Introducing…Diana Clarke
Here at Thermal Fluid Solutions, we’ve introduced a feature to help you to get to know our great team a little better. This month focuses on our Operations Manager, Diana Clarke.
Name: Diana Clarke
Number of years at Thermal Fluid Solutions: Nine
Role at TFS: Operations Manager
Joining the TFS team:
I was initially recruited as an Operations Manager to provide nine months’ maternity cover. After one month, my position became permanent.
Day-to-day responsibilities at TFS:
TFS provides a continuous thermal fluid risk assessment and management package, enabling the safe and efficient operation of thermal fluid systems and legislative compliance. Fluid sampling is one part of this package, and I arrange it. One of our technicians visits the customer on site and takes a sample, which is brought back to TFS’ in-house laboratory; it’s rare within our industry to have a facility like this in-house.
Our team then undertakes a range of tests on the oil, such as the measurement of its flashpoint – the minimum temperature at which, in the presence of ignition sources, its vapours will ignite. Once the tests have been completed, I prepare a report for the customer and appropriate action is taken to ensure the ongoing safety of their oil.
Sincee I began at TFS, there has been a growing understanding in the industry that a thermal fluid degrades over time, causing its flash point to decrease fluids that were not flammable at the operating temperature at installation gradually become flammable. Regular conditioning or replacement of fluid is necessary in order to maintain a safe minimum flashpoint.
Our fluid analysis will reveal whether a customer’s fluid requires flashpoint recovery, and if so, I arrange that too. TFS was the first company to offer a thermal fluid reconditioning service, HTfluidfit, a quick, cost-effective, environmentally sustainable flashpoint recovery alternative to total fluid replacement, extending fluid life by a factor of at least 10, saving customers up to 70% of their thermal fluid costs. For each recovery job, I allocate a technician and a rig, organise the associated consumables and logistics, and liaise closely with the customer to ensure that the job runs smoothly.
When a customer’s oil has been reconditioned a number of times, it needs to be replaced, and I organise its delivery, working with suppliers to make sure that lead times are kept to a minimum.
Away from TFS:
I like to keep fit. I am a member of our local gym, where I attend daily fitness classes; spin is my favourite. My husband and I enjoy walking in the countryside surrounding our home town of Glossop, Derbyshire, and we’re both keen wildlife photographers.
Both my dad and husband are bee-keepers, and I too have become an amateur apiarist. I’m hoping to go on a bee-keeping course soon, and then to increase our number of colonies. Last year, the bad winter meant that we lost a few.
Finally, I like to get stuck into crafts, and last year made a Grinch-themed Christmas wreath.