Facility Spotlight: HydroTex Dynamics

HydroTex Dynamics was founded in 1979 to meet a growing need for aftermarket service in the Houston area. By focusing on quality workmanship and cultivating strong relationships with customers, HydroTex Dynamics has become recognized as a premiere service location not only in the Houston area, but across the US. As an independent, they have expertise across OEMs and applications, with a strong focus on the power market and high-energy multistage pumps. The experience base and library of upgrades they have built support customers in increasing the reliability and life of critical equipment.

One of the key milestones in HydroTex Dynamics’ development was the time spent with Dr. Elemer Makay in the late 1980s and early 1990s perfecting the radial gap modifications (commonly known as A Gap, B Gap, and C Gap) on multistage diffuser-style pumps. Dr. Makay was a pioneer in battling impact loading and discharge recirculation in multistage pumps, failure modes that had historically caused high vibration, premature wear, and shaft failures for this equipment. He partnered with Jim Shaffer, founding partner of HydroTex Dynamics, in applying modifications that would combat these failure modes to drastically improve mean-time-between-repairs.

The radial gap modifications were applied to high energy boiler feed pumps across several Texas utilities with great success and are now regarded as a standard design for new boiler feed pumps. HydroTex Dynamics’ experience working with Dr. Makay on this modification provided them not only with an important understanding of factors that affect pump reliability, it also inspired a culture that paid attention to the many small details that add up to a smoothly running piece of equipment. This understanding has driven the service center’s high standards, including strict tolerances for critical geometries and balance, best-in-class assembly procedures, including a pit for assembling multi-stage pumps vertically, and an in-depth dimensional analysis that is the crucial first step in establishing axial centerline compatibility of every impeller within its respective diffuser.

Under the leadership of HydroTex Dynamics’ VP, Pete Erickson, they have continued to build upon this foundation by investing in advanced tooling, developing experienced shop talent, establishing a responsive field service unit, and fostering deep customer relationships grounded in trust and transparency. In 1995, they purchased the Pacific BFI line of BB5 pumps for North America, adding to their experience base in high energy, multistage pumps. They have on-site capability to perform 5-axis machining and can supply milled vane impellers with an industry leading turnaround time. While not currently certified, they are ISO compliant and follow all ISO practices.

One of the greatest strengths of HydroTex Dynamics is its people. The majority of workers in the shop have been with HydroTex between 15 and 30 years. Their hard-won experience and commitment to excellence is a cornerstone of the superior reputation that the shop has earned. By prioritizing communication and understanding each customer’s needs, HydroTex Dynamics delivers on their promise to provide one source of total support to pump users.

Contact us to learn more about HydroTex Dynamics or explore our global network.

Capability Spotlight: Verify Pump Performance

Performance testing in a controlled environment is an important tool for pump designers and users alike. Understanding how the pump will react hydraulically and mechanically throughout the full range of operation enables improved equipment reliability, optimized efficiency, and reduced operating and maintenance costs.

In the aftermarket, performance testing helps equipment owners:

  • Identify discrepancies between actual and expected performance before equipment is returned to the field
  • Validate acceptable mechanical performance of critical equipment post-repair- before significant damage occurs
  • Confirm effectiveness of hydraulic modifications by validating that theoretical performance is accurate and repeatable

To support end users in understanding equipment health and performance, Hydro built its Certified Performance Test Lab at the HydroAire 40th Street service center in Chicago. Our test lab was the first to be certified by the Hydraulic Institute’s Pump Test Lab Approval Program, and all testing is completed in accordance with Hydraulic Institute (HI) 14.6/40.6 and/or API 610, ASME, or ISO, as relevant.

