Operation and maintenance

Operation and maintenance

Maintaining the quality of the show, the health of the equipment and the continuity of service

The value of an urban fountain is revealed in the years of its operation. The quality of the fountains, the cleanliness of the water, the harmony of light and music, and the readiness of the complex at the announced hours, form an experience that citizens and visitors will remember.

Sediment on the nozzle, filter clogging, changing control settings or gradually increasing water consumption may have a limited effect at first; But if it is not detected and corrected, it can reduce the quality of the display, increase the cost of operation and lead to the stop of the collection.

Basic operation, planned maintenance and data recording are three related parts of water fountain management. This chapter provides a framework for organizing them.

The programs and sample numbers in this chapter are educational models. The final program of each fountain should be developed based on the installed equipment, manufacturer's instructions, environmental conditions, type of use, and project site requirements.

31–1. Operation and maintenance objectives

The maintenance program should simultaneously pursue several goals:

• Providing safe conditions for users and employees.

• Maintaining water quality according to the type of use.

• Maintaining the shape of the fountains and the quality of light and display.

• Reduction of unplanned stops.

• Management of water, energy and consumables consumption.

• Maintaining repairability and access to parts.

• Record information to make decisions about repair or renovation.

For each goal there must be a verifiable sign. For example, "adequate performance" can be measured by the percentage of realization of the demonstration program, the number of repeated failures, and the comparison of pressure and flow with the reference state.

In the introduction of OASE Professional services, checking the technical condition, water quality, supply of parts and software support are the components of post-implementation services. This scope indicates that fountain maintenance should cover all mechanical, electrical, control and water parts. OASE Professional maintenance and support services ^[213]

31–2. Structure of responsibility and limits of authority

For each fountain, there must be a specific operation manager; Even if specialized services are performed by several contractors.

In a small project, the qualified person may have several roles. However, responsibilities should remain clear.

The operator must know what changes he is allowed to make. Selecting a verified display does not have the same responsibility as changing the pump protection threshold or setting the injection.

For holidays, night and special events, the contact route and the responsible substitute should be clear. Having a contact number without specifying the person to answer and the scope of service does not create a complete support program.

31–3. Identification certificate of assets and reference status

Each critical piece of equipment must have a consistent identifier that is used on the same piece of equipment, maps, and maintenance records.

For example:

• P-01: Main circuit pump.

• F-01: filtering circuit.

• LT-01: tank level sensor.

• CP-01: main control panel.

• J-01 to J-24: nozzles of a demonstration group.

It is better to include the following information in the birth certificate:

1. Manufacturer, model and serial number. 2. Date of installation and start of operation. 3. Specifications and authorized work conditions. 4. Service documents and instructions. 5. Compatible consumables and spare parts. 6. Settings accepted on delivery. 7. Repair and replacement records. 8. Warranty terms and support information.

The reference state is the same as the recorded performance of the collection under accepted conditions. The values ​​of pressure, flow rate, power, alignment and display images in this situation are the basis for subsequent comparisons.

Not all equipment is equally important. The failure of a lamp may reduce visual quality, while the failure of a protective component or essential purification equipment can limit continued operation. This difference should be reflected in service priority and parts inventory.

Figure 1-31 - Identification card of equipment on site

Suggested image: a photo of the pump or panel with an identification label, next to a sample ID card of the same equipment and the history of the last service.

Caption: "Common identifier between equipment, map and maintenance history simplifies failure tracking and parts supply."

31–4. Choosing the method of maintaining and adjusting the calendar

An effective program uses several complementary methods:

For some parts, both elapsed time and working hours are important. How to combine these criteria should be extracted from the manufacturer's instructions and the approved program.

Basic maintenance calendar template

This table does not specify the service interval of all equipment. For example, the filter washing time should be in accordance with the filter type, water condition, pressure drop and its instructions.

31–5. Daily operation schedule

Before starting

The operator first checks the publicly accessible environment: broken covers, loose valves, foreign objects, water accumulation, slippage, and visible damage to equipment.

Then the status of the tank, the return route, the active alarms and the readiness of the necessary systems are monitored. At the interactive water feature, approval of water management conditions is also part of the reopening decision.

