2026 Training Courses

- May 7, 2026 -

The 2026 Calgary Pump Symposium will host 6 full day paid training courses on May 7th, 2026, the topics of which are outlined below. Once the instructors have been finalized this page will be updated with their information.

The 2026 course offerings are:

Course 1 - Slurry Pumps

Course 2 - Pumps 101 - Fundamentals

Course 3 - Electric Motors and Variable Frequency Drives

Course 4 - Mechanical Seals

Course 5 - Pump piping system design to avoid vibration and fatigue failures

NEW FOR 2026: Course 6 - Pumps 201 - Pump & System Interaction

Course 1 - Slurry Pumps

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Description:

This expanded course will cover the specification, operation and maintenance of slurry pumps used in a wide variety of applications. The focus will be on the differences between slurry and non-slurry pumping applications, with many real-world examples given. This course is intended for engineers and technicians who are involved in the specification, reliability improvement or operation of slurry pumping systems.

Dan Wolfe, P.Eng.

Senior Associate - Mechanical, Syncrude Research

Dan Wolfe is a Specialist Mechanical Engineer at Syncrude R&D. Since starting his engineering career in the downstream oil industry in 2000, Dan has gained experience in a variety of areas, including Catalytic Cracker, Sulphur Recovery and Utility Plant operations. With Syncrude since 2007, Dan has focused on health monitoring and reliability improvement of equipment such as centrifuges, crushers, heavy hauler engines and slurry pumps, piping and screens. Dan has studied wear in oil sands applications extensively, and has published several papers and patents on the topic. A graduate of McMaster University, Dan holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering.

If you can’t find Dan, he is probably out for a run – a bad habit he acquired during Covid. He has completed five marathons so far, and is probably training for the next one, despite his better judgement.

Course Outline:

The basics of slurry pipeline flow, including settling and non-settling slurries and deposition velocity
Slurry classification and its impact on pump selection
Construction and operation of both centrifugal and positive-displacement slurry pumps
The recommendations contained in ANSI/HI Standard 12.1-12.6-2011 "Rotodynamic (Centrifugal) Slurry Pumps"
System curves and slurry system hydraulic design
How to interpret multi-speed slurry pump performance curves
The effect of solids size and concentration on both pump operation and pump wear
Slurry pump operation monitoring techniques, and detection of incipient failure
Wear measurement and interpretation of pump wear patterns
Total cost of operation, versus capital costs
Dredge pumping
Froth pumping
Relative merits of different sealing and gland water control systems

Schedule:

The Calgary Pump Symposium's Course 1 - Slurry Pumps will be held on May 7, 2026.

Start Time	End Time	Detail	Location
8:30 AM	9:00 AM	Arrival and Check-In	Desert Palms Room
9:00 AM	12:00 PM	Training Course Morning Session (1 of 2)	TBD
12:00 PM	1:00 PM	Lunch (included)	Four Carriages Ballroom Foyer
1:00 PM	4:30 PM	Training Course Afternoon Session (2 of 2)	TBD

Register Now for Course 1

Course 2 - Pump 101 - Fundamentals

Description:

This course will cover the basic Hydraulic and Mechanical design aspects of centrifugal pumps with some emphasis on the API 610 standard, hydraulic re-rates and pump testing.

Schedule:

The Calgary Pump Symposium's Course 2 - Pumps 101 - Fundamentals will be held on May 7, 2026.

Start Time	End Time	Detail	Location
8:30 AM	9:00 AM	Arrival and Check-In	Desert Palms Room
9:00 AM	12:00 PM	Training Course Morning Session (1 of 2)	TBD
12:00 PM	1:00 PM	Lunch (included)	Four Carriages Ballroom Foyer
1:00 PM	4:30 PM	Training Course Afternoon Session (2 of 2)	TBD

Register Now for Course 2

Course 3 - Electric Motors and Variable Frequency Drives

Description:

This course will cover AC electric induction motor design and applications, as well as the applications of VFDs.

Patrick Robinson, CET

Senior Partner, Altelec Technical Services

Patrick Robinson is senior partner in Altelec Technical services. Patrick graduated with honors as a mature student from NAIT in Edmonton in 1995, in Electrical Engineering Technology. Patrick started working with Altelec the next day and has worked in the field of motor control and protection in the intervening 27 years. Patrick has presented to the IEEE and other forums many times including participating in technical papers, and is involved in design considerations of VFDs with Siemens.

Anuj Jain

Head of Sales, Innomotics a Siemens Business

Anuj has over 28 years of experience in the oil and gas, water, pulp and paper, and OEM sectors throughout Asia, the Middle East, and North America, working on a range of projects, including pump stations, booster pumps, and liquid and gas pipelines. His major emphasis has always been on Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and motor-related innovations and prospects.
Anuj has led SI-Siemens' Oil and Gas Vertical in Canada since 2022, demonstrating strategic leadership and dedication to driving industry innovation.

