Applying Root Cause Analysis to Compressed Air: How to Solve Common Compressed Air System Problems with the 5-Whys*. Issue 4 (1st July 2018) - Perry, Wayne
ABSTRACT: Broadly speaking, industrial plants in the United States have been making strides towards improving processes, reducing costs, and finding new ways to increase profit margins. The desire to reduce waste and better understand daily plant operations has spawned a number of strategies to accomplish these goals. One such strategy is root cause analysis. Root cause analysis (RCA) is a systematic approach to problem solving, commonly applied when there is a significant failure or issue with far-reaching impact. Its goal is to identify the factors of the negative event and determine what needs to change to prevent similar future occurrences. The spirit of RCA is investigative and collaborative in nature, whereby a team works together to discuss and carefully document the findings. This paper will discuss how to apply root cause analysis to compressed air systems; more specifically, applying the 5-Whys process to common plant problems.