An Engineered Battle Against Cavitation

The pump after upgrades and repair now has an impeller that operates at run-out flow condition safely and as per design.

A power station’s cooling water pumps were constantly being repaired, costing the plant millions of dollars in costs and service time due to the severe operational disruption and logistics required to remove and transport such large equipment. Previous attempts made by the station to improve the reliability of the impellers through upgraded material selections had little impact on reliability.

It was clear that something had to change as the station’s pump reliability was now a major financial focus. The many vane cracks, cavitation and broken vane sections that were weld-repaired during inspections throughout the pumps’ life cycles prompted the station to investigate a more permanent solution to the issue.

During the last repair, the reliability engineer inspected the impellers and found the cavitation was similar to those reported during prior repairs. An engineering repair company that specializes in fluid dynamics was asked to investigate the root cause of the continuing pump issues. The team conducted an investigation on the system layout and operation parameters.

The results of the forensic analysis showed that the impeller blades were suffering cavitation to the low-pressure side of the vanes. Additionally, the cavitation and cracked vanes toward the eye also indicated that the sizing of the inlet and its associated blade angles may be active factors in the repeated failures.

Source: https://www.pumpsandsystems.com/engineered-battle-against-cavitation

a man wearing a suit and tie

George Harris Rewarded Lifetime Achievement Award From the West Central Association

The West Central Association recently invited George Harris, President and CEO of Hydro, Inc., to be a guest speaker for their 100th anniversary.

The WCA is the Chamber of Commerce for the West Central Area. They are also a delegate agency for Chicago’s Department of Planning and Economic Development. They promote the area to encourage healthy business and a growing community.

George Harris also received an award in recognition of his contributions to the community and to the development of businesses and networking within Chicago’s West Central Area.

George has always been one of the key pillars of the community. He has lived and worked within the city of Chicago all his life and graduating from the University of Illinois with a degree in Engineering. The association was pleased to celebrate the growth of Hydro.

Though it started as a small locally based business, it is now a global company with 19 locations worldwide. Congratulations, George, on an award well deserved!

A Powerful Partnership for Obsolete and Troublesome Oil Pumps

Two trusted names in the industry have formed a powerful partnership for supporting diesel fuel and lube oil pumps. Leistritz, a global leader in the manufacturing of specialized screw pumps and technologies, has formed a powerful partnership in defeating obsolescence with Hydro.

Due to the age of pumps in the industry today, many become obsolete and unsupported by their manufacturers, while still actively in service. This poses safety issues. Through engineering and integrated manufacturing, Hydro can now meet your needs quickly, without any changes to your system. Quality assurance backed by ASME III and Z299 certifications.

Source: nuclearplantjournal.com

HydroTex Deer Park Service Center Relocating to La Porte, TX

The new 33,000 square building in La Porte, Texas.

HydroTex, a subsidiary of Hydro, Inc., announces the move of its Deer Park operation to a new 33,000 square foot building in La Porte, TX.

The new service center will offer expanded capacity for analysis, engineering, rebuilding and repair services for pump systems and rotating equipment as well as climate controlled storage of pumps and parts.

Located near the busy Houston Ship Channel, the new facility is ideally situated to serve the needs of surrounding industries using pumping equipment of any capacity. To learn more about the new facility or to schedule a shop visit, please contact HydroTex.

 

Source: pumpsandsystems.com

Landmark contract signed between Oman’s PDO and Hydro Inc.

Hydro Middle East has a state-of-the-art manufacturing and service facility for comprehensive pump maintenance and rebuilding needs.

Hydro Middle East Inc. will provide aftermarket support for maintenance, rebuilds, retrofits, upgrades, re-rates, provide engineering support, conduct field service, and manufacture spare parts for PDO‘s entire centrifugal pump portfolio. Hydro Middle East has a state-of-the-art manufacturing and service facility for comprehensive pump maintenance and rebuilding needs.

Last year, Hydro Middle East and its agent Global Pavilion LLC were awarded a major 10 year contract by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), the leading exploration and production company in Oman which is majority owned by the Government of Oman with Royal Dutch Shell, Total and Partex being the minority shareholders.

Hydro Middle East, the Dubai branch of Hydro Inc. group of companies having worldwide operations and headquartered in Chicago USA, has entered into a contract with PDO. With this contract, Hydro Middle East and its local partner Global Pavilion LLC will be responsible for a complete range of pump aftermarket services for both PDO’s high and low energy centrifugal pumps. In addition to the vital expertise that Hydro Middle East will provide to PDO, this contract also serves and supports the government’s initiatives to train young Omani engineers and utilize local resources within PDO local facilities.

Thomas Arakal, managing director of Hydro Middle East, noted that prior to Hydro’s arrival in the region, a need for high-level niche aftermarket engineering was not being served to industry here. “Hydro’s considerable engineering capabilities, along with ready and affordable access to our pool of experienced aftermarket engineers from our worldwide locations allow us to offer quick turnaround.”

George Harris, CEO of Hydro Inc. added, “With this new contract, Hydro looks forward to serving PDO’s needs while making an impact on young engineers in the region and helping to spread cutting-edge pump-engineering technology to this crucial region of the world.”

Hydro Middle East was established in Dubai’s National Industries Park with a state-of-the-art manufacturing and service facility for comprehensive pump maintenance and rebuilding needs. They are also licensed by American Petroleum Institute for drilling services (manufacture, service, testing, inspection of well control, pressure control and rig and drilling equipment, onshore and offshore).

Hydro has carved out a niche as the premier engineering and solutions based company for the oil and gas, power utility, nuclear, desalination, mining and petrochemical industries in the region.

Source: oilreviewmiddleeast.com