Moving Beyond Replication.

Here at Hydro, we use our expertise in pump design to ensure that every part we manufacture is equal to or better than the original. That’s why we engage our engineering team to review every part we create, both in the reverse engineering stage and during an equivalency analysis after final machining. They ensure that all hydraulic geometry is correct and specify manufacturing tolerances that meet Hydro’s industry-leading standards.

Hydro’s reverse engineering workflow includes a variety of innovation and state-of-the-art technology solutions:

  • Hydro has developed our own rigorous process and design control procedures for reverse engineering to provide a competitive and reliable alternative.
  • Portable all-in-one coordinate-measuring machine (CMM) for advanced laser scanning of intricate components
  • Sophisticated 3D modeling and deviation analysis software capabilities
  • Proprietary engineering standards in conjunction with industry standards and design control processes
  • Integrated manufacturing process via Hydro Parts Solutions provides component repeatability with a high degree of accuracy and supports emergency parts requirements

Comprehensive Design Analysis

A part provided by Hydro is often better than the original. Design flaws are identified and corrected, tolerances are specified to higher standards, and modeling technology is used to minimize the possibility of casting defects. ​ All reverse engineered components go through a rigorous equivalency analysis (validation that components are identical to that of the original) to identify any divergence between the original scanned component and the manufactured part.​

  • In addition to being supplied with parts, a power plant is also typically looking for an organization to support them in the event of any future problems issues arising with a piece of equipment.
  • All reverse engineering efforts are not the same. Laser scanning and 3D printing of metal parts are not enough to achieve adequate component design. There needs to be a strong engineering approach taking all aspects of the design.
  • At Hydro we can ensure the capture of enough information to fully support the plot in dealing with future pump issues.
  • Machines are calibrated on a regular basis
  • Ability to provide on-site support and portability to complex pump projects

Proven Industry Experience

Hydro understands that reverse engineering is more than just scanning parts–it’s the ability to perform a full engineering analysis to ensure that a part adheres to the original intent of form, fit, and function.​ Review of the hydraulic, mechanical, and material characteristics of the component is necessary to avoid incorrect final geometry or failure of the part.

  • Hydro has a strong history in the industry; we have been reverse engineering for thousands of critical pumps for over 30 years.
  • Reverse engineering, laser scanning and 3D metal printing mark the beginning and end of creating new parts
  • HydroAire has reliably supplied pump parts for both safety-related and code services to many nuclear plants nationwide.
  • Hydro is an end-user focused company with the technical capability and in-depth experience to provide optimal solutions for our customers.
  • Creating the final design drawing of a pump component requires engineering guidance and expert decisions
  • Our engineering standards define and control how we obtain relevant application information, materials of construction, and part geometry for components we produce, therefore assuring the proper design and material of the components we provide.

 

Engineering Makes All the Difference

To achieve the best result for our customers, expert engineering is supported by the latest technology and proven process control procedures.

Phase
One
Consultation
Consultation
  1. Review of component history
  2. Analysis of degradation, failure, and other known issues
  3. Discussion on improvements, upgrades, and work scope
Phase
Two
Capturing Critical Dimensions
Capturing Critical Dimensions
  1. Component data is collected using a portable Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) with 7-axis articulation
  2. Both laser scanning and contact probes are used to capture dimensional data.
Phase
Three
Inspection
Inspection
  1. In-depth engineering analysis of component
  2. Forensics and metallurgical examination
Phase
Four
Re-engineering
Re-engineering
  1. Engineering upgrade plan is developed for component
  2. Review of data and tolerances
  3. Final drawings are designed
Phase
Five
3D Model Creation
3D Model Creation
  1. A fully dimensioned solid 3D model is created using the collected data
  2. Hydro’s engineers evaluate any upgrades that could reduce wear and improve reliability. Advanced software, such as CFD or FEA, may be used during the analysis
Phase
Six
Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance
  1. 3D model is created
  2. Deviation analysis is performed on as-found scanned component, overlayed onto re-engineered component
  3. Equivalency analysis is performed to check adherence to original model dimensions
Phase
Seven
Performance Testing
a man standing in front of a building
  1. Where applicable, casted component can be tested in Hydro’s Performance Test Lab

Pump Problems? We've Got This.

At Hydro, it’s about more than quality: It’s about commitment to consistent quality and ensuring that our customers are providing with superior product and optimized mean time between repair for years to come.

Your questions and comments are important to us. Submit a form below, or reach us by phone and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.