The start of the show must be done with the authorized program. Initial performance is observed in terms of fountain shape, abnormal sound, and out-of-range splash.

during work

Visits are planned according to the type of fountain and the amount of use. A change in wind, congestion, ingress of pollution or an equipment alarm may require an earlier visit.

The operator must also record gradual changes; Such as reducing the height of a group of nozzles or increasing the frequency of draining the tank.

end of turn

The display is stopped according to the approved sequence and the status of the water treatment and circulation circuits remains according to the water management plan. The end of the show does not necessarily mean that all circuits are turned off.

Unsolved cases should be transferred to the next round with the ID, follow-up person and status of exploitation restriction.

31–6. Management of water quality and cleanliness

The water management plan should specify what parameters are measured, at what points, with what method and at what intervals. For each parameter, the limits of action and the responsible party are determined.

The main topics are:

• Status of incoming water and circulating water.

• Purification and disinfection function.

• Sediment, biofilm and surface pollution.

• Permanence of water in low circulation areas.

• Validation of measurement tools.

• Record the result and take action after leaving the set limits.

For decorative fountains, the CDC emphasizes water management and attention to sediment, biofilm, temperature, water retention, and disinfection status. Observation of algae, turbidity, unpleasant odor or pollution, requires treatment according to the relevant program. CDC decorative fountains management guide ^[214]

Interactive fountains

In these fountains, users' contact with water requires a different monitoring program. For example, CDC guidelines for aquatic play spaces recommend measuring disinfectant and pH before opening and every two to four hours during operation. This frequency is a reference and does not replace the requirements of the project site or its approved program. Guidelines for using CDC water playgrounds ^[215]

In case of abnormal contamination or loss of essential water quality control, continued use should be determined according to stop and reopen instructions.

Cleaning and disinfecting materials must be compatible with materials and equipment. The choice of material, consumption amount and work method is the duty of trained people; Arbitrary mixing of materials is not allowed.

31–7. Maintenance of mechanical equipment and fountain components

pumps

Pressure, flow rate, sound, vibration, leakage and power consumption are checked in comparable conditions. The change of these signs should be interpreted with the condition of the float, valves, water level and speed command.

Lubrication, replacement of seals or opening of the pump is done only if needed and according to the instructions of the same model. Some equipment is not designed for periodic lubrication by the operator.

Strainers and filters

The clogging condition is checked with suitable indicators, such as pressure difference in comparable flow rate. An increase in pressure difference can indicate the need for treatment, but the threshold should be determined based on the specifications of the equipment itself.

An abnormal decrease in pressure difference also needs to be investigated; Because it may be caused by a decrease in flow or a change in the condition of the track.

Nozzles

Cleaning should maintain the shape of the outlet and the effective dimensions of the nozzle. Using the wrong tool or shaving the opening can change the spray pattern.

After opening, the direction, installation height and setting of the nozzle are adapted to the reference situation.

Valves and actuators

Leakage, sticking, incomplete response and performance time variation are investigated. In demonstration valves, increasing the number of cycles can be an important basis for service.

Structure, coating and sealing

Cracks, coating separation, seam failure, sharp edges and loose valves are recorded. Checking the leakage should be done by measuring and separating other uses and losses of water.

In floating fountains, harnesses, connections, buoyancy and the condition of moving cables also require a special program.

Figure 2–31—Comparison before and after service

Suggested image: A photo of a strainer and a nozzle before and after cleaning, along with recording the pressure or shape of the output in the same conditions.

Subtitle: "The service result log shows what effect the action taken had on the performance."

31–8. Maintenance of electricity, lighting and control

A visual inspection should cover signs of cable damage, moisture ingress, corrosion, gland failure, unusual discoloration, and panel ventilation problems. Internal review and specialized tests are the responsibility of qualified people.

In lighting, these things are important:

• Cleanliness of exposure surface.

• Condition of connections and sealing.

• Installation stability and radiation direction.

• Performance of color channels.

• Unusual light difference between similar equipment.

Opening the lamp or connecting the water seal must be done according to the manufacturer's instructions. After repair, the necessary sealing and testing conditions must be re-established.

