by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jan 23, 2021 | Asset Management, The Bloch Files
The preface to one of my books (Pump User’s Handbook) alluded to the area of pump-failure statistics. Such statistics are often translated into MTBF (mean time between failure). For what it’s worth, and so as to not become enmeshed in arguments, in the early 2000s,...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jan 17, 2021 | Newsletter Column, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
Lean times are here again. Travel is out, and for good reason. Training is on hold, as it has been on several occasions since 1950. We know this because tough times have descended upon us before. What’s different now is the driving public has become the shut-in public...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jan 9, 2021 | Plant Operations, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
Years ago, a reliability-engineer acquaintance wrestled with a possible cardiac problem. He decided to observe its development and progress on a portable blood-pressure monitoring machine. Toward the end of its usefulness, the device had been giving him readings that...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Jan 2, 2021 | Plant Operations, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
As promised in my Dec. 19, 2020, article on delegation of responsibilities (see link below), here’s a proven, four-step approach for how to do it. The process consists of task definition, careful selection of the designee, provision of adequate resources, and...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Dec 19, 2020 | Plant Operations, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
In our book, ‘Machinery Failure Analysis and Troubleshooting’ (now in its 4th edition), Fred Geitner and I explore competing approaches to such troubleshooting. One of them is the “Mr. Machinery Approach,” whereby sole responsibility for a facility’s...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Dec 13, 2020 | Newsletter Column, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
There are plenty of unhappy people in this world, and not because of the pandemic. In fact, this short column is not at all related to the horrific COVID-19 environment in which so many of us are now living. I simply want to provide some perspective on special...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Dec 5, 2020 | Asset Management, RAM Tools & Methods, The Bloch Files
The above title doesn’t really disclose what I wanted to capture here: If your company is still repair-focused in late 2020, it will be no match for competitors whose conversion to being fully reliability-focused began over a decade ago, and is now complete....
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Nov 28, 2020 | Asset Management, Plant Operations, The Bloch Files
Vertical pumps are available in numerous different configurations, and excel in such areas as ease of multi-staging, virtually unlimited installation depth below grade, and small footprint, i.e. not taking up much real estate. If you have to make a...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Nov 21, 2020 | Plant Operations, The Bloch Files, Workforce Issues
Perhaps the simplest definition of a tutor is a person, device, or other item that provides well-focused instruction. That type of instruction usually results in avoidance of costly mistakes, repeat failures, delays, anxieties, even loss of one’s job. BOOKS AS TUTORS...
by Heinz Bloch, P.E., Editor | Nov 7, 2020 | Asset Management, Plant Operations, The Bloch Files
Years ago, I learned how to systematically and successfully tackle equipment-failure events. I later conveyed these learnings to others and was fortunate in seeing them apply the principles. A key to successful application is to see/learn how others do...
