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The Finish Line Vol. 29 • January 2023 [Q4 2022]

RMS Welcomes Kraig Simpson, Vice President of Technology

Kraig Simpson, Vice President of Technology

RMS is pleased to welcome Kraig Simpson as our new Vice President of Technology. Kraig joins RMS with over 10 years of experience in the Oil and Gas industry where he supported critical rotating equipment at ExxonMobil and pioneered the use of virtual assembly and advanced 3D scanning equipment.

Kraig joined ExxonMobil as a Machinery Engineer at Plastics, Resins, and Chemical Plants and eventually moved on to a role as Machinery Turnaround Lead. During his role managing critical rotating equipment turnarounds, Kraig was Introduced to virtual assembly for turbomachinery overhauls and realized the major turnaround duration reductions it presented.

Kraig leveraged virtual assembly for major project integrations, enabling the replacement of major turbomachinery, complex piping systems, and auxiliary facilities within a fraction of the historical time to execute. Most recently, Kraig held the role of Machinery Innovation & Technology Lead at ExxonMobil where he laid the foundation for the global implementation of virtual assembly and metrology applications. Kraig also gained experience implementing enterprise solutions for digital planning and execution applications to integrate virtual assembly and 3D animated procedures.

• Continued below •

RMS’ Growing Portfolio Of Technology

Kraig’s addition to the RMS team will allow him to implement his experience using advanced technology to improve the outcome of our customers. The plan for the new RMS Technology team includes field technology applications, in-house technology implementation, and finally the creation and management of digital twins.

Field Technology Applications

Field Applications

Field technology applications are primarily centered around utilizing metrology for virtual assembly in which we can reduce the durations associated with field maintenance by greater than 50% in some instances. For example, RMS will digitally map a rotor and casing for a turbomachine and virtually overlay that rotor into its casing to evaluate internal clearances. This allows us to adjust components such as internal labyrinth seal clearances and thrust bearing stack-up before physically installing the rotor in the machine. This is just one example though as Metrology allows us to rethink historical maintenance practices to optimize customer outcomes.

For steam turbines, RMS can scan the rotor and overlay it into the steam turbine bearing journals. Then we can virtually evaluate diaphragm positions and adjust the diaphragms to optimize placement and performance in a fraction of the time. For axial compressors, we can apply this same philosophy to the rotor and stationary components to determine axial and tip clearances before physically assembling the machine. Simply put, metrology enables innovation for every piece of turbomachinery.

In Shop Technology Applications

Shop Applications

The second component is related to in-house technology offerings. RMS has been in this space for quite some time, but we are actively expanding our in-house technology capabilities. For customers that choose to send equipment to our shops, RMS will leverage metrology to execute the work more efficiently and with a higher level of confidence in the overall quality. This enables RMS to improve overall delivery times for our customers. This technology also improves our internal capabilities for capturing critical geometry so that we can offer spare parts, upgrades, and improvements to our customers in the future.

Digital Twins

Digital Twins

RMS’s customers want to leverage the digital data that we are collecting throughout the entire lifecycle of the asset. If we scan a piece of equipment during a turnaround, we don’t want to just throw that digital data away. We want to leverage that data for other purposes. For instance, if we scan a piece of equipment during a turnaround, we will place that digital asset within a 3D platform for long-term storage.

We will then embed field/shop reports, drawings, pictures, etc. into that asset. If we scan the unit in which that piece of equipment operates, then that digital asset will live within that unit scan, all within the 3D platform. As we capture future data for that piece of equipment or other equipment within that same unit, we will flawlessly connect all of that data together over time. This enables the customer to leverage all of their critical digital data in one location at any given time. One of the most exciting new offerings associated with the digital twin offering is related to leveraging the data to create animated 3D maintenance and operations procedures. Rather than reading a historical maintenance manual, we can now use the digital twin to offer a more visual way of working.