In the control system, maintenance includes maintaining the program version, recording changes, checking alerts, and maintaining backups. Backup recovery should also be evaluated in a controlled time and environment.

Software or driver updates should be accompanied by compatibility checks, rollbacks, and performance testing. Changing the display program must also not violate the equipment's permitted limits.

Crystal Fountains services include maintenance training, troubleshooting, inspection of existing fountains, and upgrade evaluations. Crystal Fountains support and evaluation service ^[216]

31–9. Pre-service security

Before opening the equipment, the sources of energy and the possibility of unwanted starting should be identified. These sources can include electricity, water pressure, compressed air, moving parts, and energy stored in equipment.

Stopping from the display or turning off the display program is not considered energy isolation.

The work procedure should include isolation, prevention of unintended connection, removal of stored energy in an appropriate manner and verification of safe condition by an authorized person. Principles of hazardous energy control are outlined in OSHA guidance; The implementation of the project must be coordinated with the safety regulations and procedures applicable on site. OSHA Hazardous Energy Control Guide ^[217]

Also:

• The scope of work should be separated from public access.

• The opening of the valves and the creation of the level difference should be controlled.

• Entering the tank or confined space, if applicable, should be subject to a specific procedure.

• Move heavy equipment with proper tools and methods.

• After repair, guards, connections and operating conditions should be reviewed.

A return to work permit must include approval to remove personnel and equipment from the area and remove temporary repair settings.

31–10. Seasonal maintenance and long downtime

The seasonal program should be in harmony with the climate and design of the fountain.

hot season

Water temperature change, evaporation, compensatory water consumption, equipment workload and ventilation of the panels are checked. An increase in working hours or the number of users may require a review of monitoring frequency.

Season of dust and leaf fall

Filters, collection channels, optical surfaces and equipment ventilation path are more exposed to contamination. The cleanup program must respond to the observed situation.

Before freezing

The condition of the pond, pipes, nozzles, valves and sensitive equipment is checked. The decision about emptying, removing or maintaining any equipment should be according to the design and instructions of the manufacturer.

The complete draining of the pond also requires checking the conditions of the structure and underground water. Water trapped at the bottom of the pipe or equipment body may not be removed by draining the main tank.

long stop

One of the defined maintenance statuses must be selected for the pause period. Leaving stagnant water without a management plan is not an acceptable maintenance situation.

Restart

Cleaning, checking of equipment, water preparation and testing of functions affecting safety and operation are done before reopening.

Figure 31–3—Seasonal preparation

Suggested Image: A collection of photos of tagging dead circuits, protecting equipment, and recording the location of opened parts for storage.

Caption: "Seasonal shutdown must have a clear equipment status and clear restart plan."

31–11. Troubleshooting and prioritizing failures

Troubleshooting begins with symptom registration. Occurrence time, display status, alerts and last change can shorten the review path.

This table is not a definitive diagnosis list. A symptom can have several causes.

Failures can be categorized into three operational levels:

1. Affecting safety or health: stop or immediately limit the relevant area. 2. Affecting the main function: handling with priority and implementing the alternative mode, if foreseen and allowed. 3. Affecting the quality of appearance or secondary performance: recording and planned treatment, after evaluation of the effect.

Repeated resetting of an error without knowing the cause is not the way to fix the failure. Closing a repair request should be accompanied by a test of the result.

31–12. Management of spare parts and consumables

The inventory of parts is determined based on the result of failure, supply time, number of similar equipment, possibility of repair and maintenance conditions.

An exact fit should be recorded for each part. The appearance of a valve, power supply or lamp does not guarantee its correct replacement.

Common groups are:

Consumable items such as some seals and injection system components.

• Specialized parts with long delivery time.

• Replaceable equipment to reduce downtime.

• Consumables with storage conditions and expiration dates.

Educational example of order point

A simple model for a part with relatively predictable consumption:

$R=dL+S$

in which:

• $R$ : Order point.

• $d$ : Average consumption per time unit.

• $L$ : supply time with the same time unit.

• $S$ : precautionary storage.

If the average consumption is 0.5 pieces per week, the supply time is six weeks and the precautionary stock is two pieces:

$R=(0.5\times 6)+2=5$

In this example, the order decision is reviewed when the inventory position reaches five pieces. The inventory position is usable inventory plus orders in progress, after deducting committed requirements.