Anurag Sharma

Technical Portfolio Consultant, Innomotics a Siemens Business

Anurag has over 25 years of experience in the Oil & Gas, WWW, Pulp and Paper, and OEM sectors across the Middle East and North America, working on a variety of projects such as pump stations, booster pumps, compressor stations, and liquid and gas pipelines. His primary focus has always been on Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and motor-related breakthroughs and opportunities.
Anurag is passionate about energy transition and works closely with Siemens' global plants and engineers. He has actively supported the industry on High Power Electrification (Path to Net Zero), CCUS, and High-Speed applications, to mention a few.

Course Outline:

Medium Voltage Electric Motors:
- AC Induction Motor Basics
  - Motor Theory, Stator & Rotor Construction, Enclosers
- Horizontal Motor Bearing, Lubrication
- Vertical Motor Design Features
  - Bearings, Lube, Flanges, Reed Critical Frequency
- Electrical Design Criteria
  - SF, Temp Rise, Torques, Efficiency, Starting Methods
- Options, Accessories, Testing, Paint
  - RTD’s, Filters, Detectors, Terminal Boxes, Paint
- Industry Specifications
  - IEEE-841, API-547, API-541
- Application of Motors with VFD’s
Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs):
- VFD basics - system architecture, introduce terminology
- Why is a VFD required?
- Typical benefits, Energy savings, Carbon tax, Effect of renewables on the grid on motor
- starting
- Pump application considerations - includes process control aspects, energy savings, and
- advantages of VFDs in process control
- Mechanical effects of VFD on pump motor train
- Installation/selection considerations as applicable to the pumping industry
  - Size/speed limitations for VFD application
  - Industry standards applicable to VFD
  - Challenges and gaps in the standards
- When to use VFDs vs when it is not economical?
- Common problem areas with case studies (Reliability aspects of VFDs in the pumping industry)

Schedule:

The Calgary Pump Symposium's Course 3 - Electric Motors and Variable Frequency Drives will be held on May 7, 2026.

Start Time	End Time	Detail	Location
8:30 AM	9:00 AM	Arrival and Check-In	Desert Palms Room
9:00 AM	12:00 PM	Training Course Morning Session (1 of 2)	TBD
12:00 PM	1:00 PM	Lunch (included)	Four Carriages Ballroom Foyer
1:00 PM	4:30 PM	Training Course Afternoon Session (2 of 2)	TBD

Register Now for Course 3

Course 4 - Mechanical Seals

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Description:

This course is aimed at professionals that are end users, OEM, Project or contractor personnel who work with or specify rotating equipment in the chemical or hydrocarbon processing industry. The course will focus on basic and advanced concepts with the aim of providing attendees with a working knowledge of mechanical seals and sealing systems.

Alberto P. Taylor

Account Manager - Canada, Flowserve Corp.

Alberto Taylor began his career in 2005 after completing his B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico, he has worked in Mexico and Canada. Alberto has held positions in Engineering, Field Services, and Sales, with John Crane, and Flowserve, he presently supports HQ’s, EPC’s, and OEMs in Western Canada and US.

Kevin Sorokan

Reliability Engineering Manager, John Crane Canada

Kevin Sorokan is a Professional Mechanical Engineer with John Crane Canada. Kevin has 25 years of experience in a variety of industries in Western Canada, including oil and gas, cranes and lifting equipment, sensors and instrumentation, mining, consulting, and rotating equipment. For the past 10 years, Kevin has focused on improving the reliability of equipment such as pumps, seals, hydraulic and mining equipment. Kevin is a graduate of the University of Alberta with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Course Outline:

When would you select a single seal, dual unpressurized seal, dual pressurized seal, a seal with a ‘back-up’ containment seal and what are the appropriate piping plans for each.
Solving case study issues where miss-selection of seals and/or seal system piping plans could have or did result in unreliable or troublesome operation.
Conduct a detailed observation analysis to identify and resolve mechanical seal failures associated with rotating equipment
Overview of mechanical seal engineering principles
API Piping plan overviews and best practices for the most common types.

Schedule:

The Calgary Pump Symposium's Course 4 - Mechanical Seals will be held on May 7, 2026.

Start Time	End Time	Detail	Location
8:30 AM	9:00 AM	Arrival and Check-In	Desert Palms Room
9:00 AM	12:00 PM	Training Course Morning Session (1 of 2)	TBD
12:00 PM	1:00 PM	Lunch (included)	Four Carriages Ballroom Foyer
1:00 PM	4:30 PM	Training Course Afternoon Session (2 of 2)	TBD

Register Now for Course 4

Course 5 - Pump piping system design to avoid vibration and fatigue failures

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Description:

The goal of this short course is to provide insight into the design considerations and industry best practices for reciprocating and centrifugal pump installations to minimize vibration that can lead to fatigue failures of mainline and small bore piping.

