Our contributors

Angelica Pajkovic

KCI Corporation

Most recent articles

The Dangers of Waterhammer in Pumping Systems

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 20 September 2021

A few decades ago, waterhammer was viewed as a niche area for highly trained specialists running esoteric software or using complicated manual calculations. This led to a situation where some industries did not pay as much attention to waterhammer as they should have for the simple reason that it was too complicated. Instead, engineers relied on overdesign. The fact is, waterhammer events tend to be non-intuitive. Even experienced engineers using intuition can be led astray.

The Benefit of Sealless Pump Technology

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 06 September 2021

Of the many types of pumps to choose from, sealless pumps offer an advanced technology that mitigates the risk of potentially dangerous emissions. To discuss what sets this technology apart from others, James Dawley, Product Development Engineer for ITT Gould Pumps and Vice Chair of ANSI/HI 5.1-5.6 sealless pump standards, explains recent developments, how to avoid leaks, material selection standards, and emerging industry trends.

The Importance of Breaker Health

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 30 August 2021

Molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs) and low-voltage power circuit breakers (LVPCBs) provide vital functionality for low-voltage systems by protecting connected devices from both overloads and short circuits. They also provide a safe, economical, and effective way to connect and disconnect electrical loads especially in applications where uptime is critical.

Facing and Mitigating Common Pump Challenges: Interview with Mirko Vukcevic, Senior Maintenance and Development Engineer

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 23 August 2021

Throughout his career, Mirko Vukcevi has had the opportunity to work with a wide range of pumps and pump systems. His passion for engineering has led him to oversee a number of mega projects where he has gained significant knowledge and knowhow.

Think Twice – Think Sealless

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 16 August 2021

Managing and improving existing plants is essential to maximising process efficiency and productivity. In addition, building in flexibility is important in today’s fast-changing business environment. Fundamental to the fluid handling process are pumps. They are a key component, with the latest developments offering a way to cut costs and to build in more ‘lean’ processes. For specific applications magnetic drive sealless pumps offer a number of cost savings and safety benefits to optimise fluid.

RUHRPUMPEN: A Never-Ending Passion for Pumps!

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 09 August 2021

With a history of innovation spanning more than 70 years, Ruhrpumpen has established itself as a leading manufacturer of highly engineered and conventional pumping solutions. The passion and commitment that the company puts into each of its projects has been the driving forces of its successful endeavor to provide the most efficient, reliable, and high-performing systems worldwide.

How to Protect Pumps from Dead-Head and Underloaded Conditions

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 26 July 2021

In today’s always-on environment, there is a demand for predictive operations and proactive engineering strategies to prevent costly equipment damage and downtime. As pump systems are essential to many facilities operation, it is critical to have effective protection for pump systems. Low power protection devices are a great place to start.

Perfected Sealless Pumps

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 19 July 2021

With the increasing stringency of environmental legislation and the tightening of international standards, ensuring the safety of chemical processes is vital. In addition, alongside the need to consider product liability and operator safety, cutting operational and maintenance costs is important. By charting the evolution of magnetic drive centrifugal pumps one can suggest that sealless pumps could be the key to future success.

7 Ways to Improve Pump Efficiency

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 12 July 2021

Energy efficiency is a topic that should be on everyone’s agenda. Environmental concerns as well as the impact on business overheads means that reducing energy consumption is vital within industrial plants. With the U.S. Department of Energy finding that 16% of a typical industrial facility’s electricity costs are generated by its pumping systems, pumps have a large part to play in this. So how can one improve the energy efficiency of a pump?

Q&A Standardizing Sealing System Designs

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 05 July 2021

Pump Engineer is proud to present Q & A | Standardizing Sealing System Designs. This article will address the benefits and challenges of standardizing the design of the sealing system, as well as the standardization option available within the pump industry. Readers are encouraged to ask questions for consideration in the future.

Use of Pumping System Instrumentations to Prevent Downtime

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 28 June 2021

Pump instrumentation used to monitor and control pumps, is an integral part of any successful pump commissioning and long-term operation. Having the right instrumentation and maintenance program in place not only gives the operator a visual of the pumping systems operating conditions, but it allows the user to maximize reliability and save on costly repairs and unnecessary downtime.

The Next Step for Solar Collector: Developing Pumps for Higher Temperature Systems

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 21 June 2021

The technology to exploit renewable energy sources is continuing to advance, improving efficiency and reducing costs. In concentrated solar power plants with central tower and molten salt, the sun’s energy is used to raise the temperature of molten salts, which are pumped into a steam generator that powers a turbine. The efficiency of this process can be improved if the working temperature is increased.

Bungartz: Provider of Innovative Pump Solutions

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 14 June 2021

Since its inception, Bungartz has sought to promote its exemplary expertise by offering the most original and advanced pumping systems solutions. Pump Engineer had the pleasure of speaking with Frank Bungartz, CEO of Paul Bungartz GmbH & Co. KG, to discuss the company’s pioneering technologies, its dedication to sustainability, and how it is able to provide reliable solutions for the most unique and challenging applications.

Conversion of NPSH-Values to Another Speed: Quadratic or Not? | Part 1

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 31 May 2021

The conversion of the head (H) of centrifugal pumps from the speed n1 to the speed n2 can be done by means of the well-known equation H2 / H1= (n2 / n1)2. This equation is however, also valid for the conversion of Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) to another speed?