What RMS’s Customers Can Expect

Many companies claim to have a “digital twin” offering, but that can have so many meanings. Numerous companies scan a facility and provide the customer w/ that information, but the value of this only goes so far. RMS differentiates itself by maximizing the use of that data. Customers are asking for a more visual way of working. Customers want to leverage their data not just for a single use case, but for the next 20 or 30 years. They want that digital asset to be available whenever they need it, and they want it to improve over time.

One of RMS’s big focus areas in 2023 is around digitalization and how to leverage the vast amount of metrology data we are capturing through the entire lifecycle of an asset. We are leveraging technology to give our customers a more visual and intelligent way of working. This is where digital twins come into play. Digital twins shift the paradigm for the entire turbomachinery industry. We are already seeing the migration toward digitalization, but RMS believes there will be an accelerated effort in that space over the next few years.

Customers will want a digital replica of each major asset for training, improving operations, streamlining maintenance, and centralizing data. RMS can even create 3D animated maintenance and operations procedures with this data, again to enable a more visual way of working for the customer. Therefore, when we collect digital data from the field and/or shop, we are actively building a digital twin for the customer.

This edition of 'The Finish Line' includes:

  • RMS Welcomes Vice President of Technology
  • RMS's Expanded Machining Capabilities In Action
  • Dispelling Complacency In The Name Of Safety
  • New Hires
  • Turbo Toons

RMS's Expanded Machining Capabilities In Action

Gary Breaux - General Manager | Steve Prewitt - Sales Representative

Thanks to the added capacity of RMS Breaux Machine Works, RMS has enjoyed the increased machining capability and expertise to better serve our customers. RMS Breaux Machine Work’s state-of-the-art machine tools and experienced operators have transformed RMS’s in-house machining capabilities and led to improved customer outcomes. Here are some recent examples of work completed across various RMS product lines at the RMS Breaux Machine Works site.

Steam Turbine Rotor Machining

This is a new replacement rotor for an Elliott SEPG-5 steam turbine for a refinery customer in Louisiana. It is being machined as an integral rotor meaning that the discs and shaft are made from one forging. Once the machining is complete, the rotor will be ready to have new blading and shaft end components installed by RMS. The steam turbine rotor is on a 50”swing X 204” bed length Ryazan lathe.

RMS AC Compressor Axial Compressor Rotor Machining

This is a new AC Compressor VA-1411 rotor with RMS upgrades for a refining customer. RMS Breaux Machine Works worked to put the finishing touches on and machine the seal strips to their final size. This Axial Compressor is on a 85” swing X 240” bed length Broadbent lathe located at RMS Breaux Machine Works.

Centrifugal Compressor Casing Machining

RMS is working to overhaul an Elliott 38M centrifugal compressor that has seen over 50 years of chlorine service. RMS Breaux milled the split line which needed to be restored for a precise fit. RMS also line bored the casing to restore concentricity after milling the split line, re-faced all the flange faces and restored all the threaded holes including the vents and drains. This compressor casing is on O-M Neo-30 DX Vertical Turning Lathe with a Center swing of 157” X 138” under rail with a table capacity of 44 tons.

Impeller Machining For Multi-Stage AC Compressor Centrifugal Compressor

Breaux is working on an impeller pre-machining for a multistage AC Compressor centrifugal compressor. The blades are milled from the hub using a single forging and the impeller cover will be welded to the blades during the fabrication process.

Expanded Capabilities Lead To Better Outcomes

Thanks to RMS’s combination of advanced rotating equipment engineering with a world class machining facility, RMS is able to improve customer outcomes. Bringing these capabilities in-house allows RMS to better serve our customers.

Everyone Home, Safe. Every day.

Andrew Hopton, Director of QHSE

RMS Welcomes Andrew Hopton Director of QHSE

Andrew Joins RMS as the Director of Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE). Andrew offers over 15 years of experience in Quality roles focused on full life cycle quality improvement. Andrew has experience overhauling QMS for successful transition to ISO 9001:2015 and the development of strategies for improved supplier control. Andrew’s Multi-site Quality leadership experience is a welcome addition to the growing RMS organization where quality is paramount.

