Time-Based Maintenance (TBM) is a common approach in industrial maintenance planning. However, blindly following TBM intervals doesn’t always lead to optimal equipment reliability or cost efficiency.
In this article, we’ll explain how to use TBM as a reference point—not a rule—and how to determine a practical overhaul cycle based on your actual operation conditions.
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Maintenance of facilities such as chemical plants cannot be done immediately.
It is very difficult to stop the plant.
That is why there is a concept of TBM when planning maintenance.
On the other hand, there is a concept of overhaul when repairing facilities. These two are closely related.
Time Based Maintenance
TBM is a method of repairing and maintaining equipment at regular intervals.
It is a type of maintenance method and there are three types: TBM, CBM, and BM.
TBM requires repairs at regular intervals, so it is the most expensive method in terms of maintenance costs, but it has the lowest probability of equipment breaking down during operation.
If you want to perform reliable maintenance, TBM is the best choice.
Overhaul
An overhaul is one of the methods of repairing equipment.
In order to repair parts of equipment that may break down, all parts are disassembled and replaced.
Methods other than overhaul include replacing or repairing some parts.
Since overhaul is a repair that is carried out periodically, it is a TBM method.
TBM does not necessarily need to be repaired, and simply opening and inspecting the equipment also falls under this category.
It is not a big mistake to think that the method of disassembling and replacing equipment in TBM is an overhaul.
It is often believed that equipment is renewed by overhauling.
However, only parts that are easily expected to break down are replaced, and there is a possibility that parts that are not replaced may deteriorate without you noticing, or that the parts may not be compatible.
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🔹 Conclusion
TBM provides a useful baseline for maintenance planning, but relying on it alone can result in inefficiencies. By adapting overhaul intervals based on actual equipment usage and condition, you can extend equipment life and reduce unnecessary downtime.