This simple model is not sufficient for critical parts with rare failures; In those cases, the consequence of not having the piece should also be the basis of the decision.

31–13. Performance and consumption indicators

Indicators should have a clear definition and a fixed measurement boundary.

Realization of the exploitation plan

$A=\frac{\mathrm{ساعات\; خدمت\; انجام‌شده}}{\mathrm{ساعات\; خدمت\; برنامه‌ریزی‌شده}}\times 100$

If 180 hours of service are scheduled in a month and the complex is not able to provide service in nine hours of the same period:

$A=\frac{180-9}{180}\times 100=95\%$

This indicator shows the realization of the planned service. Stoppages due to breakdowns, weather conditions and other factors should be recorded separately so that the reason for the decrease in the index remains clear.

Energy consumption in the program is comparable

$e=\frac{\mathrm{انرژی\; مصرفی}}{\mathrm{مدت\; اجرای\; برنامه\; مشخص}}$

If an eight-hour program used to consume 80 kWh and now consumes 96 kWh, the average consumption has gone from 10 to 12 kWh; That is a 20 percent increase.

Before drawing conclusions, the sameness of the display program, meter border and working conditions should be checked.

For water, the amount of compensated water is also recorded. The internal circulation flow of the fountain is not the net consumption of water.

Additional indicators can include the number of repeated failures, the time to fix the failure, the percentage of services performed on time, and the number of water quality deviations from the approved limits.

31–14. Budget and maintenance contract

The annual budget should cover expected expenses:

• Manpower and training.

• Water and electricity.

• Water monitoring and testing.

• Consumable materials and items.

• Specialized services.

• Spare parts and repair.

• Measurement and verification tools.

• Seasonal stop and restart.

• Planned renovation of equipment.

In the maintenance contract, the scope of the service should be measurable: the number and type of visits, the person responsible for providing the materials, the response time, the conditions of presence at the site, the necessary documents and the method of accepting the repair.

"Initial response time", "attendance time" and "service restoration time" are three different obligations. The duration of each should be proportional to the actual resources and facilities of the support.

The GSO site introduces specialized training, services and support in its scope of activity. In the contract of each project, the details of these services should be specified for the installed equipment, project location and operating hours. Introduction of GSO urban fountain services ^[218]

31–15. Daily registration forms and repair agenda

Sample daily form

Sample repair agenda

Each work order should include equipment ID, fault description, priority, responsible, safety measures, diagnostics, parts consumed, test result, and return to service time.

For repeated failures, the underlying cause is also recorded. Multiple replacements of a power supply may perpetuate the problem without correcting ventilation, humidity, or load conditions.

The photo before and after the repair and recording the changed settings will increase the value of the file.

Figure 31–4 — Case of a failure

Suggested image: side-by-side display of the photo of the defect, the work schedule and the result of the test after repair; By removing confidential information.

Caption: "Recording the symptom, action, and result creates a record that can be used to prevent failure from happening again."

31–16. Periodic review and improvement of the maintenance program

The maintenance plan should be modified with actual project experience. An increase in the frequency of overcrowding, a change in show hours, a growth in the number of users, or wear and tear of equipment can create a need for revision.

In the periodic review meeting, these issues are reviewed:

1. Frequent failures and common causes. 2. Delayed services and their reasons. 3. The trend of water, electricity and consumer items. 4. Display quality compared to the reference state. 5. Adequacy of training and the number of operating personnel. 6. The status of spare parts and equipment that is about to stop production. 7. The need for design modification or renovation.

The output of the meeting should be turned into actionable action. For example:

"Increasing clogging of P-02 circuit filter was recorded during leaf fall period. Until the end of this period, its visit will increase based on the observed situation; The possibility of correcting the collection of leaves at the entrance should also be checked by the technical officer.

After an effective change in equipment, program, or operating method, documentation and reference status are updated. Related tests are also done before returning to work.

The annual maintenance report should provide a clear picture of the state of assets, quality of service, costs and needs for the following year; A report based on which the municipality or the complex manager can decide on the continuation of the service, overhaul or renovation.