POST

I have previously expressed, that the unexpected challenges encountered in Field Service contribute significantly to the intrigue and appeal of the profession. My recent assignment required me to venture underground, an endeavor I found to be a genuinely remarkable experience, one that I would readily undertake again. I received a service call to balance the primary air supply fan at a local underground rock quarry. Upon arriving, I successfully completed the requisite safety training and prepared to descend below ground. To access the underground tunnel, I unloaded my van as diesel vehicles are the exclusive mode of transport permitted in subterranean environments. Before proceeding into the tunnel leading underground, a mandatory procedure entailed “tagging in” and securing a rescue breather, a brass tag retained at all times on one’s person. The purpose of this practice is to facilitate identification in the event of unforeseen emergencies such as a tunnel collapse. Descending into the depths, I encountered a notably steep slope, with a gradient of approximately 17 degrees or 30% grade. Surprisingly, the underground passages featured well-illuminated areas, boasting a remarkable ceiling height of 46 feet and roadways wider than most 3 or 4-lane highways.
My assignment involved balancing a fan, which, although it featured a relatively modest diameter of 14 feet, possessed a weight that exceeded my expectations, approximating a formidable 22,000 pounds. The associated motor was an impressive 700 HP machine operating at 714 revolutions per minute, with a substantial 25-foot drive shaft connecting it to the fan.
The subsequent experience was a unique opportunity I had never envisioned: witnessing the daily blasting of a new section within the quarry at 5 PM. Enthralled by the prospect, I inquired about the possibility of remaining underground during the blast. The response was affirmative, and this added an exciting dimension to my already remarkable day. As the scheduled blast commenced, the modulating air pressure fluctuations proved to be a fascinating and somewhat disorienting experience for the initial 30 seconds following each shot. Following this thrilling event, I proceeded to set up my equipment for fan balancing, capturing the moment on video as I was genuinely captivated by the raw power of the motor during startup. The noise and energy were unprecedented in my experience, and I would be delighted to share the video with anyone who inquires. Upon successfully balancing the fan, it was time to conclude the assignment. During the fan’s gradual spin-down phase, I detected some troubling bearing noise, which prompted immediate action. I promptly deployed my ultrasonic equipment and initiated the lubrication process; regrettably, the damage to the bearings had already transpired, and the additional grease could only mitigate the situation to a limited extent. While I proposed the installation of a spare
motor, it was revealed that the spare had been in storage for an extended period and required reconditioning, leaving insufficient time for the replacement. I emphasized the importance of addressing this matter before it escalated into a critical concern.
Reflecting on this unique experience, I couldn’t help but marvel at the inherent allure of field service, where each assignment presents an opportunity for new and captivating challenges, making it an endlessly captivating profession.