrofit Program offers several significant benefits. Regular inspections and repairs keep equipment in top condition, reducing the risk of unexpected failures and enhancing reliability. Preventive maintenance and timely repairs can extend the lifespan of equipment, resulting in long-term cost savings that let us keep pricing lower for clients. 

Comprehensive documentation and reporting ensure that all equipment meets regulatory standards, helping us maintain compliance. By keeping equipment in optimal condition, we also enhance safety for our workers and clients, promoting a safer work environment for everyone involved.

The Retrofit Process

The Retrofit Program involves a meticulous inspection and repair process, carried out at our 10,000 sq ft facility in Beiseker, Alberta. Here’s how it works:

Each piece of equipment undergoes a detailed inspection by our team of journeymen welders and mechanics. This includes checking for wear and tear, identifying potential issues, and assessing overall condition. Based on the inspection findings, necessary repairs and refurbishments are performed. This can involve welding, mechanical repairs, and replacing worn components.

All work is meticulously documented, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and providing a detailed record of the equipment’s condition and maintenance history. After repairs, the equipment is tested to ensure it meets our quality and safety standards before being returned to service.

Inspection and Common Issues

Our cement return bins and other equipment often face tough conditions in the oilfield, leading to wear and tear from movement, exposure to chemicals, and corrosion. Cement splash can also be tough to clean off. To address these issues, we inspect our equipment every time it’s delivered and after disposal. Bins that suffer from major damage or corrosion are red-tagged and taken out of service until repairs are made.

Inspection and repair priorities are determined by our journeyman welder, Mike, who has been with Motus for over 20 years. Regular inspections include checking seals, lubricating binders, and evaluating bins for damage. The program adapts to seasonal activity levels, with more work typically done during spring break-up to prepare bins for the next busy season.

Tools, Expertise, and Program Evolution

Our Beiseker facility is equipped with standard fabrication tools, welding equipment and grinders. We also partner with a local firm that provides water jet, shear, and form machines for custom parts fabrication when needed. Along with the extensive experience of Mike and the rest of our team, these tools ensure repairs and refurbishments are always of high-quality.

The Motus Retrofit Program has undoubtedly enhanced the performance and reliability of our equipment. The scope and size of the program have evolved over the years to stay ahead of wear and tear, with steady investments in new equipment and continuous improvements to the program.

As we discover ways to improve cement return bins, these improvements will be added to our broader retrofit program going forward so that all of our bins are constantly being improved. For example, bins have been made more durable by using thicker steel along the top rails of stacking bins, and for the bin feet to make them sturdier when shaking cement loose from bins. Additionally, the spreader bar near the doors of the bins has been reinforced since it often suffers damage from impact.

Outcomes and Looking Forward

Feedback from both clients and team members about the Retrofit Program has been positive, highlighting the reduced errors in reporting, easier management of issues, and most importantly overall improved reliability of the equipment where it matters most, in the field.

Motus Solutions’ Retrofit Program demonstrates our dedication to maintaining high standards of quality and safety in our equipment, and will continue to be a cornerstone of our maintenance strategy. Through regular inspections, meticulous repairs, and thorough documentation, we ensure our equipment remains safe, reliable, efficient, and compliant with industry standards. 

Contact our team to learn more about how our Retrofit Program contributes to safer and more efficient oilfield operations.