2026 Symposium Presentations

The 2026 Symposium Presentations are set, and the Organizing Committee is proud to bring you 12 amazing presentations from industry experts, as well as 4 themed discussion groups throughout the FREE Symposium Day on May 8, 2026.

When:

What Time:

Where:

Cost:

May 8, 2026

8:00AM - 4:30PM

The Carriage House Inn

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

FREE

The 2026 Symposium presentations are as follows:

Group 1 - End-User

Optimizing Rotating Equipment: Insights into Overall Asset Health Monitoring
Applied Predictive Analytics to Evaluate Centrifugal Pumps Reliability, based on Hydraulic Operating Region
Don’t Blame the Seal: Understanding Equipment and Installation Factors Behind Seal Failures
Optimizing Slurry Pump Performance at Syncrude North Mine: A Retrofit Case Study

Group 2 - Design

Twin Screw Multiphase Pumps for CO2 injection
Multistage Pumps in Light Hydrocarbon Service: Special Design and Selection Considerations
Up‐Stream Pumping Seal Technology provides significant cost savings in flush media and caustic make up
Sealless Centrifugal Pumps in Practice: Types, Design and Selection Insights, and API 685 Overview

Group 3 - Projects (EPC)

What were they thinking? The do’s and don'ts of supplier document review.
Controlling Centrifugal & PD Pumps
Key Changes in Standard for the Installation of Stationary Fire Water Pumps, NFPA 20 – 2025
Reverse Flow Transients in Tailing Pumping Systems

Group 1 - End User

Group 1 - End-User

Description:

The following presentations are geared towards professionals working at owner/operator companies or as an end-user of rotating equipment.

Optimizing Rotating Equipment:

Insights into Overall Asset Health Monitoring

This presentation builds on the "Asset Health Monitoring" talk from the 2024 Calgary Pump Symposium and explores how Pembina has improved its approach to keeping pumps running efficiently and reliably. Key topics include:

Real-world pump failure case studies.
How we pinpointed the root cause of issues.
Using key metrics to prioritize maintenance.
A more complete way to monitor pump health.
Expanding monitoring to more pump types.

Presenter:

Chris Hobbs

Sr. Staff Rotating Equipment Engineer, Pembina Pipelines

Chris Hobbs is a Sr Staff Engineer, Rotating Equipment with Pembina Pipeline and has over 24 years experience in the energy transportation and petrochemical refining industries. He specializes in maintenance program development, technical troubleshooting, reliability, condition-based monitoring and asset and operational optimization.

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Don’t Blame the Seal:
Understanding Equipment and Installation Factors Behind Seal Failures

Mechanical seals are often the first suspect when leakage occurs—but the real culprits frequently lie elsewhere. This presentation explores the hidden causes of seal failures, focusing on equipment condition, installation practices, and operating parameters that impact reliability. From misalignment and cavitation to water hammer and operating pumps away from their Best Efficiency Point (BEP), we’ll uncover how these factors accelerate wear and lead to premature failure. Attendees will gain practical insights into diagnosing root causes, improving system design, and extending seal life.

The goal: shift the conversation from blaming the seal to addressing the underlying issues that truly matter for operational excellence.

Presenter:

Owen Bewick

Business Manager: Mechanical Seals and Systems, A.R. Thomson Group

Owen is a Professional Engineer and Business Manager at A.R. Thomson Group, with over 25 years of specialized experience in mechanical seals and systems. A deep commitment to engineering excellence, innovation, and customer-focused solutions has defined his career.
At A.R. Thomson Group, Owen leads initiatives in product design and development, application support, and site troubleshooting, helping clients solve complex technical challenges across a range of industries. His hands-on approach and strategic insight have made him a trusted advisor in the field.
Owen’s presentations draw on decades of practical experience, offering valuable perspectives on mechanical seals, system reliability, performance optimization, and the evolving role of engineering in industrial operations.