Integrated Rupture Disk Assemblies for OEM Hydraulic & Pneumatic Equipment

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 17 May 2021

For more than 85 years, rupture disks have served as an effective passive safety mechanism to protect against overpressure or potentially damaging vacuum conditions. The disk, which is a one-time-use membrane made of various metals, including exotic alloys, is designed to activate within milliseconds when a pre-determined differential pressure is achieved.

A New Approach to Casting Impellers Using 3D Printing

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 03 May 2021

Following the need to replace a power plant’s worn out impeller, experts chose to use a combination of 3D sand printing and standard sand casting to shorten lead-times and replace the damaged application. This resulted in a better understanding of the two casting approaches, and ultimately improved the pump’s overall performance.

A Single Point of Centrifugal Truth: Closing the Gap Between Operations and Maintenance Through Real-Time Performance Data

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 19 April 2021

Centrifugal pumps are vital pieces of industrial equipment. While maintenance and operations departments agree that it is important to keep them up and running, each department’s views on care for the application start to differ when the pumps malfunction. From operations' point of view, maintenance is responsible for keeping the assets in optimal condition.

Tycon Alloy: Leading the Casting Industry and Seeking Perfection with One-Stop Solutions

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 12 April 2021

Last year, Pump Engineer had the honor of visiting Tycon Alloy’s new plant in Zhongshan, China. Although Tycon had not yet completed its relocation, the facility’s potential spoke for itself. As of January 2021, all of Tycon Alloy’s assets were successfully transferred to the new facility and are now completely operational. Recognizing the success of the move, Michael Lo, General Manager of Tycon Alloy, expressed how beneficial the larger production capacity and environmentally friendly facility

CFD Simulation for the Oil & Gas Industry

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 05 April 2021

The Oil & Gas industry is well known for operating in harsh environmental conditions. The engineering needed to withstand these natural forces must be structurally sound, or the risk of health and safety-related incidents can increase. Products and systems in the oil and gas industry must also be durable, long-lasting, and rigorously tested.

Working Towards a Net Zero Future with Pumps

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 22 March 2021

The UK has released a target of Net Zero Emissions by 2050, meaning any emissions generated must be balanced by schemes offsetting an equivalent amount of gas emitted. While this could be performed through carbon offsetting programs, companies are ideally looking to reduce, reuse or recycle more to meet these objectives before carbon pricing comes into force.

Selection Guidelines for Conventional Water Treatment Plant Pumps

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 08 March 2021

Establishing guidelines for pump selection at water treatment plants helps the reader understand the general layout, components, and operation of a typical water treatment facility. Using these guidelines the reader is able to gather the information necessary to select the appropriate type of pump, and define the pump materials needed to ensure that the pump performs effectively, efficiently, and reliably in the various plant operations.

Flexible Pump Technologies Increase Energy Efficiencies and Reduce Sewer Overflows

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 22 February 2021

The Turtle Park Pump Station in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is the largest and most critical sewer pump station in the city’s wastewater system. It receives all combined flows from the city’s collection system that feed to the Turtle Park Wastewater Treatment Plant, representing approximately 95% of all sewer flows in the city. By 2017, the station had become outdated, utilizing two 40-year-old intermediate shaft-driven pumps and two direct coupled non-submersible pumps located within a dry pit.

AGRU Kunststofftechnik GmbH: Providing Reliable Pipework for Decades

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 08 February 2021

The total cost of ownership (TCO) of a piping system depends on several factors, including: material, design of pipes and fittings, and maintenance intervals. For more than 50 years, The Plastics Experts from AGRU Kunststofftechnik GmbH have manufactured cutting-edge pipes and fittings that improve processes and optimize results.

Material Selection for Boiler Feed Pumps

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 25 January 2021

There are vast varieties of applications wherein centrifugal pumps are deployed. The scope extends from household applications to critical services such as primary coolant pumps for nuclear reactors. The ultimate aim for an end user is that the pump should perform the required service with excellent reliability and that it proves out its intended service life. In this instance, service life indirectly means the pump materials’ measure of resistance to corrosion, erosion, and wear of the parts.

Working with an Immeasurable Skillset: An Interview with George Gabriel

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 11 January 2021

George Gabriel has held many engineering roles throughout his professional career, which have provided him with invaluable experience and transferable skills. Pump Engineer had the opportunity to sit down with George Gabriel to talk about his experience with pumps, boilers, and valves, and his thoughts on best-practices for engineering teams.

GRAPHALLOY®: Self-lubricating Graphite-Metal Alloy Wear Parts for Horizontal and Vertical Pump Survival

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 14 December 2020

Quality parts and components are required to optimize pump operations, reduce risk, improve efficiencies and cut costs. It is for these reasons that Graphite Metalling Corporation has spent the last 100 years perfecting the engineering process of GRAPHALLOY® bushings and case rings for difficult pump applications.

Q & A: Fluid Temperature in Seal Chambers

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 30 November 2020

Pump Engineer is proud to present Q&A | Fluid Temperature in Seal Chambers. This article will address the primary ways that the temperature of a process fluid in a seal chamber can be reduced, to preserve the reliability of the seal. Readers are encouraged to ask questions for consideration in the future.

Versatility of Air Operated Diaphragm Pumps in the Chemical Industry

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 16 November 2020

An Air Operated Double Diaphragm pump (AODD) may be one of the simplest pump designs found in an industrial plant. The simple design and ease of use makes an AODD one of the most versatile pumps, especially in a chemical plant.

What are Cv Values and How Can They Be Used?

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 02 November 2020

Ed H. Edwards is the Vice President of HBE Engineering of Three Rivers, Michigan, a supplier of centrifugal pump minimum flow valves and orifices. He has worked in the pump and related equipment field since 1972 and holds a BS from Western Michigan University. He specializes in materials of construction for corrosion and erosion resistance, the proper sizing, selection, installation and maintenance of equipment.

