As a PROCARE Service Engineer, I’m responsible for providing customers with our PROCARE Fluid Management service. I visit customers regularly to complete a series of checks and tests to make sure that they are meeting HSE recommendations and have adequate reporting to evidence that they are in control of their coolant. This routine monitoring, helps to minimize the risks posed to machine operatives.
9.00am: I arrive on site with the customer, put on any required PPE and complete any necessary paperwork at reception.
9.15am: I have an initial quick catch up with the Machine Shop Manager, so I’m aware of any issues or changes that have occurred since my last visit.
9.25am: I start by conducting microbiological dipslide tests at each machine and label them clearly, ready for incubation back at the laboratory. Dipslide testing checks for Bacteria & fungal growth. I also use a refractometer to check dilution levels and pH sticks to record the coolants pH level and record these on a chart – this is then clearly visible to all operatives at each machine.
10.20am: If any remedial actions are needed I will aim to complete these whilst onsite. Sometimes tramp oil will need to be removed using a PROCARE C-Thru Tramp Oil Separator or soluble oil dosers need to be recalibrated.
11.00am: Results from onsite tests are discussed with the Shop Floor Manager or relevant personnel and I make them aware if I will need to return to complete any further remedial actions.
11.30am: I make my way back to the office to catch up on paperwork and incubate dipslides in the lab.
12.00pm: Lunch!
1.00pm: In the lab I check on dipslides taken 48 and 72 hours ago and record results. Dipslides incubated for 48 hours are checked for bacteria, and then incubated for a further 24 hours to check for yeasts and moulds.
2.00pm: I make my way to my second customer of the day. They are a new customer and this will be my first meeting with them.
2.30pm: Once I’m onsite and have been through all relevant safety procedures I have an introduction with their Health & Safety Manager and Machine Shop Manager to discuss a planned machine clean prior to moving them onto our coolant. There are 8 machines, the largest running 2,000 litres of coolant.
3.00pm: I conduct a machine shop audit, noting the machine types, and the sump size. This information helps us accurately dose with system cleaner prior to the machine clean. It also helps us dose any other additives we may use as part of our PROCARE service.
4.00pm: I’ll complete a PROCARE Machine Clean form which informs the engineer of various considerations and feed this back to the customers Technical Sales Manager, who will be involved in the machine clean. All this information will help keep downtime to a minimum. A machine can normally be back up and running in around 2 hours. This is of high importance to our customers as we don’t want to affect their production.
4.30pm: I’ll complete a bit more paperwork in my van before making my way home.
You can find out more on our PROCARE Fluid Management service here, or call our helpful team: 0114 285 2987
