Page 62 - Improving Machinery Reliability

34 bnproving Machinery Reliability

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Figure 1-23. Overhead lube-oil rundown tanks. (Courtesy of The Elliott Company, Jean-
nette, Pennsylvania.)

Dealing with Deviations from the Specification

Even a very capable vendor will sometimes see fit to take exception to certain
specification clauses. Whatever the reason he cannot or prefers not to comply, it will
be to the purchaser's advantage to investigate both reason and significance of non-
compliance.
Inquiry documents and purchase orders should make it clear that full compliance
with the specification will be a contractually binding requirement unless the vendor
has taken specific, written exception to a given clause. If a vendor takes exception, he
should state the reasons. Does he believe the cost of the required feature exceeds its
benefit? Or does he lack the sophistication to produce the component your specifica-