Hydraulic Institute launches personnel certification programme
The Hydraulic Institute has launched its new Pump Systems Assessment Professional (PSAP) certification programme, designed to provide pump end-users and other stakeholders with a means to assess complicated systems with qualified and certified pump system assessors.
With pumping systems accounting for 40% of industrial energy usage, the PSAP programme aims to help meet the need for more reliable and energy efficient systems, according to a statement from the Hydraulic Institute.
“The PSAP program addresses a key market need in the industrial and commercial marketplace.” states Michael Michaud, executive director of the Hydraulic Institute.
“Energy and maintenance costs combine to represent some 65% of the total cost of ownership of a medium sized industrial pumping system. A thorough system assessment often identifies energy efficient upgrade opportunities that usually pay for themselves in less than a year, lowering overall energy costs while increasing reliability, reducing downtime and maintenance costs. The key to unlocking the savings starts with a holistic assessment from a professional who can assess and optimise the overall system.”
The Hydraulic Institute argues that corporations can gain a competitive edge by employing PSAPs and performing more pump system assessments.
“PSAPs are professionals who distinguish themselves as true experts in assessing all types of pumping systems”, said Edgar Suarez, technical programme manager at the Hydraulic Institute.
“Examining system interactions means looking beyond the individual components to identify inefficiencies. Flow requirements are often overstated when specified and components can be oversized to ensure requirements are met. These inefficiencies add up to a lot of potential waste in a system and create opportunities not only to improve the overall system performance, but lower maintenance costs and increase uptime and overall system reliability.”
The PSAP certification is designed to help professionals in the pump industry advance their careers. According to a statement from the Hydraulic Institute, PSAP certification:
- Assures organisations and/or clients that the certified individual has the required knowledge and skills to perform a comprehensive pump system assessment.
- Validates field expertise and aligns knowledge with industry best practices.
- Enhances career opportunities and a commitment to continuous learning.
Applicants to the programme must have a minimum of three years pump or pumping system experience and possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited university or college in a technical or business field.
Alternatively, applicants may possess five or more years of direct industrial or commercial fluid transfer/pumping systems experience having completed a minimum of seven pump system assessments. After an application is accepted by HI, candidates sit for a 3½ hour proctored exam.
The Hydraulic Institute is currently accepting PSAP applications through its website.
