Ultrasound World V (2009)

Ultrasound World V Program Abstracts

Abstract:  This presentation will detail the successful implementation of two parallel programs developed over the last 2 years:  a cost-effective lubrication program based on ultrasound, performed on gantry cranes and a related predictive maintenance program created by the Engineering Department of Panama Ports Company.  This program created logistics for deployment of technologies such as Ultrasound, Thermography, Vibration and Oil Analysis and included strategies for integrating these technologies within the program. The execution of this program in the various port equipment such as gantry cranes, Patio cranes, Reach Staker, Side Loader, tractors, chassis, etc will be discussed as well as the major economic benefits of the program.

Bio:  Ernesto Alonso Gayle Francis, Predictive Maintenance Supervisor, Panama Ports Company 
Ernesto has eleven years experience as harbor specialist for cranes and equipment along with other operational activities related to engineering and maintenance. Previously he had worked in the aeronautical industry for two years.  As a harbor specialist, he has worked as a crane operator for Porticas in the Port of Manzanilli and then as an electro-mechanical technician.  In 2000 he was shift supervisor for the department of engineering.  In 2005 Ernesto was promoted to Predictive Maintenance Supervisor for the Ports of Balboa and Cristobal.  He has been challenged with the responsibility of reducing equipment failures and reducing costs.  To achieve this Ernesto has incorporated Ultrasound technology into his PdM program.  Ernesto has certificates in both pulse-echo and airborne/structure borne ultrasound as per ANSI7ASNT CP-189, ASNT SNT-TC-IA, 1996, ASTME 1002-96, UEQ-TC-IA, 1997. He is also certified Level I in infrared and oil analysis I, II.

Ernesto has presented at professional conferences in Latin America on topics such as lubrication and world-class maintenance practices.