News

Centaur: Flexible Connectivity, Secure Data

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Every plant is different. Some need the convenience of cloud access. Others demand the security of keeping data on-site. With Centaur, you don’t have to choose.

Cloud Deployment – Simple & Accessible

  • Cellular or Wi-Fi/Ethernet communication
  • No maintenance: Hydro handles all updates
  • Access data anywhere, anytime
  • Quick setup for fast deployment
  • Multiple backup redundancies for security
  • Seamless integration with PI, CMMS, System 1

On-Premises Deployment – Secure & Controlled

  • Local PC or server keeps data fully on-site
  • Full dashboards and tools without external exposure
  • Controlled outside access via “digital escorts” or .csv exports
  • Integration with enterprise platforms (PI, CMMS, System 1)

Complete Monitoring Ecosystem

  • Vibration & temperature sensors (single & tri-axial)
  • Pressure transducers
  • Wired submersible accelerometers
  • Battery-powered transmitters
  • Gateways (110/220VAC or battery powered)

With Centaur, you get continuous live data, expert reports, and 24/7 oversight from Hydro’s dedicated Monitoring Room.

The Bottom Line

Cloud or on-premises — Centaur adapts to your needs.
You get secure, reliable data flow that fits your environment, your compliance standards, and your operations.

See Centaur in action
Get a 15-minute consult to map the best data path for your site (cloud, on-prem, or hybrid) and walk through deployment, security, and integrations. Schedule a demo here.

Explore real-world results
Read Centaur case studies featuring advanced vibration analysis and measurable reliability gains here.

Join Our Lecture | 2025 Turbo Pump Symposia

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Hydro is proud to be presenting again at the 2025 Turbo Pump Symposia in Houston, TX! Join presenters Dr. Gary Dyson and Freddy Cardenas Linero as they discuss a case study where advanced engineering was used to dramatically increase flow of a shipping pump in an oil and gas terminal facility.

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 | 2:00 – 2:45pm | Room 370A

Centrifugal pumps are critical to fluid handling systems, but as operational demands evolve, optimizing performance becomes essential. This lecture will present a successful hydraulic re-rate of a propane shipping pump (P-1010) at Phoenix Park Gas Processors’ Hull facility in Texas, aiming to double railcar loading capacity without major system modifications. Instead of replacing the pump, a process requiring over 40 weeks of lead time and costly infrastructure changes, the project used a duplicate unit sourced from the aftermarket. It was reverse engineered, hydraulically redesigned, and optimized using CFD simulations to shift the Best Efficiency Point from 350 GPM to 800 GPM while reducing head by 60%.

The study highlights the importance of combining CFD analysis with mechanical evaluation to ensure reliable performance. It outlines a structured methodology from feasibility assessment to installation, including modeling, manufacturing, quality control, and commissioning. This project demonstrates how a targeted hydraulic re-rate can extend equipment life, increase throughput, and reduce energy use and capital costs, all while maintaining existing mechanical and system constraints.

Find out more about this year’s Turbo Pump Symposia here.

Learn more about Hydro’s Engineering Services.

 

Case Study- Cold-Weather Vibration Patterns Reveal Hidden Machine Dynamics Through Long-Term Monitoring

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Seasonal environmental changes can significantly impact pump and motor behavior—sometimes in ways that aren’t immediately obvious. In this recent case, Hydro’s Centaur IIoT monitoring platform continuously tracked vibration data on a vertically mounted pump-motor system operating in a cold climate region.

While the system showed no overt performance issues, long-term data revealed that motor vibration amplitudes consistently increased 150–200% during colder months. Frequency analysis identified discrete peaks linked to transient cavitation events and turbulence, particularly on the pump and recirculation line.

Thanks to Centaur’s high-resolution, 24/7 monitoring, the issue was diagnosed without unnecessary shutdowns or false alarms. The facility team was able to schedule targeted inspections and maintenance during routine downtime, safeguarding equipment health and avoiding costly interruptions.

This case highlights how continuous condition monitoring delivers insights that periodic manual checks might miss—especially in environments with fluctuating ambient conditions.

Read the full case study here.

Read more Centaur case studies highlighting advanced vibration analysis and real world results here.

Empowering Pumps Maintenance & Reliability Summit

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Hydro was proud to participate in this year’s Empowering Pumps‘ virtual Maintenance & Reliability Summit. This year’s summit brought together industry experts for a powerful conversation about today’s maintenance challenges.

The summit featured prominent voices including Hydro’s Greg Bell, who strives to be a solutions provider while bringing the end user perspective to the aftermarket business through his years of experience at Gulf/Chevron.

The discussion, led by Empowering Pumps & Equipment President, Vince Marino, revealed critical challenges that maintenance organizations face across industries, particularly the widespread issue of understaffed crews and the loss of experienced personnel. Participants explored how legacy equipment, built decades ago, continues to operate under conditions far different from their original design parameters, requiring innovative engineering solutions rather than simple replacements. They also shared compelling examples of how proper application knowledge and proactive maintenance cultures can prevent costly downtime and extend equipment life.

You can watch this year’s summit here:

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Learn more about Empowering Pumps and Equipment here.

Read more about Hydro’s case studies in performance and reliability improvement on our blog.

Podcast- Mastering Advanced Vibration Techniques: From Modal Analysis to Motion Amplification

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Hydro’s Glen Powell joined Plant Services’ chief editor Tom Wilk to talk about the evolving challenges of workforce development in the maintenance and reliability space. The conversation also touches on the role of emerging technologies like AI in reliability workflows and dives deep into vibration analysis, including its limitations and advanced applications for diagnosing issues like resonance.

Key Takeaways

  • Formal training alone isn’t enough—intentional, hands-on experience accelerates workforce readiness.
  • Bridging generational gaps requires clear career paths and trust in leadership follow-through.
  • AI tools should support, not replace, critical thinking and field expertise on the plant floor.
  • Modal analysis and motion amplification are powerful tools to diagnose and fix elusive resonance issues in aging equipment.

You can listen to the podcast below or browse all of Plant Services’ Great Question podcasts here.

Want to expand your knowledge? Explore Plant Services magazine or read our case studies focused on Hydro’s work in troubleshooting and vibration analysis.