A collection of observations and information from 50 years of engineering experience

Articles

inline-impellers

Multi-stage pump in-line (tandem) versus oppose...

Randal Ferman

Common to early twentieth century multi-stage rotodynamic (centrifugal) pumps were design features for minimizing axial thrust. At that time the thrust bearings available had limited load carrying capability. Design solutions...

Multi-stage pump in-line (tandem) versus oppose...

Randal Ferman

Common to early twentieth century multi-stage rotodynamic (centrifugal) pumps were design features for minimizing axial thrust. At that time the thrust bearings available had limited load carrying capability. Design solutions...

Turbine Driven Mainline Pump - photo credit Randal Ferman

The ideal pump

Randal Ferman

Consider a pump that functions reliably under all possible operating conditions, no matter how abusive, including complete loss of prime or dead heading. Imagine this pump converts all of its...

4 comments

The ideal pump

Randal Ferman

Consider a pump that functions reliably under all possible operating conditions, no matter how abusive, including complete loss of prime or dead heading. Imagine this pump converts all of its...

4 comments
Storm Drain

Storm drain – what happens when the power goes out

Randal Ferman

During heavy rains earlier this week a City of Long Beach storm water drainage pump was temporarily inoperable due to a power outage. This occurred during a peak storm period...

2 comments

Storm drain – what happens when the power goes out

Randal Ferman

During heavy rains earlier this week a City of Long Beach storm water drainage pump was temporarily inoperable due to a power outage. This occurred during a peak storm period...

2 comments