Seal-less Sliding Vane Pumps to Solve Pump Pain Points

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 19 October 2020

There are some things that cannot be avoided, including a pump’s common operational pain points such as: leaking, solids handling, dry run, cavitation-causing NPSH imbalance operation off the BEP, and incomplete performance curves, all of which are inherent in chemical-transfer applications.

TYCON ALLOY: Pushing the Boundaries of Traditional Casting into the Future

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 05 October 2020

Tycon Alloy is dedicated to providing customers with highly precise and complex casting components. By offering casting components, machining, as well as surface treatments on castings, the company has earned a reputation for providing high grade engineered casting solutions.

Pumps as Turbines (PaTs): Extracting Energy from Water

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 21 September 2020

As the global demand for energy grows, the focus on reducing energy consumption is becoming high priority for governments, investors, and plants operators. Although small hydropower plants could play a significant role in generating energy, the high initial capital cost has slowed down the development of this energy potential.

Contemporary Solutions to Contemporary Problems: How to operate safer, cleaner, and more cost effectively in the Modern World

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 07 September 2020

While capital project construction in the industrial and municipal markets have been impacted by the current health and economic climate, growth in the industrial market has been driven largely by modernization efforts that have been necessitated and complicated due to a myriad of reasons. These include, but are not limited to, SARS-COV-2 (also known as COVID-19) and a precipitous decline in demand for many goods such as refined hydrocarbons.

Exploring the Components of a Refinery’s LDAR Program: An Interview with Ray Smalts, Environmental Specialist II

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 24 August 2020

Ray Smalts, Environmental Specialist II for HollyFrontier Corporation, Navajo Refining Company in New Mexico, has been involved in the environmental sector for over 15 years. Working primarily in leak detection and repair, he has spent the past seven years overseeing LDAR programs, MACT-CC, emission compliance, Title V requirements, Consent Decrees and tank regulations.

Messe Düsseldorf: When Heart Meets Business

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 10 August 2020

Built on a foundation of market driven innovation, Messe Düsseldorf has established itself as a leading international trade fair organizer. With 76 foreign agencies, representatives in 140 countries, and 7 subsidiaries, the Messe Düsseldorf Group is networked globally to produce quality exhibitions for its clients. Its commitment to exceeding the expectations of its dynamic client base makes its services continually sought after in a number of industries.

Hose + Coupling World Americas Conference & Expo 2020: The Chairman’s Perspective

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 27 July 2020

The Hose + Coupling World Americas Conference & Expo 2020, taking place on December 2nd and 3rd, 2020, at the San Jacinto College’s LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy, & Technology (CPET) in Pasadena, TX, will be a meeting point for manufacturers, distributors and end users to learn about the latest technologies, components and systems in the field of industrial fluid transfer.

Using VFDs for Sensorless Pump Optimization

Posted by Brittani Schroeder | 13 July 2020

Pumping systems in all industries are adapting to changing regulations with manufacturers, integrators and end users must comply. Industry professionals have seen these new regulations as an opportunity to push the efficiency of products well beyond the standard minimum compliance. Ever increasing focus is placed on optimizing pumping systems to reduce the total cost of ownership over the equipment’s useful lifespan.

Owning Your Work: An Interview with Rob Crena De Iongh – Part 2

Posted by Brittani Schroeder | 29 June 2020

After almost four decades of working for one of the top five oil and gas companies, Rob Crena De Iongh has gained invaluable knowledge and expertise in the oil and gas industry. Throughout his professional career he has worked with a large variety of rotating and static equipment like pumps, compressors, gas-turbines, valves, hoses, and specific corrosion resistant alloys (CRAs).

CFturbo: Envisioning the Future of Hydraulic Design

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 15 June 2020

CFturbo’s innovative, reliable, and high-quality software has earned it the reputation as a leading design-orientated engineering company with cutting edge technology. Following the path of legendary German engineering, the company’s outstanding user-friendly software makes CFturbo continually sought after in the industrial industry.

Maximizing Pump Reliability, Minimizing Cost

Posted by Brittani Schroeder | 01 June 2020

Choosing the best pump for a system is not a simple task, as many engineers know. At minimum, the pump must deliver the required flow rate. However, a better pump will not only operate at the required flow rate, but it will also be reasonably priced, cause minimal downtimes, be easy to maintain, and have a long operational lifetime. In the oil and gas industry, all these points are important to ensure safe and profitable operation.

Safe Installation and Maintenance is Key to Safe Operation: Interview with Mohamed Eissa

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 18 May 2020

With diverse experience as a Field Service Engineer, Mohamed Eissa uses his knowledge of pumps and valves to ensure safe installation, effective operation, and low maintenance of large pump applications. His expertise extend to artificial lift electrical submersible pumps, down hole sensors, well head penetrators, cables, variable speed drives, and many other types of rotating equipment.

Creating Consistency in Coal Ash Remediation

Posted by Brittani Schroeder | 04 May 2020

Water plays an essential role in coal ash remediation, but managing that process comes with challenges. Power plant operators are seeking ways to safely remediate unlined coal ash basins, while reducing risks and expenses. The process is complicated by the accumulation of suspended solids like mud and sand, as well as a wide variety of other particulate matter collected by moving water. The resulting slurry creates an abrasive and corrosive environment for any type of pumping equipment.

