TURBO SPEAK: CENTRIFUGAL FORCES

Centrifugal is an interesting word. The dictionary defines it as, “moving or tending to move away from a center.” The Latin derivation basically means “center-fleeing.” Some might suggest that the current political turmoil is being influenced by center-fleeing forces on both sides.

In an industrial setting, however, that center-fleeing tendency is generated by some form of turbomachinery. And in this issue we shine the spotlight squarly on centrifugal pumps and centrifugal compressors.

On the compressor side, we have several articles on various aspects of this vital technology. They are anchored by our cover story which lays out the main configurations employed in centrifugal design. This is supported by tips on which one is suited to which application.

For pumps, we have included a full-blown pump supplement. Its timing aligns with the annual Turbomachinery and Pump Symposium which is held in Houston each September. The supplement encompasses a series of articles on how to select, maintain, repair and gain greater profitability from new or existing pumps. You can find it in the center of the issue.

Otherwise, we have plenty in store. Topics include blade cracking, HRSG rust minimization, ceramic bearings, how best to increase combined cycle power plant efficiency, the latest gas turbine innovations, how to the most out of fire pumps, boilers in turbomachinery, maintaining and repairing aging turbines, failure analysis, bush seals, superalloys, coatings, vane liberation and a whole lot more

So that’s the issue. We look forward to seeing you all at the show in Houston.