YASHUIVINIJEE A/P K. MANIENDARAN

Metalux is the Lubrication Maintenance Specialist providing Machinery Oil Analysis & Vibration Analysis products and services. Tapping on their expertise, they offer training and consultancy for condition monitoring and diagnostics. Their field of specialty lies in rotating equipment, reciprocating equipment, and hydraulic systems to support proactive and predictive condition-based maintenance.

Their Industrial Tribology Laboratory provides a full range of oil analysis tests for periodic in-service lubricant samples to monitor the condition of the lube or hydraulic oil, and to diagnose the condition of the oil or grease-lubricated machine components. This state-of-the-art facility is fully computerized and located at Technovation Park, University Technology Malaysia in Johor State.

Now, I will talk about my internship experience for the past 12 weeks at Metalux Oil Analysis Sdn Bhd. This tribology lab is located at 10-A, Lower Ground Floor, Industry Centre Technovation Park, University Technology Malaysia, Km 20 Jalan Pontian Lama, Skudai, 81310, Johor Bahru, Johor. Believe me when I say it is really far from my home and I had to travel 36km to reach workplace everyday. However, it was really worth the experiences and knowledges that I have gained. I was under supervision of my industrial supervisor Miss Fatin Myra binti Abd Manan. During my first week, I was briefed with the lab safety and then was also introduced to 2 instruments which are called the FM-III Maker and DR-III Direct Reader Ferrograph. These 2 instruments function is to analyze wear particles. Chemical Plants like BASF, Toray and many other plants will send their sample of used lubricants to us. They will request the type of testing they wish to do. At Metalux we provide testings for lube oil condition monitoring, lube oil cleanliness monitoring and also machine condition monitoring. Ferrography is one of the most common testing that is requested by our customers. In Ferrography we will be able to detect wear particles presented in used lubricant and diagnose any problems of the particular machinery component. It was really something new to me. I have learnt so much from Ferrography alone. Then, I was introduced to another instrument which is Automatic Houillon viscometer VH2 by ISL France. This is instrument will determine the main property of an oil which will be the kinematic viscosity. 

Although, I did not have the chance of working in plant, I'm glad that I got exposed to certain part of Chemical Engineering that I have learnt in MJIIT before this. In subjects like Fluid Mechanics, Transport phenomena and material science we have touched a little on how machine undergoes fouling and also wearing off. But being able to work here has made me to have a clearer picture on a machine's maintenance. This experience will not just help in the future but also when I will be doing my plant design this semester. 

In terms of my soft skills, I believe that I have learnt and improved my lab skill. I was introduced to many new lab equipment and on techniques to handle them. Besides, I have also improved my technical skills like Microsoft office apps. Then, I was also given project on producing a procedural video by myself. Here is the link to those who wish to view it

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1QvjXJV2rTAwNFkez1gViaLtR91rR1GIo

I was also able to complete tasks before given deadline even under a lot pressure. I had also build my ability to work as a team. We have many challenges working with people of different opinions and working ethics but I have eventually learnt on how to give and take opinions and adapt to people of different backgrounds. I believe this quality is very important for my final year because I will be working as team for plant design project and also for my job in the future.

In conclusion, I have gained so much than words could ever say in this 3 months. This opportunity would have not been possible if it is not my manager Miss Winnie Ho who have given me this opportunity to train at Metalux Oil Analysis. On the other hand,  I will like to thank my lecturers from MJIIT for all the guidance and support they have given me and lastly, to my family and friends for being there for me. I will never forget my experience of doing my internship.