Owning Your Work: An Interview with Rob Crena De Iongh – Part 1

Posted by Brittani Schroeder | 20 April 2020

Proco Products: The Distributor Driven and Customer Focused Leader of Rubber Expansion Joints

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 06 April 2020

Built on a foundation of partnership, marketing ‘know-how’, and a deep rooted understanding of the industrial industry, Proco Products Inc. has established itself as the leader of rubber and Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) expansion joints in North America. Its engineering excellence, customer focus, and dynamic products make its services continually sought after in a number of industries.

Know Your Equipment: An Interview with George Corfield

Posted by Brittani Schroeder | 23 March 2020

George Corfield is a professional maintenance and operations manager and mining engineer, with more than 20 years of experience in operations, equipment repair and overhaul, maintenance, and engineering functions for diversified industrial and mining organizations. His expertise lies in problem solving, operations, cost analysis, communicating vision, and strategic planning.

Reducing Pump Energy with Permanent Magnet Technology and Integrated Controls

Posted by Brittani Schroeder | 09 March 2020

The year is 2020, and the Department of Energy is getting serious about pump efficiency. New requirements cover pumps from 1 to 200 horsepower with nominal flow rates starting at 25 gallons per minute and heads up to 460 feet. These requirements are an amendment of the original Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 (EPCA). Until now, little attention was given to pumps with an exception to what was driving the pump: the electric motor. As these new requirements come into effect, what are th

A Rotating Equipment Editor: An Interview with Dan Heberer

Posted by Brittani Schroeder | 24 February 2020

An early interest in machinery brought Dan Heberer into the world of mechanical engineering, which eventually led to a career in rotating equipment and pumping systems. With a long-term focus on rotating equipment and diverse knowledge of the chemical industry, Pump Engineer was thrilled to sit down with Heberer to discuss his years of experience working with pumps and the various projects he worked on as he searched for a long-term solutions for pump reliability.

Ruhrpumpen: A Family-Owned Company with a Wealth of Experience

Posted by Brittani Schroeder | 10 February 2020

Ruhrpumpen has a long history in the pump industry. As the company approaches its 70th anniversary, it is more focused than ever on its quality standards, reliability, efficiency, and ability to provide custom solutions to its global customers.

“Torquing” About Advanced Pump Controllers

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 27 January 2020

With the demand for automation in the pumping industry, new technologies are emerging each day to answer the call. The importance of receiving real-time data is increasing greatly, as is finding a quick way to install these new technologies. The question is: how will these new technologies work?

Combine Hard and Soft Skills for an Effective Energy Management Program

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 13 January 2020

Bill Allemon develops and implements strategic energy management plans leveraging Operational Excellence tools. Throughout his career, he has found himself somewhere between the C-Suite and field operations, communicating strategic concepts and nebulous goals into effective strategies that deliver value for his clients.

DEPA® Air Operated Double Diaphragm Pumps: Making the Right Selection for Chemical Applications

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 16 December 2019

Crane ChemPharma & Energy, DEPA® is widely recognized as an industry leader in pump applications and pump technology. Today the company designs and manufactures a wide range of highly engineered products, including peristaltic and air operated diaphragm pumps, which are sought after around the world.

A Lifetime of Learning: An Interview with Paulo Luman

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 02 December 2019

The industries are always changing, always evolving, whether is it oil and gas, petrochemical, energy, or wastewater. To ensure success, Paulo Luman knew that he needed to be open to new technologies, new processes, and new solutions that would come into his workplace as the time passed.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap: An Interview with Gary Boles, Project Manager at Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) – Part 2

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 18 November 2019

When conversations concerning pumps, valves, or nuclear power plants arise, Gary Boles is always eager to partake. As a highly experienced Project Manager at EPRI, Boles has had the opportunity to work in a number of positions within the power industry.

Bridging the Knowledge Gap: An Interview with Gary Boles, Project Manager at Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) – Part 1

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 04 November 2019

Q&A Water and Wastewater – Part 2

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 21 October 2019

Pump Engineer is proud to present Q&A: Water and Wastewater Applications.

Q&A Water and Wastewater - Part 1

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 07 October 2019

Pump Engineer is proud to present Q&A: Water and Wastewater Applications.

Energy Efficient Engineering: Interview with Adam McMurtrey, Industrial Sales Engineer, Midwest, ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants Company

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 23 September 2019

When it comes to working with customers to solve lubrication and engineering problems, Adam McMurtrey relies on a lifetime of experience that goes all the way back to his childhood. For ExxonMobil’s Mobil Serv program, he works closely with industries ranging from lead mines to chicken rendering plants—always with energy efficient lubrication at the forefront of every solution.

Four Decades of Success in the Processing Industry: An Interview with Jim Darby

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 09 September 2019

Jim Darby began his career as a Junior Process Engineer and has progressed over the years to achieve a Senior Process Engineer position. Darby began working with Paton Engineers and Constructors in Sarnia, Ontario, and has held his position there for the last two and a half years. Pump Engineer had the pleasure of sitting down with Darby to discuss his experience with pumps and pumping applications over his many years in the industry.

When Good Pumps Become Smart

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 26 August 2019

Over the years, engineers have become very proficient at manufacturing “good” and even “excellent” pumps. Industry professionals have established many standards for correct installation practices and perfected their ability to run the pumps in a professional and efficient manner. Decades of training, learning and experience have built up a lot of knowledge. The question is: will this be enough for tomorrow?

The Past, Present and Future of Pumps and Mechanical Seals (Part 2)

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 12 August 2019

Pump Engineer recently had the pleasure of speaking with Scott Boyson, an expert rotating equipment consultant with over 25 years of experience in design, product development and equipment reliability programs. Scott shared his insights about the progressive nature of sealing technology and offered his perspective on the past, present and future for pumps and mechanical seals.

