The Machinery Diagnostics Services team at Baker Hughes is responsible for providing customers with the expertise and tools they need to maintain their critical rotating machinery. The team includes a group of highly skilled and experienced engineers and technicians who specialize in vibration monitoring, condition monitoring, and machinery diagnostics.
In a recent interview, Pamela Litka and Nicolas Peton, two members of the Machinery Diagnostics Services team, discussed the team's work and the importance of machinery diagnostics in the oil and gas industry.
What is the Machinery Diagnostics Services team responsible for?
Litka: The Machinery Diagnostics Services team is responsible for providing customers with the expertise and tools they need to maintain their critical rotating machinery. We work with customers to develop and implement vibration monitoring and condition monitoring programs, and we provide them with the training and support they need to use these programs effectively. We also offer a variety of machinery diagnostics services, including root cause analysis, predictive maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Why is machinery diagnostics important in the oil and gas industry?
Peton: Machinery diagnostics is important in the oil and gas industry because it can help to prevent unplanned downtime and catastrophic failures of rotating machinery. Rotating machinery is used in a variety of oil and gas applications, including drilling, production, and refining. When rotating machinery fails, it can lead to significant downtime and costs. Machinery diagnostics can help to identify potential problems with rotating machinery before they cause a failure. This allows operators to take corrective action and prevent unplanned downtime.
What are some of the challenges of working in machinery diagnostics?
Litka: One of the biggest challenges of working in machinery diagnostics is the complexity of the equipment involved. Rotating machinery is highly complex, and there are many different factors that can contribute to a failure. It can be difficult to identify the root cause of a problem without the proper expertise and tools.
Another challenge is the diversity of the oil and gas industry. The machinery used in the oil and gas industry can vary widely depending on the application. This means that the Machinery Diagnostics Services team needs to have a broad understanding of different types of rotating machinery and the potential problems that can occur.
What are some of the rewards of working in machinery diagnostics?
Peton: One of the most rewarding things about working in machinery diagnostics is the satisfaction of helping customers to prevent unplanned downtime. When we are able to identify a potential problem with a rotating machine and help the customer to take corrective action, it can save them millions of dollars in lost revenue and repair costs.
Another rewarding thing about working in machinery diagnostics is the opportunity to learn and grow. The field of machinery diagnostics is constantly evolving, and there are always new technologies and techniques being developed. This means that there is always something new to learn, and we are always able to improve our skills and knowledge.
What are some of the trends that you are seeing in the field of machinery diagnostics?
Litka: One of the biggest trends in the field of machinery diagnostics is the increasing use of data analytics. Data analytics can be used to analyze large amounts of vibration data to identify patterns and trends that may not be visible to the naked eye. This can help to identify potential problems with rotating machinery before they cause a failure.
Another trend in the field of machinery diagnostics is the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. AI and machine learning can be used to develop predictive maintenance models that can predict when a rotating machine is likely to fail. This allows operators to take preventive action and avoid unplanned downtime.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in a career in machinery diagnostics?
Peton: My advice to someone who is interested in a career in machinery diagnostics is to get a good education in engineering or a related field. It is also important to gain experience working with rotating machinery. This experience can be gained through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level jobs in the oil and gas industry.
Once you have the necessary education and experience, you can start to look for jobs in machinery diagnostics. There are a variety of companies that offer machinery diagnostics services, including oil and gas companies, consulting firms, and equipment manufacturers.
Conclusion
The Machinery Diagnostics Services team at Baker Hughes plays a vital role in helping oil and gas companies to maintain their critical rotating machinery. The team's expertise and tools help customers to prevent unplanned downtime and catastrophic failures.
If you are interested in a career in machinery diagnostics, my advice is to get a good education in engineering or a related field and gain experience working with rotating machinery. Once you have the necessary education and experience, you can start to look for jobs in machinery
