Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/190260
ML GET TO KNOW Jones Knows the Importance of Proper Lubrication Having worked in the predictive maintenance field for more than 26 years, Donald Jones has discovered the importance of knowing as much about lubrication as possible in order to achieve greater reliability. He has found that the lubricant types and grades used in machines are often taken for granted. However, with knowledge about the life blood of a machine, proper prevention is possible. Through training and continuous learning, Jones has been able to improve the oil condition in Citizens Energy Group's systems, protecting the machines and extending the life of the equipment. Name: Donald Jones Age: 62 Title: Predictive Systems Specialist Years of Service: 33 years Company: Citizens Energy Group Location: Indianapolis, Ind. Q When did you get your start in machinery lubrication? A My start in machinery lubrication came in the early 1980s when I was asked to find all the lubrication points on oven battery machinery and make sure they had been greased. I was asked to bring the lubrication schedule up to date for the oven battery. Q What types of training have you taken to get to your current position? A Citizens Energy Group encourages training of all types to give employees the tools necessary to progress and have more satisfaction in their careers. Over the years, my training has included leadership core subjects, vibration analysis, infrared, ultrasonics, lubrication, machinery maintenance and report writing. Q What professional certifications have you attained? A I am a category II vibration analyst and a certified level I infrared thermographer. Q Are you planning to obtain additional training or achieve higher certifications? A I plan to attend classes to prepare for the International Council for Machinery Lubrication (ICML) Machine Lubrication Technician (MLT) Level I certification. Other training for certification being considered is in ultrasonic technology. Q What's a normal work day like for you? A It is common to have a lot of variety from day to day. A work day 38 | September - October 2013 | www.machinerylubrication.com might consist of responding to vibration analysis requests or routine collection of vibration data for a route-based system, performing infrared or ultrasonic surveys, analyzing collected data, distributing reports with recommended action items, developing oil sampling programs for priority machines, specifying oil filtration systems, inspecting or troubleshooting priority oil filtration systems, staying up to date on plant lubrications, maintaining the lubrication guide, procedure writing, reviewing oil analysis reports, and following up with site supervision about abnormal or critical oil analysis results. Q What is the amount and range of equipment that you help service through lubrication/oil analysis tasks? A Eventually, we will monitor or inspect more than 1,000 machines. As a utility that provides natural gas, steam, chilled water and water as well as treats wastewater, we have a wide variety of machinery. We have critical pumps as small as 5 horsepower (hp) and turbine generators as large as 18,000 hp. Q What lubrication-related projects are you currently working on? A I currently use every opportunity to train personnel in oil sampling techniques and in developing an oil analysis program for critical machines. Another project I am working on is to improve the oil condition in small critical reservoirs by using a small, portable oil filtration system to polish and dry oil from those reservoirs.