by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Aug 2, 2021 | Asset Management, The Bloch Files
Some pump specialists have expressed the belief that process plants are lacking when it comes to applying fundamentals and that chasing after high-tech solutions makes little sense if a plant has not mastered the basics. You can easily check if this notion is true...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jul 25, 2021 | The Bloch Files, Training & Qualification
In virtually every modern process plant, we will always find operating, maintenance, and reliability/technical job functions. The most profitable of these facilities have managed to train their personnel. They also will have implemented organizational and other...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jul 18, 2021 | Newsletter Column, Plant Operations, The Bloch Files
If you don’t believe the above title, consider the following: Think about a healthy individual who seeks medical advice at the first sign of illness. Then compare his or her chance of recovery with that of a person who waits around and battles several different...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jul 9, 2021 | Asset Management, Plant Operations, The Bloch Files
This is a brief history of equipment-procurement practices, as described by “X,” a long-time friend and colleague. In an enlightening 2020 conversation, “X” suggested that reliability-focused engineers had been entangled in flawed...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jul 3, 2021 | Asset Management, Plant Operations, The Bloch Files
Most of us are familiar with adhesive-coated insulating tape used by electricians in field and shop. If we use this tape in the engine compartment of an automobile, it will become gummy and unravel. Although a common product will suffice in most applications,...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jun 25, 2021 | Asset Management, Plant Operations, The Bloch Files
Unless pump-piping configurations and associated layout have been determined by thoughtful design, things often go wrong. Therefore, distinctions must be made between the implementation tasks assigned to pipe fitters and the reliability-focused engineering tasks...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jun 19, 2021 | Asset Management, Plant Operations, The Bloch Files
The title of this article says it all. Let’s explore the issue by using centrifugal fans and blowers as an example. (Keep in mind that a similar “upgrading” discussion applies when it comes to other types of packaged equipment in plants and...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jun 11, 2021 | Plant Operations, Tech Reviews, The Bloch Files
Steam traps are found in virtually every industrial steam system. They allow separation of steam from condensate and are indispensable for equipment reliability and thermally optimized-systems efficiency. It is generally known that traps can fail either “hot”...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jun 4, 2021 | Asset Management, Tech Reviews, The Bloch Files
As industrial gas turbines began evolving from aircraft jet engines in the 1950s, the need for high-torque and/or higher-speed-capable flexible couplings became more evident. To keep pace, these shaft connectors were enhanced to achieve greater power...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | May 28, 2021 | Asset Management, Plant Operations, The Bloch Files
When the bid invitations for a major petrochemical facility were sent to several pump manufacturers some 45 years ago (in 1976), not all bothered to reply. The three that did, though, pointed out that they could not accept warranty responsibilities for the several...