Background:

Industry surveys show that more than 20% of unplanned product releases are due to fatigue failures caused by vibration. These product releases have an immediate impact on the reliability and economics of operating machinery assets as well as posing significant safety and environmental risks. Piping designers are often unaware of the specific requirements for fatigue and vibration control in a vibratory service such as piping in a centrifugal and reciprocating pump installation. Solving fatigue and vibration problems after a project has been completed or commissioned is costly and results in significant downtime.

Who Should Attend:

This short course is for engineers, managers and technical staff involved in the design, commissioning and installation of industrial centrifugal and positive displacement pump and piping systems.

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.

Course Outline:

Introduction to reciprocating and centrifugal pumps
- This section will discuss centrifugal and reciprocating pump basics. It will focus on the fundamental working principles of each pump type, performance curves, and the advantages and disadvantages.
Demonstration of different components in a centrifugal and reciprocating pump
- A pump demo will be used to engage the class and discuss the different components of a centrifugal and reciprocating pump. Attendees will learn about pulsation dampeners to get an idea about their size and application.
Overview of vibration
- This section will review key terminology used in the industry, as well as provide an overview of causes of vibrations and the vibration equation.
Pressure pulsations in pump systems
- This section will discuss pulsation terminology and how pulsations are generated in pumps, as well as how they propagate and amplify in the piping system (acoustic resonance). The class will learn how pulsations create high dynamic forces in the piping that can cause high vibrations, pipe ruptures and fatigue failures. The section will include case studies, class exercises and discussion time.
Piping system design for centrifugal and reciprocating pumps
- This section will discuss the relevant industry standards and industry best practice for centrifugal and reciprocating pumps. Differences and similarities in the design requirements will be highlighted and demonstrated with case studies. The concepts of dynamic flexibility, mechanical natural frequencies, frequency avoidance, and forced response analysis will be explained. Design of the piping system as well as the foundation requirements will be discussed and demonstrated by case studies and a class exercise.
Small-bore connection and small-bore piping design
- Failures of small-bore connections and small-bore piping account for many fatigue failures on new pump installations. Little design attention is paid to these items. Design practices and industry best practices will be presented to mitigate small-bore failures. Case studies will be presented.
Project management and planning
- A key part of a successful pump project is proper project management and planning. Proper definition of the project scope, specifications and project milestones will be discussed as a means of ensuring the necessary measures are taken to reduce the risks of fatigue failures and vibration in the pump and piping system.

Schedule:

The Calgary Pump Symposium's Course 5 - Pump piping system design to avoid vibration and fatigue failures will be held on May 7, 2026.

Start Time	End Time	Detail	Location
8:30 AM	9:00 AM	Arrival and Check-In	Desert Palms Room
9:00 AM	12:00 PM	Training Course Morning Session (1 of 2)	TBD
12:00 PM	1:00 PM	Lunch (included)	Four Carriages Ballroom Foyer
1:00 PM	4:30 PM	Training Course Afternoon Session (2 of 2)	TBD

Register Now for Course 5

New for 2026: Course 6 - Pumps 201 - Pump & System Interaction

Description:

The objective of this technical presentation is to bring awareness of problems associated with centrifugal pumps and systems. Upon completion of this training presentation the attendee will be able to:

Detect symptoms associated with pump issues
Detect symptoms associated with system issues

Who Should Attend:

Experienced Rotating Equipment Engineers with 10–15+ years in the Pump or Rotating Equipment Industry

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will gain the ability to:

Determine if you are dealing with a pump or a system issue.
Understand the relationship between, energy, velocity and head; and how this is impacting reliability of equipment
Diagnose symptoms of pump performance issues.
Identify system-related operational challenges.
Understand types of cavitation and how to address problems.
How to conduct a field study on a bad actor pump

Schedule:

The Calgary Pump Symposium's Course 6 - Pumps 201 - Pump Selection & Applications will be held on May 7, 2026.

Start Time	End Time	Detail	Location
8:30 AM	9:00 AM	Arrival and Check-In	Desert Palms Room
9:00 AM	12:00 PM	Training Course Morning Session (1 of 2)	TBD
12:00 PM	1:00 PM	Lunch (included)	Four Carriages Ballroom Foyer
1:00 PM	4:30 PM	Training Course Afternoon Session (2 of 2)	TBD

Register Now for Course 6

CALGARY PUMP SYMPOSIUM

2026 Training Courses

- May 7, 2026 -

Course 1​ - Slurry Pumps

Description:

Course 2​ - Pump 101 - Fundamentals

Description:

Course 3​ - Electric Motors and Variable Frequency Drives

Description:

Course 4​ - Mechanical Seals

Description:

Course 5​ - Pump piping system design to avoid vibration and fatigue failures

Description:

Background:

New for 2026: Course 6​ - Pumps 201 - Pump & System Interaction

Description:

Course 1 - Slurry Pumps

Course 2 - Pump 101 - Fundamentals

Course 3 - Electric Motors and Variable Frequency Drives

Course 4 - Mechanical Seals

Course 5 - Pump piping system design to avoid vibration and fatigue failures

New for 2026: Course 6 - Pumps 201 - Pump & System Interaction