Background
BackgroundI grew up in northern Wyoming and received my B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wyoming in 2013. I began working with MD&A in 2014 as a steam turbine field engineer and worked in that role for 6-7 years until moving into vibration analysis. Last year, I received my Professional Engineer license in Machine Design and Materials. I currently reside in Colorado with my wife and dogs.
What do you do here at MD&A? What aspect do you enjoy most about your role at MD&A?
I am the manager of balancing – diagnostic services and oversee MD&A’s vibration analysis and rotor balancing services. Our group performs vibration analysis, machinery diagnostics, and balancing for steam turbines, gas turbines, and rotating equipment. We evaluate operating parameters, diagnose abnormal conditions, and calculate balance corrections where necessary. Additionally, we perform on-site low speed balancing of rotors. I really enjoy the data analysis aspect of my job – looking at data and making a diagnosis, then implementing a solution, is very satisfying.
Can you share an example of a particularly challenging balancing job and how you tackled it?
Many of our low speed balance jobs can be particularly challenging for a wide variety of reasons. They are often in locations where resources are limited and room to balance the rotor is tight. Factors like the floor supports not being rigid enough, rotor journals with odd dimensions, and height and alignment of the LSB machine rollers can greatly affect the balancing accuracy. On these jobs, it is very important to take the time to ensure that the balance machine is assembled properly and aligned perfectly with the drive shaft and motor so that the best balance results can be achieved.
What is the difference between onsite low speed balancing and in-shop high speed balancing in a pit?
On site low speed balancing is a process that addresses a rotor’s first mode of imbalance, but not the second mode. Most turbine rotors operate at a speed that is influenced by both the first and second modes, and sometimes even the third. Due to this, a rotor that has been low speed balanced may need to have an additional balance shot installed after running up to full speed to correct the second mode imbalance. A rotor that has been high speed balanced has had balance corrections made for both the first and second modes and is therefore much more likely not to need field balancing when installed in the unit.
Why did you choose to work for MD&A and why have you continued to choose to work at MD&A? How would you describe our company culture?
I was lucky that I got my first job as a field engineering Engineer in Training for MD&A. I have stayed because they have always treated me well, and the company culture and values align with my own. I love that if I have a question on any turbine-related topics, I can call an expert within MD&A and have a conversation about it then and there. There are no unnecessary processes or hoops to jump through to get problems solved, and everybody has a “same team” mindset to get things accomplished.
What’s one hobby or skill you have that might surprise people?
I play trumpet. I was a music minor in college and continue to play in my free time, and have been featured on multiple albums and recordings over the years.
