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Hydro University Offerings

Introducing: Hydro University

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Hydro, Inc., the largest independent pump rebuilder in the world, announces Hydro University. 

With over 50 years of experience repairing, rebuilding, and optimizing pumps from all OEMs, Hydro’s team is uniquely qualified to teach and engage the next generation of industrial pump users. Hydro University is a focused resource for providing hands-on, industrial knowledge and applicable pump knowledge to optimize industrial operations and reduce maintenance costs.

“Hydro University is a truly unique offering,” says George Harris, owner and founder of Hydro, Inc. “Hydro has always been a leader in pump repair and pump health. We’re in a digital world now, and e-learning is aligned to 21st-century business. Hydro University lets us use new technologies to share practical knowledge on pump design, efficiency, and reliability. Digital learning through Hydro University is convenient, flexible, interactive, and serves many different learning styles,” Harris adds.

Mike Mancini, Hydro President of Total Solutions and Hydro University trainer, believes that the enhanced graphics make a significant difference in pump learning. “Hydro University uses 3D modeling for pumps in our training. We take you directly inside a pump and show you each element and how its performance affects efficiency, optimization, and energy savings,” Mancini shares. “Knowledge and experience in these areas help you improve your pump performance and reduce maintenance costs,” Mancini shares.

“Pumps are complex equipment, and the proper care of a pump will keep your line running and can even optimize energy efficiency for your overall operation,” states Bob Jennings, Hydro University Trainer and Hydro, Inc. Manager of Energy Upgrades. “At Hydro University, we are teaching about best efficiency points, vibration analysis, affinity laws’ use for system changes, and pump design configurations,” Jennings states.

Hydro University will offer webinars, e-learning courses, seminars, and applied knowledge. On-line classes are available both live and on-demand. Training programs are designed for individuals seeking to expand their knowledge or skills and for companies looking to educate/train groups of employees. Some classes offer certificates for Personal Development Hours and Continuing Education credits. When safe to do so again, Hydro University will offer in-person training programs.

Pump Fundamentals (for Technicians and for Engineers), Introduction to Shaft Alignment, Generic Failure Modes, Inspection Guidelines, and Vibration Fundamentals are a few of the e-learning courses available today. Available webinar topics include NPSH, Pump Curves/Operate at BEP, Basic Pump Design, Introduction to Vibration Concepts, and Pump Testing. Hydro University program offerings are quickly expanding, including the availability of programs tailored to specific customer needs.

For more information visit hydromiddleeast.hydroinc.com/hydro-university or contact Hydro University here.

diagram, engineering drawing

Wireless Sensor Data Integration Into Existing Plant Historian

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A large American energy company wanted a new data collection system to be integrated into its site historian along with process trending software to better diagnose system-related issues that can lead to maintenance issues.

Thanks to the help of an aftermarket service company, the energy company combined multiple sources of data and can now view complex mechanical vibration phenomena in parallel with plant process data. By comparing the two sets of data side by side, plant personnel will correlate process conditions with mechanical vibration data.

The service provider’s history of pump and rotating equipment knowledge helped to provide actionable analysis of pumps and other rotating equipment health—and a mechanism to provide additional engineering solutions to complex problems. Combined with the energy company’s focus on reliability and a history of maintaining their equipment, this system provided an improved method of data collection and analysis.

Source: https://www.pumpsandsystems.com/wireless-sensor-data-integration-existing-plant-historian

The Hidden Dangers of Shaft Stiffness

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The pump shaft is the central component of the rotating element and is responsible for transmitting energy to the rotating components. The shaft carries the impellers, sleeves and couplings for the rotating element assembly. The stiffness of the combined assembly is responsible for ensuring that the pump stationary components do not come into contact with the rotating components.

Unfortunately, this is not always achieved and many pump rotors cannot be described as classically stiff. This can have dire consequences for machine reliability, particularly if, during the rotor build process, the technicians are not aware of the subtleties of the machine design.

Source: https://www.pumpsandsystems.com/hidden-dangers-shaft-stiffness

Meet Centaur, Hydro’s Wireless Condition Monitoring Solution

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Hydro, Inc. introduces Centaur, its Wireless Condition Monitoring Solution. Centaur provides users with remote monitoring allowing for operators and engineers to observe equipment performance in real-time enabling predictive analytics, vibration monitoring, and temperature readings to optimize critical asset maintenance strategies.

Centaur offers advanced data analysis support, backed by Hydro’s diversified and unbiased pump knowledge base, which spans across a broad spectrum of manufacturers and designs. With highly customized dashboards and automated alarm notifications, Centaur can alert users before a critical asset experiences a failure or previously unforeseen event.

The benefits realized with Hydro’s Wireless Condition Monitoring Solution are:

  • Real-time data – not dependent on the next route cycle
  • High-frequency data collection – no more missed events or issues
  • Increased safety resources available for data analysis – reducing in-field data collection time increases availability for analysis
  • Customizable alerts and alarms give users the assurance to operate their machines without concern
  • Maintenance schedules can be optimized based on machine condition

For over 50 years, Hydro has been providing customers with creative engineering solutions to complex pump problems. Now, Hydro offers 360° support for customers’ rotating machinery with Centaur: Hydro’s Wireless Condition Monitoring Solution.

Do you have concerns regarding your critical asset reliability? Visit https://hydroinc.com/centaur or call 1-800-223-7867 to learn more about Hydro’s suite of services.

How to Diagnose Thrust Pad Failure

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thrust pad failure

Many high-energy multistage machines use thrust compensation devices to limit the amount of axial thrust a bearing must accommodate.

The BB3-style machine (axially split pump) uses its opposed impeller construction to limit thrust, while a BB5 machine (radially split pump) uses a balance drum or disc arrangement to fix the issue.

At the higher end of the pump energy spectrum, despite the use of thrust-limiting devices, there is a need to employ a sleeve tilting pad thrust bearing and lubrication system to handle the axial thrust.

Source: https://www.pumpsandsystems.com/hidden-dangers-shaft-stiffness