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Applied Predictive Analytics to Evaluate Centrifugal Pumps Reliability
Based on Hydraulic Operating Region

This study explores the application of predictive analytics and machine learning techniques to evaluate pump reliability in relation to hydraulic operating regions, particularly the influence of operating conditions around the Best Efficiency Point (BEP). By leveraging time-series data from high-energy multistage centrifugal pumps, the research employs classification models, primarily Random Forest and Neural Networks, to systematically assess the relationships among a diverse set of operational variables. These models allow for the identification of patterns in pump behavior and help uncover the key factors that contribute to mechanical degradation, such as vibration in critical components. The integration of machine learning enables a data-driven framework to support early fault detection and reliability-centered maintenance strategies. This work contributes to the growing field of industrial analytics by demonstrating the value of predictive modeling in optimizing pump operation and extending equipment life.

Presenters:

Ernesto Primera

Doctoral Candidate, Tickle College of Engineering - University of Tennessee

Ernesto Primera, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, is a Machinery Reliability and Condition Monitoring expert with over 28 years of experience in rotating equipment across the oil & gas, power generation, and industrial sectors. He has held key technical roles with organizations such as Chevron, ConocoPhillips, HF Sinclair, SKF, and Flowserve, focusing on turbomachinery reliability, IoT wireless vibration systems, AI-driven anomaly detection, and data-driven maintenance strategies. Ernesto holds a Master’s degree in Data Analytics and a Master’s in Applied Statistics from the University of Delaware (USA), and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Engineering at the University of Tennessee (USA), where his research centers on predictive analytics and rotating machinery reliability. A former ASME Fluid Engineering Division Technical Committee Chair, he holds multiple professional certifications including CMRP, CSSGB, GStat, and VA CAT-III. Ernesto is passionate about bridging traditional engineering practices with digital innovation, advanced analytics, and applied research to advance predictive maintenance and reliability engineering.

Full bio at link below.

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Optimizing Slurry Pump Performance at Syncrude North Mine:
A Retrofit Case Study

The Syncrude Mildred Lake Mine contributes approximately 45% of Syncrude’s bitumen froth production. In 2014, Froth production was transitioned to the newly commissioned North Mine, featuring a zero-reject, wet crushing front-end design aimed at increasing bitumen recovery and throughput. The increase in size and quantity of rocks has led to significantly increased equipment wear.

In April 2024, a new slurry pump model with a larger impeller was installed at the site’s most severe wear location with an objective to improve reliability, availability, and hydraulic performance. This presentation will detail the retrofit process, share key learnings, and evaluate the operational performance of the new pump model.

Presenters:

Harsh Shah

Specialist Rotating Engineer, Suncor

Harsh is an experienced machinery engineer with a focus on continuous improvement. With a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt and over 16 years hands-on in the Oil Sands, he leverages his deep technical expertise to deliver cost optimization and increasing equipment availability.

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Group 2 - Design

Description:

The following presentations are geared towards professionals working in the design department, or interested in the specifics of rotating equipment and their accessories.

Twin Screw Multiphase Pumps for CO2 injection

This presentation highlights the utilization of double flow screw spindle pumps in multiphase applications specifically pumping CO2 mixtures. Starting with an introduction of the working principle of screw spindle pumps, followed by a comparison with centrifugal pumps the challenges of pumping multiphase fluids will be introduced.

A case study for a multiphase pumping application follows. The challenges the operating conditions are:

High GVF,
Low viscous fluid,
High differential pressure.

Presenter:

Frank Holz

Director of Engineering, ITT Bornemann

Graduating in 1995, Mr. Holz has had a long career spanning many different roles in heavy industry. Also guest lecturing at the University of Rostock from 2007 to 2020.

Full bio is available below.

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Up‐Stream Pumping Seal Technology provides significant cost savings in flush media and caustic make up

One of the largest Petrochemicals Facilities in Alberta, NOVA Chemicals in Joffre, was dealing with high operational costs of their single cartridge seals in Caustic Service. The seals required an API Plan 32 Boiler Feed Water flush at 3.5 gpm into the process, which presented the flush utility costs and in addition diluted the caustic and required costly caustic make‐up and blow down. Overall, these costs were estimated at ~$250,000 Annually.