The Past, Present and Future of Pumps and Mechanical Seals (Part 1)

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 29 July 2019

Valve World Americas Expo & Conference 2019 a Success

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 16 July 2019

The fifth staging of Valve World Americas Expo & Conference, organized by KCI Publishing Corporation and Messe Düsseldorf North America, was held on June 19th and 20th at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

A Visit to Hoover Dam: An Inside Tour of an Architectural and Engineering Marvel

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 15 July 2019

An industrial wonder of the world, Hoover Dam is a concrete arch-gravity dam in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River, located near Boulder City, Nevada, on the border of Arizona. Constructed between 1931 and 1936 during the Great Depression, it was originally known as Boulder Dam. It was officially renamed Hoover Dam, for President Herbert Hoover, by a joint resolution of Congress in 1947. The Pump Engineer team traveled from Las Vegas to Hoover Dam—one of 20th century’s most significant ar

Solving Problems Unique to Various Industries: Interview with Tolga Arslan – Industrial Engineer, Martin Engineering

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 17 June 2019

A customer-oriented approach combined with experience in a variety of industries has helped Tolga Arslan become an expert in maintaining and servicing a variety of pumps, valves and other hydraulic equipment.

When Good Pumps Become Smart

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 03 June 2019

Hydraulic Fracturing Presents a Most Profitable Market Opportunity for Pump Manufacturers

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 20 May 2019

The hydraulic fracturing pump market is one of the Most Profitable Markets (MPM) for pump suppliers. It is large and will grow, at close to double digit rates, over the next few years. As the application is extremely challenging, a situation arises where a better designed pump can be sold at a much higher price. The fact that the repair parts market is bigger than the new equipment market ultimately results in a large combined market.

API 610 Pumps for Boiler Feed Water Service: Options and Design Features

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 06 May 2019

Specifying the correct features and options on API 610 centrifugal pumps going into boiler feed systems is the first step in optimal reliability. Boiler Feed Water applications are one of the most difficult process fluids that centrifugal pumps can encounter. There are a number of primary areas to focus on, when considering boiler feed water pumps, in order to achieve a state of optimal reliability.

A Career in the Oil Industry: An interview with William Salmons – Project Engineer and Project Manager

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 22 April 2019

With 44 years of experience as an engineer, William Salmons has acquired a substantial amount of knowledge about the ins and outs of the oil and gas industry. As a former Area Engineer, Project Engineer and Project Manager for Conoco/Phillips 66, Salmons has had the responsibility of finding the best-suited materials and applications for each project he has been involved with, as well as the most cost-effective solutions.

Building Projects from Scratch that Make an Impact: Interview with Steve Tourigny, Consulting Engineer

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 08 April 2019

For more than 30 years, Steve Tourigny has been involved in the design, development and management of many products, processes, plants and businesses. Through his experience, he has gained expertise with start-ups, helping companies get key projects off the ground. With extensive engineering, operations and partnering experience, he now works as an independent consultant servicing a variety of industries in an advisory capacity.

The Future of Pumps for Coal Fired Power is in the RCEP

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 25 March 2019

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which has been renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), is currently involved in a free trade deal known as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The partnership involves ten members of ASEAN and its six dialogue partners. If the deal succeeds, RCEP will become the world’s largest trading bloc, accounting for 3.4 billion people with a total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $49.5 trillion.

Improving Balancing Processes

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 11 March 2019

The goal of balancing is to align mass center with geometric center. Unbalance occurs when the mass center axis is not aligned with the geometric axis. The amount of unbalance is measured by the amount of mass multiplied by the radius of the part. The mass amount is multiplied by the distance from the center to give the numerical value of unbalance. The most common example of unbalance units are ounce-inches and gramcentimeters. These definitions are critical to understanding what balancing is.

Progressive Cavity Pumps Reduce Costs for Digesting Residual Sludge: Lower energy and maintenance costs while simultaneously reducing downtime

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 25 February 2019

Operators looking for the most reliable, low-maintenance and efficient solution for discharging digested residual sludge at a sewage plant in Germany recently began a comparison of an inclined conveyor versus fourstage progressive cavity pumps. The results show that use of the progressive cavity pumps helped the plant save significant amounts of energy and lower maintenance costs, while simultaneously reducing downtime compared to an inclined conveyor.

Designing Basic & Detailed Processes for Mega Methanol Plants: An Interview with George Gabriel

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 11 February 2019

Pump Engineer had the pleasure of speaking with George Gabriel about the various roles and responsibilities he took on while designing the basic and detailed processes of mega methanol plants. As a senior process engineer, Gabriel provided interesting insight into the various pumps that are used in methanol plants and highlighted the importance of working on a project from its inception to its completion.

Education and Collaboration for Overcoming Challenges in a Complex Manufacturing Environment

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 29 January 2019

Pump Engineer had the pleasure of speaking with Patrick Wasserman - Piping Engineer, and Stephen Henson - Mechanical Engineer, Materials, Vessels, and Piping Technology (MVPT) of Eastman Chemical Company, about how they work with customers to deliver innovative products and services in end-markets such as transportation, building and construction and consumables.

Isolate the Problem to Solve the Problem: Interview with Jody Millsap – President and Owner of Water Solutions Engineering

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 14 January 2019

Pump Engineer had the pleasure of speaking with Jody Millsap concerning his role as the president of Water Solutions Engineering. Jody Millsap gets his hands dirty. “With my personality, I am not content simply sitting in an office,” he said. “I like to interact with the customers, help with sales calls and get my hands on the equipment. President is just a title. You have to be a jack of all trades. I like to be out doing stuff and staying busy.”