Hydro’s test lab is tailored to the demands of the aftermarket, focusing on flexibility and data transparency. Instead of moving the piping to the pump, Hydro’s Test Lab moves the pump to the piping:

  • A 36’x20’ baseplate allows for quick and customized installation
  • A multitude of piping inlets/outlets suitable for a wide range of nozzle sizes
  • Accommodates hundreds of different pump configurations
  • Allows multiple pumps to be staged for testing simultaneously

This flexible configuration enables Hydro to set the standard for turnaround times on aftermarket testing. In addition to common offerings such as hydraulic performance, mechanical performance, NPSH, endurance, and critical speed testing, Hydro has performed custom testing configurations to help end users understand specific problems. This is illustrated in the Test Lab’s inaugural test, which was a series of tests for a nuclear safety-related service to help an end user prove to the NRC that this service was capable of handling transient air voids in the system.

Learn more about Hydro’s Certified Performance Test Lab or contact us to schedule a pump test.

Podcast: Picture Pump Efficiency in Terms of Trees and Cars

When it comes to pumping systems, efficiency must be viewed in terms of measurable savings taken as a whole-system approach. Organizational buy-in and leadership support are crucial.

Tune in to Dr. Gary Dyson’s recent conversation with editor Traci Purdum on the Chemical Processing Distilled podcast where he helps us understand how best to achieve efficiency and how pump users can update their thinking when approaching the subject.

Read Chemical Processing’s Industry Perspective or listen to the podcast.

 

Pump System Optimization Guide

By some industry estimates, the average pump in an industrial production facility is operating at less than 40% efficiency, and 85% of pumps are not optimized to their system. This subpar performance translates to real money lost in the form of higher energy costs and premature wear and tear on overstressed valves. This excess stress on system components can lead to shorter mean time between repairs, higher maintenance costs and more unplanned downtime.

To learn expert insights on optimizing your pump system for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness, download the Pump System Optimization ebook that Hydro co-sponsored with Plant Services magazine.

 

Capability Spotlight: Utilize On-Site Expertise

In the intricate world of industrial operations, pumps play a pivotal role. When a pump fails, it can disrupt entire production lines, leading to significant financial losses and safety hazards. Regardless of the quality of equipment construction or refurbishment, a proper field installation is critical to ensure reliable performance and achieve maximum life.

Unfortunately, the industrial sector is currently facing a significant challenge: the retirement of a large cohort of experienced workers. This exodus has created a skills gap, particularly in areas like field service. The expertise and knowledge these seasoned professionals possess are invaluable, and their absence can leave companies vulnerable.

That’s why partnering with a skilled and experienced field service team is critical.

Hydro’s field service technicians and technical field advisors (TFA) are highly knowledgeable professionals with experience over a wide range of pump applications, manufacturers, and models.  This experience is a critical factor in ensuring that field projects are performed effectively:

  • Hydro’s technicians are pump subject matter experts and have an extensive understanding of pump systems, their components, and common issues. This knowledge allows them to diagnose problems quickly and accurately.
  • Experience has provided our field service technicians with the ability to think quickly on their feet and develop exceptional problem-solving skills. They can handle unexpected challenges, devise creative solutions, and minimize downtime.
  • Experienced technicians are more efficient at their tasks. They know the best practices, processes, and tools to use, resulting in faster turnaround times without compromising the accuracy or quality of the field activity.

At Hydro, our on-site services team is comprised of subject matter experts in their field. Their knowledge across OEMs and industries is combined with Hydro’s extensive library historical data and global engineering support. It is also augmented by our field engineering division, which provides on-site performance and mechanical testing and troubleshooting. This powerful combination allows us to provide tailored solutions for your pump problems, enhance your reliability, and reduce your pump-related operating and maintenance costs.

Meet Hydro’s Technical Field Advisors:


Our Field Service Offerings

Hydro’s comprehensive field service offerings include:

  • Installation and start-up
  • Field machining and onsite welding
  • Turnkey services
  • Project management
  • Vibration analysis
  • Laser alignment
  • Pump system troubleshooting
  • Field engineering
  • Emergency field response
  • Hands-on training

Read more about how Hydro’s On-Site Services team has supported end user’s in the field with this case study from the Nuclear Power industry.

Contact us to discuss scheduling on-site support.