Mechanical Equipment: Compressors, Pumps, Seals, Motors & Variable-Speed Drives

Introduction:

Mechanical equipment such as compressors, pumps, seals, motors, and variable-speed drives form the backbone of industrial operations. Understanding their design, operation, and maintenance is crucial to ensuring system reliability, operational efficiency, and minimizing downtime.

In line with this need, Seattle International Institute for Training offers an in-depth training program focusing on the technical aspects and operational best practices of key mechanical equipment.

This course equips participants with practical knowledge and skills to optimize equipment performance, troubleshoot problems, and implement preventive maintenance programs effectively.

Objectives:  

Participants in this course will learn to:

• Understand the operating principles and applications of compressors, pumps, seals, motors, and drives.
• Develop skills in equipment selection, operation, and troubleshooting.
• Learn best practices for maintenance and performance optimization.
• Identify common failure modes and prevention techniques.
• Strengthen knowledge of variable-speed drives and energy efficiency improvements.

Target Audience:

This course is ideal for:

• Mechanical engineers and maintenance engineers.
• Plant and facility maintenance managers.
• Technical staff responsible for equipment operation.
• Reliability and asset management professionals.
• Anyone involved in the selection, operation, or maintenance of industrial mechanical equipment.

Course Outline:

Day 1: Overview of Mechanical Equipment 

Ø  Introduction to industrial mechanical systems.

Ø  Key functions of compressors, pumps, seals, motors, and drives.

Ø  Equipment classifications and selection criteria.

Ø  Fundamental concepts of fluid mechanics and dynamics.

Ø  Safety considerations when operating mechanical equipment.

Day 2: Compressors and Their Applications

Ø  Types of compressors (centrifugal, reciprocating, screw).

Ø  Compressor performance curves and selection.

Ø  Operational challenges and troubleshooting methods.

Ø  Maintenance strategies for optimal compressor performance.

Ø  Case study: Diagnosing compressor inefficiencies.

Day 3: Pumps and Seals

Ø  Overview of pump types (centrifugal, positive displacement).

Ø  Pump performance and selection guidelines.

Ø  Common issues such as cavitation and vibration.

Ø  Mechanical seals: types, functions, and failure analysis.

Ø  Best practices for pump and seal maintenance.

Day 4: Motors and Variable-Speed Drives (VSDs)

Ø  Principles of electric motors (AC/DC).

Ø  Motor efficiency, protection, and maintenance.

Ø  Introduction to variable-speed drives.

Ø  Benefits of VSDs for energy savings and process control.

Ø  Troubleshooting motor and VSD problems.

Day 5: System Integration, Troubleshooting, and Reliability

Ø  Preparing financial reports for strategic decision-making.

Ø  Communicating financial performance to stakeholders.

Ø  Linking financial reporting to strategic outcomes.

Ø  Learning from strategic successes and failures.

Ø  Final group project: developing a financial implementation plan for a strategic initiative.