Aluminium Bronze: An Alternative to Duplex Steels in Pump Design

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 17 December 2018

Bronze alloys are very well known for friction related applications whereas Aluminium Bronze or Nickel Aluminium Bronze alloys are much less known; yet, they offer unique corrosion characteristics as required by pumps, especially in sea water applications, along with interesting biofouling properties. Those two properties make them a preferred solution for all marine related applications (pumps, valves, heat exchangers and propulsion systems).

How Knowledge Assists with Maintaining Safety and Reliability in Oil & Gas Operations

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 03 December 2018

Manjul Saxena, Senior Rotating Equipment Engineer at BP in Surry, United Kingdom, recently spoke with Pump Engineer about his vast experience with pumps and pumping systems, and their applications in the oil and gas industry.

Implementing Effective and Robust Resolutions for Rotating Equipment Applications in the Oil & Gas Industry

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 19 November 2018

Pump Engineer was delighted to speak with Consultant Mechanical Engineer, George Kontarakis, about his role at Petrofac, an international service provider to the oil and gas industry, from their London, UK offices.

Turning Challenges of the Past into the Solutions of the Future: A Moment With David Wilhite

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 06 November 2018

Spanning the realm of the nuclear power industry, David Wilhite’s experience is vast and storied; whether the job at-hand is supplying parts, conducting onsite plant modifications or designing the next-generation power plants, David has worn a multitude of hats throughout his career. On a sunny day in Texas, Pump Engineer had the pleasure of sitting down with David to gain insight into an end user’s perspective on turning an industry’s past challenges into future solutions.

Engineering at Sea and on Land An Interview with Bruce Ames – Lubrication Engineer, ExxonMobil

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 22 October 2018

Running the engineering department on an aircraft carrier during the first Gulf War prepared Bruce Ames for a lifelong career that kept him busy in all types of industries—paper, power, trucking and more. Now, a lubrication engineer with ExxonMobil, he uses his diverse skills to develop programs to help his customers save money, energy and time.

Donald Wiedemeyer, a giant man with a giant personality - obituary

Posted by David Sear | 16 October 2018

It is with great sadness that we report of the death of our colleague, boss, friend, mentor and – above all - inspirator, Donald Wiedemeyer, at the age of 58.

Precise Calculation Leads to High Equipment Performance: Interview with Johan Meijer

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 09 October 2018

Johan Meijer has spent the past four decades solving engineering problems related to pumping system design —working closely with valves, pumps and hoses. His experience and knowledge became so deep that he developed a powerful and strategic calculation program for high pressure peristaltic pumps that is provided free to end users.

Tips for maintaining brewery equipment: An interview with Justin Farmer

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 21 September 2018

An interview with Justin Farmer, Maintenance Manager at Rhinegeist Brewery Facilities. He started at the bottom, but quickly earned the experience and knowledge to work his way into a leadership role at Rhinegeist Brewery in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he is transforming the maintenance and reliability programs of the historic brewery.

Acceptable Risk: A day in the life of John-Paul Schmidt

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 11 September 2018

Pump Engineer had the pleasure of speaking to John-Paul Schmidt, Piping Stress Leader at Dow Chemical, about working with clients to design projects, calculating risk and common challenges with equipment, as well as the best and most challenging aspects of the job.

Tackling the “Skilled Trades Stigma”

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 21 August 2018

Pump Engineer was happy to sit down with Mikel Janitz, Territory Manager & Applications Engineer for Bezares USA, and dicusss the various roles, responsibilities and opportunities he has had since starting his career.

For Problem Solving, Look at the System as a Whole

Posted by Angelica Pajkovic | 07 August 2018

An insightful interview with Abhijit Ray Chaudhuri. Currently based in Kolkata, India, he is the head of the Pumping Systems Group inside the VA Tech Wabag organization. He oversees the selection, procurement and operational issues related to pumps, valves and the associated electrical and mechanical equipment in the water and wastewater sector.

An insight into the role of a Vibration Analyst in a demanding chemical plant

Posted by Candace Allison | 30 July 2018

Chevron Phillips Chemical Company was founded when Chevron Corporation and Phillips Petroleum Company, now Phillips 66, combined their worldwide petrochemical businesses on July 1st, 2000. The company, which has 33 production facilities located in the US, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Belgium, produces olefins and polyolefins and is a leading supplier of aromatics, alpha olefins, styrenics, specialty chemicals, piping and proprietary plastics.

Water treatment and cooling applications for power plants

Posted by Candace Allison | 13 July 2018

Ninety-percent of electricity generated in the U.S comes from thermoelectric plants that are powered by coal, nuclear or natural gas. These plants require tremendous volumes of water, which is boiled to create steam that spins turbines. The heat used to boil water comes from burning a fossil fuel or from a nuclear reaction. Written by Axel Bokiba, Pulsafeeder.

Attractive Opportunities for Pump Sales in Upstream Oil & Gas

Posted by Candace Allison | 06 July 2018

The upstream oil & gas industry suffered significant setbacks in 2015 and 2016, following the collapse of crude oil prices that had begun in mid-2014. Last year marked an inflection point in the market, and although far from complete, the much-anticipated recovery can be described as a ‘good start’, particularly for the North American market. Current projections for 2018 suggest a continuation of this positive trend. By Matjaž Matošec, Research Manager, Resolute Research

Implementing effective and robust resolutions for rotating equipment with PetroFac's Consultant Mechanical Engineer

Posted by Candace Allison | 14 June 2018

Simulating pumps to discover better designs

Posted by Candace Allison | 16 April 2018

In this article, Elspeth Mosedale, Marketing Manager, Siemens PLM Software, discusses time-sensitive solutions to the multiple challenges faced by pump design engineers in their efforts to create new and better products.

