Bloch, Heinz P.
Hydrocarbon Processing Staff, Montgomery, Texas
Heinz P. Bloch resides in Montgomery, Texas. He retired as Exxon Chemical’s Regional Machinery Specialist for the U.S. and has authored or co-written more than 780 publications, among them 23 comprehensive books on practical machinery management, failure analysis, failure avoidance, compressors, steam turbines, pumps, oil mist lubrication and optimized lubrication for industry. Mr. Bloch holds BS and MS degrees (cum laude) in mechanical engineering from the Newark College of Engineering (NCE). He is one of 10 inaugural inductees into NCE’s Hall of Fame, which honors its most distinguished alumni.
The state of understanding science and facts on one side and distinguishing these from anecdotes and far-fetched opinions on the other side, should be concerning to us.
A professionally presented course in pump fundamentals caught our eye recently.
Bearings are precision components; to survive, they require clean lubricants in adequate amounts.
A recent book1 describes novel approaches in applied process gas compressor technology.
In late 1989, the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District asked the author to present a three-day equipment maintenance course at one of its large effluent treatment facilities.
A prominent manufacturer rediscovered the old axiom, “pushing the limit can have unexpected consequences,” after experiencing many bearing failures in its 40-hp air blowers. These lifetime-lubricated (sealed) bearings had been properly installed on 20-mm shafts, and it can be assumed that premium greases were being used.
Taking ownership of issues during a critical or troubling time is just as important as assuming responsibility during times of opportunity and benefit.
By universal agreement, the safety and reliability of facilities in the hydrocarbon processing industry—and most other industrial plants—are of highest importance.
DE, a retired former colleague of mine, recounted his experience as an expert witness for ABC in litigation against XYZ. (Note that I picked the letters A through M for the plaintiff’s side; N through Z are assigned to the defendants.)
When a long-time maintenance supervisor was promoted to the head of his refinery’s reliability department, he wanted to make “Precision Maintenance is Our Passion” his banner and headline.