Bloch, Heinz P.
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.
Reliability: ARC spring dampers eliminate compressor instability
A recent book<sup>1</sup> describes novel approaches in applied process gas compressor technology.
Reliability: Thinking outside of the box
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.
Reliability: Pushing the limit can have unexpected consequences
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.
Reliability: Taking ownership of problems
Taking ownership of issues during a critical or troubling time is just as important as assuming responsibility during times of opportunity and benefit.
Reliability: Finding upgraded sealing solutions
By universal agreement, the safety and reliability of facilities in the hydrocarbon processing industry—and most other industrial plants—are of highest importance.
Reliability: Plan startups wisely and involve SMEs
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.)
Reliability: Viewing every maintenance intervention as an upgrade opportunity
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.
Modular reed valve technology for reciprocating compressors
Hydrocarbon processing plants use reciprocating compressors for process gases in a certain flow and differential pressure range, and double-acting cylinder-piston arrangements are almost always involved.
Reliability: The elements of a reliability framework
Reliability frameworks have been documented by organizations such the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP).
Reliability: What to do when equipment reliability is on a downward slope
When a reliability professional located halfway around the world asked for guidance on how to reverse declining equipment reliability at his world-scale fertilizer plant, we answered.
- Portugal's Galp plans to start producing biofuels in 2026 12/20
- Prax and Shell call off deal on stake in PCK Schwedt oil refinery 12/20
- Nigeria's Dangote Refinery hits 85% refining capacity 12/20
- India's BPCL buys first Argentinian crude oil cargo for Feb. delivery 12/20
- Sinopec's Zhenhai oil refinery expands capacity to 40 MMtpy 12/20
- Oil via Russia's Druzhba pipeline halted by technical problems 12/20