A Moment with: Eugene L. Broerman, Pump Summit Americas 2018 Steering Committee Member

Posted by Candace Allison | 20 March 2018

Pump Engineer is pleased to present a discussion with Eugene L. Broerman, Principal Engineer in the Fluid Machinery Systems Section at Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas. Eugene will play a key role in the Pump Summit Americas conference, taking place on June 25th–26th, 2018, as he will not only moderate, but also present during one of the scheduled workshops.

Coming Changes in the Pump Market

Posted by Candace Allison | 05 March 2018

There is a change on the horizon and those pump suppliers navigating based on present conditions will be well advised to chart a new course. This article is written by Robert McIlvaine, President & Founder, The McIlvaine Company.

A Moment With….Richard Bierman, Pump Summit Americas 2018 Steering Committee Member

Posted by Sarah Bradley | 16 January 2018

Pump Engineer was delighted when Richard Bierman, a Vibration Analyst at Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, gladly accepted an invitation to join the Steering Committee for the next Pump Summit Americas Conference, which will take place in Houston, Texas in the summer of 2018.

A moment with: Ernesto Primera, Pump Summit Americas 2018 Steering Committee Member

Posted by Sarah Bradley | 08 January 2018

Pump Engineer is pleased to present a discussion with Ernesto Primera, Senior Machinery Reliability Engineer at Chevron. Ernesto is an invaluable member of the Pump Summit Americas 2018 Steering Committee and he has a wealth of experience in the oil & gas industry in North and South America.

Water treatment and cooling applications for power plants

Posted by Sarah Bradley | 21 December 2017

Supporting operations in Saudi Aramco’s Abqaiq Plants: An interview with Reliability Engineer, Andres Gonzalez

Posted by Sarah Bradley | 16 November 2017

Saudi Aramco’s Abqaiq Plants, located in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia, is the largest crude oil stabilization plant in the world. With a capacity to produce more than 7 million barrels of oil per day (bbl/d), reliability and failure prevention are key factors in maintaining steady production and distribution.

Revisit the Engineers’ Creed before Designing Systems

Posted by Sarah Bradley | 17 October 2017

The water pumps at Fukushima, Japan, Beaumont, TX, New Orleans, LA and a number of other locations have made the news in recent years. All were critically important, although they probably differed considerably from each other in style, size and configuration.

Procurement in the O&G industry: An interview with Andre Gafford, Sr. Partner, DeLeon Business Consulting Group

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 10 October 2017

A repeat contributor to Pump Engineer, Andre Gafford has built a reputation for hard work, extensive know-how in the oil & gas (O&G) industry and a propensity for diversity. “I’ve done as much as possible so that I always have options, especially when faced with industry uncertainty,” he says.

Supporting capital projects with rotating equipment issues: An interview with Alan Wilson, Mechanical Technology Associate at The Dow Chemical Company

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 29 September 2017

Pump Engineer had the pleasure of speaking with Alan Wilson, a Mechanical Technology Associate who works at The Dow Chemical Company in Houston, Texas.

America's premier networking event for pump experts returns!

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 11 August 2017

Pump Engineer is pleased to present the second Pump Summit Americas Conference & Exhibition, which will take place on June 25th and 26th, 2018 in Houston, Texas.

Emerging pump opportunities in combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plants

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 01 August 2017

The thermal electric-power generation market is approaching a favorable inflection point that holds the promise of significant opportunities for pump suppliers over the next several years, at least. The drivers behind these opportunities relate, in general, to the rising attractiveness of natural gas as a primary fuel, and in particular, to the rising attractiveness of combined cycle gas turbine power plants.

Packings for pumps: The myth of high friction!

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 24 July 2017

Compression packings have tended to suffer from the image of an old fashioned technology not really suited to modern industrial processes and, in the case of rotating equipment, largely superseded by mechanical seals. In particular, it is widely believed that packings are inefficient in terms of energy consumption due to high frictional losses.

Bringing ideas to life with practical experience: An interview with a newly qualified Rotating Equipment Engineer at Phillips 66

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 17 July 2017

Pump Engineer was delighted to speak with Christa Hagedorn, a relatively new Rotating Equipment Engineer to the refining industry. Christa discusses her role at Phillips 66, her views on the benefits of practical work experience, as well as highlighting the long-term advantages to businesses in investing in newly qualified engineers.

The seal is the key: Prerequisites, requirements and intrinsically safe solutions

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 11 July 2017

The functional principle of centrifugal pumps is based on hydraulics with an impeller and casing, as well as a seal and bearing unit. The task of the sealing system is to seal off the rotating shaft against the surrounding environment. Depending on the type of application, various sealing systems are in use for centrifugal pumps. The influence of the type of seal on the performance of the pump should not be underestimated.

Pump technology: Demand in Asian region is booming

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 04 July 2017

In addition to the national B2B segment, relationships with partners in foreign countries have become increasingly important for many companies. An increase in globalization is one of the main reasons why regional economic areas are aiming to expand into the international market.

Solving problems ahead of time: An interview with Henri Azibert

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 08 June 2017

Pump Engineer interviewed Henri Azibert, Innovation and Technology Consultant and Technical Director of the Fluid Sealing Association (FSA).

