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: Could a company be its own worst enemy?
In a recent conversation with a “pump veteran,” we explored his 33 yr of experience with pump original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) from 1984–1997 and with a widely known non-OEM (1997–2017).
Reliability: Technology transfer training is most effective for small groups
Training can take many different forms.
Reliability: Choices—Treat the symptom or define and eliminate the cause?
In an urgent communication, a paper plant customer reported that the mechanical seals in one of its ANSI pumps were moving axially whenever an unexpected process problem caused the normally liquid pumpage to turn into a thick, odorous gel.
Role statements needed for reliability job functions
Experience shows that written role statements impart great value to industries that have reliability professionals on staff.
Reliability: Identify top ways to weather weak market conditions
New Jersey-based Carmagen Engineering Inc., a member of Mistras Group Inc., is a highly respected consulting engineering and project management firm comprising experienced subject matter experts (SMEs).
Reliability: Consider best available resources for reciprocating compressors
Whether it is compressor selection, upgrading, routine maintenance, major maintenance, failure avoidance or failure analysis: Realize that the reciprocating compressor procurement and improvement options available today are surprisingly advantageous compared to the options of 30 yr ago.
Reliability: Oil in galvanized containers poses undue risk
Professional advancement is often linked to obtaining certification. To prepare, the technician or engineer must study texts, culminating in taking a test or passing an exam that makes use of, or is based on, questions contributed by subject matter experts.
Reliability: Understanding right-angle gear backlash
By definition, all gear units have teeth. These teeth are designed and produced to a certain strength, or a defined force-on-tooth, or an allowable pressure-load on tooth.
Reliability: Achieve longer bearing life in rotary asphalt pumps
When a major asphalt manufacturer experienced random bearing wear in its gear pumps, there was justified concern.
Reliability: The risks of deferred compressor maintenance
At a recent conference attended by failure investigation professionals in San Antonio, Texas, a participant spoke about an explosion and fire event on a multistage horizontally opposed compressor in oxygen (O2) service. He had scant data, but he knew the machine did not have cylinder lubrication.
- Stamicarbon awarded licensing, PDP contracts for low-carbon fertilizer plant in Canada 12/30
- Avina Clean Hydrogen to build $820-MM SAF plant in southwest Illinois (U.S.) 12/30
- Update: India's BPCL buys Middle East grades to replace Russian shortfall 12/30
- EIA: U.S. crude stocks fall on strong refining demand 12/30
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- Shell shuts down Singapore oil processing unit to investigate leak 12/27