The recommended solution was an Up‐Stream Pumping seal which is essentially a dual un‐pressurized seal which is supported by a simple and inexpensive, atmospheric supply tank, which provides water to the seal's intermediate cavity (the cavity between it inboard and outboard seals).

This translated to a MTBR of 4+ years. Utilizing this Up‐Stream Pumping technology, NOVA was able to save the cost of water and the cost of the caustic make‐up due to the previous seal's process dilution, while maintaining high seal reliability.

Full abstract at link below.

Presenter:

Doron Or

Technical Sales Representative, John Crane Canada Inc.

Technical Sales representative with John Crane Canada, 28 years of experience in engineered sealing solutions and rotating equipment applications across oil & gas and petrochemical facilities. Specializes in high-duty, engineering-to order mechanical seals and reliability optimization.

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Multistage Pumps in Light Hydrocarbon Service:
Special Design and Selection Considerations

Light hydrocarbon services introduce a specific set of design and application challenges that require careful consideration when selecting and designing multistage centrifugal pumps.

This presentation will outline the key design features and technical considerations that govern the successful selection and design of BB3 and BB5 multistage pumps for light hydrocarbon service, highlighting common pitfalls encountered in practice. The talk with cover the practical limits of BB3 versus BB5 selection, focusing on pressure containment, casing joint design, and leakage risk, discussing where API and industry experience differ. Rotor design features are then addressed, including wear ring material selection and clearance limits, and their influence on internal recirculation, rotor stability, and uptime. Approaches to axial thrust management are reviewed, with emphasis on behaviour during transients and the implications for thrust bearing loading.

Full abstract is at link below.

Presenters:

Samuel Eccles

Product & Commercial Director, Trillium Flow Technologies

Samuel Eccles is Product & Commercial Director at Trillium Flow Technologies, with almost 20 years’ experience in the pump and rotating-equipment industry. He holds a BEng in Engineering and an MBA.

He has worked extensively with API 610 centrifugal pumps, covering selection, design, testing and manufacturing across oil & gas, power, and water markets.

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Sealless Centrifugal Pumps in Practice:
Types, Design and Selection Insights, and API 685 Overview

Sealless centrifugal pumps have become a preferred solution for handling hazardous, corrosive, and high-purity fluids in industries where leakage prevention and environmental safety are paramount. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of sealless pump technologies, including magnetic drive and canned motor designs, as well as multistage sealless pumps, which are increasingly being adopted for high-head applications in chemical and energy sectors.

The session will explore the types, applications, merits, and demerits of sealless centrifugal pumps, supported by field experience and engineering evaluations from various projects. A dedicated segment will highlight key aspects of API 685, the governing standard for sealless pumps in petroleum, chemical, and gas industry services, with practical insights into compliance and specification challenges.

Full asbtract at link below.

Presenter:

Tanmay Mande

Senior Engineer- Mechanical, Air Products Canada Ltd

Tanmay Mande (He/Him) is a Senior Engineer with 14 years of experience in the rotating equipment domain, currently based in Edmonton, Alberta. He has worked with several leading Owner Operated and EPC organizations including Linde Plc, Larsen & Toubro Chiyoda Corp., and is presently with Air Products and Chemicals Inc. in Canada. His expertise spans the design, specification, erection and commissioning of turbomachinery including pump systems, turbines, compressors, etc. across oil & gas, petrochemical, and energy projects.

Tanmay is a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng) with APEGA and has been instrumental in providing practical engineering solutions for machinery design. His recent work includes engineering, procurement and construction support for Canada's flagship Net Zero Hydrogen Energy project of Air Products in Edmonton, with a focus on new age equipment to produce Blue Hydrogen.

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Group 3 - Projects

What were they thinking? The do’s and don'ts of supplier document review.

For this presentation we will peek behind the curtains of EPC execution and attempt to answer the questions:
- Where do the requirements come from?
- Who are these people and why are they reviewing the documents?
- What data does a project need and when?
- What are the Do’s and Don’ts of supplier document review?
- How do I make a document achieve approved status, the first time?

