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

Group 2 - Design

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 Fire Water Pump Standards, NFPA 20 – 2025
Reverse Flow Transients in Tailing Pumping Systems

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.

Group 1 - End User

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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Comparison Between Contacting Wet and Dry Gas Seals for Natural Gas Liquids (NGL) Pipeline Pump Service

Recent incident reports and studies of pipeline equipment indicate that pump seal performance is likely at the root of a significant increase in releases to the environment. Although these releases are small compared to a breach in a pipeline, they are of great concern to pipeline companies.

Within this paper we discuss the general design aspects for two different sealing technologies, in particular the leakage and friction behavior in NGL services. The impact of critical operating parameters like vapor pressure and temperature margin, flush flow rates, solids handling, axial shaft shuttling is assessed.

Presenter:

Andreas Pehl

Senior Expert Application Engineer for Mechanical Seals, EagleBurgmann Germany

Andreas Pehl is Senior Expert Application Engineer for Mechanical Seals. He joined EagleBurgmann Germany in 2010. His responsibilities include sales support, application engineering, and project fulfillment. He covers the upstream, midstream and downstream in Oil and Gas, the Petrochemical and Chemical market, in North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. In 2004 he completed a 3-year apprenticeship in mechatronics. In 2010 he got a Diploma in Industrial Engineering at the Munich University of Applied Sciences and holds a Pump Engineer Graduation from the University of Berlin (Germany)/Graz (Austria).

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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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Case Studies in Motion Amplification

This presentation dives into the practical applications of motion amplification through compelling case studies, focusing on troubleshooting vibrations in rotating equipment, their structures, and piping systems. Local examples across diverse scenarios illustrate the versatility of this technology. Attendees will gain insight into the types of applications where this technology excels and discover how it complements traditional methods.

Presenters:

Austin Hunter

Reliability Engineering Lead, Westpower Group

Austin graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of British Columbia. He joined Westpower as an EIT working as a project manager in the repair center, and has spent over 7 years in roles of increasing responsibility with the company. Now the Operations Lead for Westpower’s Reliability team, Austin has been leading a team to provide rotating equipment troubleshooting services, and condition monitoring program implementations with our customers.

Josh Begin

Commercial Lead - Reliability Engineering, Westpower Group

Josh is a mechanical and mechatronics engineering graduate from the University of British Columbia. With experience in process control systems, manufacturing, and environmental services, he joined Westpower as an EIT in 2016 and has held diverse roles within the company. Now as the Commercial Lead for Westpower’s Reliability team, his charge is to help sites find ways to improve reliability of operating equipment, using the best products, services, and technology available.

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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.

Evaluating Reciprocating Pump Valve Operation to Solve Piping Vibration

Reciprocating pumps (comprising of piston, plunger and diaphragm pumps) are commonly used pumps in industrial process. These type of positive displacement pumps achieve high discharge pressure while providing a nearly constant flow rate over a wide range of pressure and fluid viscosity. The reciprocating motion of the piston, plunger or membrane acting in combination with the check valve in the pump fluid end on the suction and discharge (pump valves) create the high-pressure delivery of fluid by the pump. Proper operation of the pump valves is key to the reciprocating pump meeting the application requirements.

Presenter:

Nathan Cameron

Design Engineer, Wood

Nathan graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2012. He has been a professional member of APEGA since 2016. Nathan is a Design Engineer with Wood’s vibration, dynamics and noise team (formerly BETA Machinery Analysis) since 2018. His experience includes acoustical simulations for reciprocating compressors and reciprocating pumps. Prior to joining Wood, Nathan worked as a Project Engineer and Applications Engineer with a compressor packager where he gained experience in reciprocating compressor performance, package design and field troubleshooting.

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Considerations in Design and Operation of API 682 Piping Plan 53B

API 682 first introduced the Plan 53B type support system in the second edition of the standard in 2002 and even though it has been in use for over 20 years, the Plan 53B system is not well understood throughout the industry. While the components and concept of pressurization are not complex, the methods of operation, monitoring, and maintenance can be complicated, particularly related to the impact of ambient temperature on the bladder pressure.

Presenters:

Mike Rusthoven

Technical Sealing Specialist, Flowserve Corp.

Michael is an Aftermarket Support Engineer with Flowserve Corporation. He began his career with AlliedSignal Aerospace (now Honeywell) providing technical engineering support for design, manufacturing, and test development of aerospace fuel control systems. He has over 28 years of experience working with design management, sealing solutions, mechanical seal design and applications, sealing systems, and technical training. Mr. Rusthoven earned his BSME from Purdue University.

TJ Abbott-Gobeil

Technical Sealing Solutions Engineer, Flowserve

TJ Abbott-Gobeil began his career in 2014 after completing his diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology in Edmonton, AB. TJ has held positions in Application Selection, On-Site Mechanical Seal Reliability, and Advanced Technical Solutions within Flowserve. TJ currently supports a wide customer base within Canadian territory including, but not limited to: bad actor resolution, investigation into advanced technical inquiries, seal selection for unique applications, and custom seal design.

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Use of Broadband Wire Rope Isolators / Mass Dampers in Vertically Suspended Pumps
Structural Resonance Predictions, Prevention and Mitigation

Vertically suspended pumps are used in many industries in a wide range of applications. Their typically slender design make them subject to structural resonance and amplified vibration levels.

Presenters:

Thomas Kaiser

Supervisor Design Analysis, Sulzer Flow Equipment

Bio is TBD.

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Slurry Pump IIoT and Automation

As the device that adds energy to the pipeline system, slurry pumps often see accelerated wear rates and frequently determine the process maintenance cycle. Tracking and optimizing pump wear performance becomes a critical activity for the Reliability Engineer. Unfortunately, the most important wear parts are not easily accessed between inspections and operators often “run blind” for long periods of time. This leads to the under-utilization of parts through conservative replacement practices, and to occasional, unexpected failures and downtime when conditions change.

Presenter:

Robert Visintainer

VP Engineering and Research & Development, GIW Industries

Robert has worked in the design, testing, sales and manufacture of centrifugal pumps since 1981, with special focus on slurry pump hydraulic and mechanical design. He currently serves as V.P. of Engineering and R&D for GIW Industries, Inc., a world leader in slurry pump and solids transport technology, with responsibility for product design, materials development, and GIW’s unique Slurry Hydraulic Test Lab.

Robert has contributed to many developments and innovations in slurry pump design and wear prediction technology, takes an active role in GIW’s industry leading Technical Training Program, and contributes to scientific conferences, journal papers and short courses on a regular basis. An honors graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, he holds degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Physics.

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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.

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 Fire Water Pump Standards, 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.

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, with over 25 years’ experience with O&G pumping equipment and facilities. Involved in the complete life cycle of the equipment, from the applications and engineering through commissioning and reliability management. 15 years of working experience directly with Screw Pumps OEMs. Currently VP for the O&G operations of Leistritz Advanced Technologies Corp. Americas.

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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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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:

Evaluating Reciprocating Pump Valve Operation to Solve Piping Vibration

Group 3 - Projects (EPC)

​

​

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

Group 1 - End-User