Industry Outlook: Can you stand the rain?

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 25 May 2017

Andre Gafford discusses the change in oil and gas prices, and outlines some of the contributing factors for this positive upturn.

Implementing effective and robust resolutions for rotating equipment applications in the oil & gas industry

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 16 May 2017

Ditch the silos and optimize the supply chain [Part 2 of 3]

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 09 May 2017

For pump suppliers and the broader manufacturing sector, 2017 could be a stellar year for improving efficiencies and reducing costs. The reason? Supply chain optimization.

How knowledge assists with maintaining safety and reliability in oil & gas operations

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 02 May 2017

Industry Outlook: Pushing the Slurry!!

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 17 April 2017

What’s part liquid and part solid and can restrict flow or speed it up? If you answered “slurry” you would be absolutely correct. A slurry is a combination of separated solids and liquids such as mud and cement. They are used as a medium to transport as much solids as possible, hydraulically.

The SSPMA: Representing sump and sewage pump manufacturers since 1956

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 11 April 2017

The Sump and Sewage Pump Manufacturers Association (SSPMA) was formed in 1956, and since then it has continued to represent manufacturers of sump, effluent and sewage pumps, as well as component and accessory suppliers.

The dynamic role of an Equipment Engineer for Magellan Midstream Partners

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 04 April 2017

Pump Engineer got in contact with Brian McBroom, an Equipment Engineer for Magellan Midstream Partners, where he discussed his role within the company, his dealings with pumps and why he thinks his profession is an ideal one in the current oil & gas downturn.

Choosing submersible versus dry slurry pumps

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 27 March 2017

Slurry pumps are used to move mixtures of liquid and solids in many applications including mine drainage, the dredging of lagoons and the pumping of drilling mud. Generally, there are two types of slurry pumps that can be installed: dry or submersible.

Q&A: Sealing solutions for centrifugal pumps

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 21 March 2017

This article addresses common questions and challenges faced in sealing centrifugal pumps.

Safeguard your business success with the power of real-time data [Part 1 of 3]

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 14 March 2017

Manufacturers and distributors in the pump industry are not exempt from the reach of rapidly advancing technology. Those who hesitate to invest in and implement a robust IT infrastructure and sound data practices will eventually be left to watch as the competition passes by.

Improving pump reliability and avoiding early failures: An interview with Glenn Rogers

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 07 March 2017

Pump Engineer connected with Glenn Rogers, a Pump Specialist and Consultant who is based in Perth, Australia. Glenn discusses his vast knowledge of pumps, his experiences working as a consultant and the success of his training courses.

Reliability best practices for rotary positive displacement pump users

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 28 February 2017

If you’re responsible for any process using rotary positive displacement (PD) pumps, and if you’re interested in maximizing reliability, then read on. Pumping principles within this category include internal gear, external gear, vane, progressive cavity (PC), three-screw, peristaltic and timed-rotor pumps including lobe, circumferential piston and twin screw, plus a few lesser known variants.

A day in the life of a Burns & McDonnell intern

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 21 February 2017

Young engineers are the future of the industry. Without them, huge gaps in knowledge appear between generations. Pump Engineer spoke with Andrew Schulz, who interned at the engineering, architecture, construction, environmental and consulting firm, Burns & McDonnell, to get a sneak peek into his day-to-day intern life.

A practical guide to managing pipe stresses and nozzle loading by utilizing rubber expansion joints

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 14 February 2017

Pump engineers are justifiably concerned about the damaging effects of high nozzle loading. They are quick to point out that excessive loading will cause internal clearance issues and, in some cases, cracking to the pump casing. Unfortunately, this concern is often, and incorrectly, associated with rubber expansion joints based on their flexibility and an unacceptable pressure thrust force they could impose.

Q & A: Sealing Solutions

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 07 February 2017

This article addresses common questions and challenges faced in sealing centrifugal pumps. Readers are encouraged to submit questions for consideration in future print editions of Pump Engineer magazine.

The Battle Against Plagiarism

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 31 January 2017

Counterfeit products of poor quality can cause financial damages, as well as reputational damages, which is often impossible to estimate. Alexander Leisten and Christian Kruse, who both work with Wilo SE, outline the most efficient methods of tackling this situation: the use of property rights – like patents – as well as proper and secure distribution channels.

Monitoring changes & eliminating risks at the Debottlenecking Project in the Shell Scotford Refinery

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 24 January 2017

Pump Engineer was lucky enough to speak with Rotating Equipment Engineer, Diego Gomez, about his role within the Debottlenecking Project at the Shell Scotford Refinery, located in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada.

Rotary Gear Pumps: Chemical feed water treatment applications at nuclear power plants

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 17 January 2017

Huge quantities of water are used in nuclear power plants for a variety of operations. As such, there are a number of chemical processes that the water has to go through before it can be released back into the environment. When it comes to water treatment applications, small rotary gear pumps can be used as a means of improving performance rates, maintenance and costs.

Challenges for pump design and specification in low temperature environments

Posted by Deirdre Morgan | 21 December 2016

With the oil & gas projects moving more and more to severe environmental site conditions, the rotating equipment specialist is facing multiple and complex challenges to ensure safe and reliable operation using centrifugal pumps.

New UAE Fire Code to fight counterfeits, improve safety

Posted by Joanne McIntyre | 08 November 2016

The Steel Alliance Against Counterfeiting (SAAC)– an industry initiative of global steel product manufacturers committed to fighting against counterfeit steel products - has pledged its support for more stringent regulations controlling the use of key building materials in the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice 2016.

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