Presenter:

Michael Schleppe

Lead Mechanical Engineer and Rotating Equipment Group Lead, Fluor Canada

Michael is a Lead Mechanical Engineer and Rotating Equipment Group Lead at Fluor Canada. He has 15 years of experience covering the specification, selection, detailed design, and installation of rotating equipment across major industrial projects. He holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Alberta, where he specialized in the thermodynamic modelling of internal combustion engines. Michael is also an active contributor to the American Petroleum Institute, representing Fluor on the API 614 7th Edition and API 685 4th Edition task forces.

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Key Changes in Standard for the Installation of Stationary Fire Water Pumps, NFPA 20 – 2025

Whenever a new edition of NFPA standard is released, there is always a question between professionals regarding explicit details of the key changes and why NFPA decided for those changes? The companies job specification for fire water pumps need to be changed to align with new NFPA 20 standard changes. This presentation addresses some key major areas of changes in 2025 edition of NFPA in comparison with old edition.

The 2025 edition of NFPA 20 introduces new updates that enhance fire pump system performance, reliability, flexibility, and code clarity.

Presenter:

Shahab Zardynezhad

President, Turbotech Consulting Corp.

33 years’ progressive experience working in oil, gas, and petrochemical projects. He is API-SIRE certified inspector for the rotating equipment. His area of specialization and industrial experience included engineering, design, procurement, inspection, installation, start-up, maintenance, reliability, troubleshooting of the rotating equipment, especially pumps, compressors and turbines. He has BS degree in mechanical engineering from University of Petroleum-Iran. MS degree in Industrial Engineering from I.U.S.T-Iran. MEng degree in Project Management –U of C, Calgary. MEng degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Calgary-CA. He is Owner of Turbotech Consulting Corp and Adjunct Instructor of ENME 622-Pipeline Pump and Compressor Station Design in mechanical department of U of C. He has working experience in Japan, Thailand, China, USA, Canada (AB, BC, SK, ON) and Iran. He is technical writer of Hydrocarbon Processing and Gas Processing Journals of USA.

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Controlling Centrifugal & PD Pumps

This presentation aims to introduce the audience to commonly used process control strategies for controlling centrifugal & positive displacement pumps. The presentation will discuss the various methods of control, give an overview of the required ancillary instrumentation and detail commonly used strategies to achieve control.

Presenter:

Damien Hurley

I&C Engineer, Fluor

Damien has over a decade's experience working in the EPC industry across Europe, Asia & North America. Key areas of interest include process control, flow metering & analytical systems.

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Reverse Flow Transients in Tailing Pumping Systems

Water hammer can occur in any liquid piping system when steady-state flow conditions are disturbed. Rapid changes in flow velocity can generate surge pressures that, in extreme cases, may cause piping failure and damage to associated equipment. These effects arise from coupled pressure and velocity waves propagating through the piping system.

Surge events may be initiated by valve or check-valve closure, power failure, changes in operating direction, or relief events. In large pumping and tailings management systems, reverse flow through the pump is often overlooked. Where dredges pump slurry over a dyke high point, a pump trip without a check valve can result in flow reversal and significant reverse pump rotational speeds.

Presenter:

Michael St-Cyr

Senior Process Engineer, Local Engineering

Michael St-Cyr is a professional Senior Process Engineer, partner at Local Engineering, graduate of the University of Alberta and has 17+ years of consulting experience in the oil sands and petrochemical sectors. Most of his career involves troubleshooting existing and designing new process facilities, and known as a company subject matter expert in hydraulic systems.

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Group 3 - Projects (EPC)

The presentations below are geared towards the spectrum of projects in Western Canada's Oil & Gas industry.

CALGARY PUMP SYMPOSIUM

2026 Symposium Presentations

Group 2 - Design

Group 3 - Projects (EPC)

Group 1​ - End-User

​

Description:

Optimizing Rotating Equipment:

Insights into Overall Asset Health Monitoring

Group 2 - Design

​

Description:

Twin Screw Multiphase Pumps for CO2 injection

What were they thinking? The do’s and don'ts of supplier document review.

Group 3 - Projects (EPC)

​

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Group 1 - End-User