Sofronas, A.
Tony Sofronas, D. Eng, was the worldwide lead mechanical engineer for ExxonMobil Chemicals before retiring. He now owns Engineered Products, which provides consulting and engineering seminars on machinery and pressure vessels. Dr. Sofronas has authored two engineering books and numerous technical articles on analytical methods.
Engineering Case Histories: Case 90: Precautions when working near equipment
Most machines and pressure vessels are designed with safety in mind, but they can release large amounts of energy if not constructed, maintained or operated correctly.
Engineering Case Histories: Case 89: Cracking of welds due to weld fatigue
Pressure vessels, piping and fabricated structures adhering to recognized welding codes rarely fail in static loading, unless they are damaged or severely overloaded.
Engineering Case Histories: Case 88: Normal operating loads do not usually cause failures
Equipment of all types are designed for normal operating conditions, usually with some margin for unknowns.
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 87: How an engineering consultant can help your company
While engineering consultants are available for a wide range of client requirements, such as developing or reviewing specifications for new equipment, this article is only concerned with analyzing equipment failures.
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 86: Causes of auger feeder screw failures
What is an auger feed screw? Feed screws are used to transport granules and other products by pushing or pulling the product along.
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 85: Learnings on hydraulically fitted hubs
Hubs connect one piece of machinery to another, usually with some flexible coupling between them. Installers have only limited time to work with the hot hub. When incorrectly positioned, it may have to be removed, which has the potential of damaging the shaft end.
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 84: Remaining service life of plant equipment can be determined
For new plant machines and equipment, the life expectancy is determined by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). Yet, different analysis techniques are often required in a failure analysis. In a ..
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 83: What are useful questions to ask before starting a vibration analysis?
Periodically, this author receives questions from readers throughout the world addressing what performance issues could be wrong with a centrifugal compressor that is vibrating. Note: It is impossible..
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 82: Be cautious when purchasing ‘first of kind’ equipment
What is the definition of “first of kind” when discussing equipment and products? The definition used in this editorial is the “first built for your company,” and it can often have..
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 81: Is consulting a possible second career for you?
Often, engineers consider becoming consultants as a second career path. This was certainly true for this author, and it occurred early during his career. Equally important, his career turned out well,..
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