Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/544388
28 July-August 2015 | www.machinerylubrication.com Q: What types of training have you taken to get to your current position? A: I really wasn't hired for what I knew but basically learned by doing along the way. Since taking the position, I have had several opportunities to expand my lubrication knowledge by attending Noria's Machinery Lubrication class, ExxonMobil's lubrication training, the ExxonMobil lubrication symposium and the Reliable Plant confer- ence. Even though my responsibilities encompass several other areas, I like to take every opportunity to enhance my lubrica- tion knowledge. Q: What professional certifications have you attained? A: I currently have an automotive techni- cian certifi cate. Q: Are you planning to obtain additional training or achieve higher certifications? A: I am always looking for opportunities to attend classes for continued learning. I would like to learn more about contamina- tion control, how it occurs, methods to prevent it and how to correct the condition when it does occur. Going to conferences reinforces best practices, and networking opportunities show the issues we all face are basically universal. Only the approach for solutions differs by industry. In the future, I would like to obtain my Machine Lubrication Technician (MLT) and infrared (IR) certifi cations to improve my knowledge and become better at my job. Q: What is the amount and range of equipment that you help service through lubrication/oil analysis tasks? A: We currently maintain four mining units that cover belt drives, bearings and gear cases. This includes all lubrication mainte- nance for greasing, fi lling gear cases, replacement of desiccant fi lters and taking oil samples. Additional responsibilities consist of refi lling the lubricants at the preventive maintenance (PM) facility, trans- porting the fuel by trailer and moving lubricants from the shaft bottom to the fuel stations and lubrication storage area. Q: On what lubrication-related projects are you currently working? A: Currently, we are using an IR camera to check bearings for heat signatures to iden- tify issues and determine corrective action. A bearing will be greased and then checked with IR to see the standard heat rise. When excessive heat is observed, we know that the bearing is not getting grease and have to decide how to address the issue. We are also working on the confi guration for lube storage tanks, dispensing reels and hoses to optimize space and maintain ease of use, as well as systematically replacing grease lines that have been in service for many years and have become brittle, cracked or started to leak. Q: What have been some of the biggest project successes in which you've played a part? A: The single biggest project was the devel- opment and installation of our underground PM facility. This started with discussions of what we felt would be the most helpful and then continued through layout, site prepa- ration and installation. We had a large team working together to make our PM bay a great work area. On a more personal level, while attending a conference I found a Boles Looks for New Ways to Improve Lubrication at Cargill GET to KNOW In 2009, when Cargill Deicing Technology offered Chars Boles a maintenance support position which included machinery lubrication, he quickly accepted because it sounded like something he would be interested in doing. Over the past six years, Boles has enjoyed the many different facets of his job. One day, he may be lubricating mobile equipment, beltlines and primary crushers. The next, he could be moving material to the storeroom or prepping supplies to ensure they are ready for a mainte- nance job like a beltline pulley replacement. As part of the site lubrication team, Boles is always looking for new ways to improve. Name Chars Boles Age 39 Job Title Maintenance Support Company Cargill Deicing Technology Location Cleveland, Ohio Length of Service 13 years