Summary of consulting services offered:
Objective, independent engineering consulting services specializing in rotodynamic (centrifugal, mixed flow and axial flow) pumping equipment.
Evaluation of essential pump selection parameters including overall mechanical configuration and arrangement, staging, drive train and driver type, rotative speed, net positive suction head, nozzle orientation, materials of construction, shafting, thrust compensation, couplings, bearings, seals, etc.
Evaluation of pump and system performance including:
- system total head versus rate of flow
- head versus flow (H-Q) curve slope
- H-Q stability of single and multiple pump operation
- pump minimum flow
- viscous effects
- effects of wear and parasitic losses
- input power
- efficiency
- net positive suction head (NPSH) available and required
- minimum submergence and vortexing countermeasures
Review/evaluation of reverse flow, reverse speed, locked or free rotor modes of operation
Pumping system optimization
Assessment of equipment foundations, baseplates, mounting, installation and alignment
Review of piping and nozzle loads
Assessment of component cavitation erosion and impeller life
Review of pump inlet piping and open pit intake settings
Development or review of:
- technical specifications
- installation and alignment procedures
- operation and maintenance procedures
Design evaluation for pump repairs, revamps, and re-rates
Product design and product development
Design review, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and value engineering (VE)
Troubleshoot pump problems
Custom tailored pump training courses
Randal delivers customized training sessions for engineers at a large manufacturing company
Inspect components, processes and unit assembly
Witness shop tests and field performance tests
Evaluation of pump test piping, control valves, hardware fixtures, and instrumentation
Selection and evaluation of hydraulic power recovery turbines, liquid expanders, and small hydro units
Expert witness