Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/629709
36 | January - February 2016 | www.machinerylubrication.com Q: What's a normal work day like for you? A: A normal work day can be pretty hectic, as I get our reliability program going while addressing immediate maintenance needs. Thankfully, I have the help of another recently certified MLT Level I individual. We both monitor equipment health and direct the four to six maintenance technicians in our department. Q: Are you planning to obtain additional training or achieve higher certifications? A: I would like to take more training in oil analysis so I can better understand the reports. I could then take the test to become certified as a Level I Machine Lubricant Analyst (MLA). Q: What is the amount and range of equipment that you help service through lubrication/oil analysis tasks? A: I work in a grain terminal where every piece of equipment has at least two bear- ings. We have belt conveyors, bucket elevators, grain cleaners, fans and blowers that all have bearings, motors and/or gear- boxes. We have a quarterly lubrication program as well as semi-annual oil testing/analysis. Q: On what lubrication-related projects are you currently working? A: I'm currently working on installing sample ports on our hydraulic units. I'm also planning on using condition-based lubrication in the near future utilizing ultra- sound technology. We are currently metering the amount of grease we put in each bearing based on the calculated relu- brication period, so that is the next step. Q: What have been some of the biggest project successes in which you've played a part? A: I would like to think that I took our lubri- cation program to the next level. We used to grease the bearings on an inconsistent schedule with undetermined amounts of grease. Nobody except for me and the main- tenance supervisor knew which oil went into which equipment. By using color-coded fill ports, fittings and tags, even the newest employees now know which oil to use when- ever they check the equipment. We also have many shaft-mounted gearboxes that used to be overfilled due to a lack of training. We installed bull's-eye sight glasses on every gearbox so oil levels can be monitored. Stephane Lebel became interested in machinery lubrication while studying equipment reli- ability for his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He developed a greater interest in lubrication when he was promoted to maintenance supervisor at LD Commodities in Portland, Oregon. In 2013, Lebel attended his first Reliable Plant Conference and found it to be an eye-opener. He decided to take advantage of the free training offered and completed a course on machinery lubrication. This soon led to him becoming the first person at his company to be certified as a Level I Machine Lubrication Technician (MLT). Lebel Takes Lubrication Program to Next Level Name Stephane (Steph) Lebel Age 47 Job Title Maintenance Supervisor Company LD Commodities Location Portland, Oregon Length of Service 9 years GET to KNOW