www.machinerylubrication.com
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July - August 2014
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turbines and electric motors. We also sample all new oil that is
delivered to the plant to verify that it is suitable for use.
Q: On what lubrication-related projects are you
currently working?
A: Currently, I am training all new personnel on our program and
making sure the word is spread that lubrication is vital to our refin-
ery's success. I am also redesigning our oil analysis program at the
refinery to make the program more streamlined and to reduce any
bottlenecks that exist as well as installing oil mist systems on four
different units, which should help increase our reliability and mean
time between failures.
Q: what have been some of the biggest project
successes in which you've played a part?
A: The most successful project that I have been a part of is the
designing and implementation of our lubrication program. We
reviewed all of our equipment to make sure the appropriate oil is
used in each piece of machinery. We also examined our ware-
housing to verify appropriate inventory levels of lubricants and
lubricating equipment. The first quarter after implementation we
cut back our oil usage by 20,000 gallons. So far, this program has
been extremely beneficial to the refinery, both monetarily and
through increased reliability.
Q: How does your company view machinery lubrica-
tion in terms of importance and overall business
strategy?
A:
Sinclair has moved machinery lubrication to a top priority.
After witnessing the savings that can accrue with a lubrication
program and the increase in reliability, both refinery management
and corporate management view this program as part of its
regular operation.
Q: w hat do you see as some of the more important
trends taking place in the lubrication and oil
analysis field?
A: Oil handling and warehousing have made major strides in the few
short years that I have been involved in this industry. I think equip-
ment accessories have improved the most in the last year. Moving
from the old oilers to level monitors and 3-D bull's-eyes is making
condition monitoring easier for operators and technicians.
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