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.
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 71: Statistical visual data can be useful in troubleshooting—Part 1
I’ve spent many years troubleshooting equipment, along with investigative research. In research-statistical design, data analysis is frequently used when test information is available. This artic..
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 70: Twenty rules for troubleshooting
In previous Engineering Case History columns, I have discussed checklists and their value in avoiding errors during startups. While the rules cannot replace common sense or a logical and methodical ap..
HP Engineering Case Histories: Case 69: Heat-up rate and rubs on a steam turbine
This column has suggested using simple analytical models to troubleshoot equipment. However, in some cases, a more detailed solution may be required. The following case histories examine the heat up o..
Case 68: Pneumatic testing dangers
Use caution on what defines a true ‘safe distance’
Case 67: Extruder blowback
Understanding what is happening can lead to a solution
Case 66: Fiberglass mixing tank flexing vibration
The design of fiberglass and polymer tanks had many problems in the 1980s. Most of these problems were resolved with experience, new materials and manufacturing techniques, along with new national con..
Case 56: Quick troubleshooting of shaft failures
Some simple calculations can guide the way to improved performance
Case 54: Is it motor vibration or some other cause?
It's not always the motor causing the vibration
Case 53: Electrical faults can cause shaft and gear failures
This technique allows transient torques in geared units to be determined
Case 52: Problems with a blocked-in centrifugal pump
The potential for overheating is one of many concerns
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