Creating A Safety Culture

Rotating Machinery Services is striving to achieve a ZERO INJURY safety culture. One where every member of the organization, our contractors, and our visitors can rely upon the simple motto, “Everyone home, safe. Every day.” It is our commitment not only to each and every one of you, but also to your families, and loved ones.

Culture can be defined as being the things that happen when nobody is watching, but it is also shaped by the behaviors and actions that our leadership team tolerates each day. This is where COMPLACENCY comes into play. Complacency is safety’s worst enemy! The definition of complacency: Self-satisfaction accompanied by unawareness of actual danger or deficiencies.

Complacency happens naturally. Our brains are wired to function this way. Repetitive tasks become automatic to free up our attention to other things that are new, novel, or threatening. Otherwise, the simplest tasks would overwhelm us, but a manufacturing site is not the place for our minds to be on autopilot.

While an estimated 90 percent of our behavior is automatic, we are also wired for survival. The brain constantly scans the environment for signs of danger. We notice and respond to what is unique, unusual, or threatening to us. Repeated exposure to situations, even those that are potentially dangerous, dulls our defense mechanism and our awareness.

Telltale signs of complacency include overlooking small details and taking shortcuts to complete routine tasks. On the shop floor or work site, we put our personal safety and the safety of others in jeopardy when we do not have our eyes and mind on task. We become even more complacent when we receive positive reinforcement for a negative act, such as:

• Not getting stopped for speeding when we were driving over the speed limit

• Not falling when we stood on a chair to change a light bulb

• Not falling when we didn’t use proper fall protection on the work site

• Not being injured when we didn’t follow the safety protocols

We become more relaxed each time we escape the consequences of exhibiting negative behavior. On the shop floor, this can mean an accident resulting in serious injury or even death.

So, what should you do?

• Follow established protocols and procedures

• Attend safety meetings to discuss potential hazards

• Wear the appropriate PPE

• Stop and think about safety before you begin your task

• Practice good housekeeping

• Report any and all perceived or potential hazards to the shop or work site supervision or local Safety Manager

• Watch out for each other throughout the day

To continue RMS’s exemplary safety record and ensure everyone is home safe every day, RMS has safety managers at each site. These important members of the RMS team make sure that all safety procedures are followed and continuously work towards improving RMS’s safety systems.

Safety Managers:

• RMS Bethlehem – Ryan Butkowski

• RMS Mepco – Barry Nicholson

• RMS Breaux – Gerry Juelfs

Turbo Toons

Marc Rubino, Director of Metrology Services

The RMS Team Grows: New Hires

Ryan Omdahl, Drafter/Designer - RMS is excited to welcome Ryan to the growing Drafting and Design team. Ryan received an Associates Degree in Computer Aided Design and started his career in the world of manufacturing. In his previous role Ryan created piping general arrangements and agitation systems using P&ID’s and customer specifications consisting of 3D modeling, detail part and assembly drawings, spool drawings, and generating bills of material. RMS looks forward to having Ryan as part of the team as he continues to grow in his Design career.

David Amelio, Designer - David offers over twenty-Five years of experience in mechanical design of chemical gas containment systems for an ISO certified Specialty Gas Manufacturer, in the design of biopharmaceutical process systems for an Engineering Firm, and most recently in cryogenics design. Skilled in review of complex customer specifications, interaction with engineering regarding project execution; creation of parts and drawings using MicroStation, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, 3D Inventor, and Tube and Pipe software; creation of Bill of Materials in SolidWorks PDM; coordination with vendors performing outsourced tasks; and technical interaction and problem solving with shop staff.

Samuel Cook, Repair Engineer - Samuel joins RMS’s engineering team as a Repair Engineer. Samuel graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Engineering Physics. Prior to joining RMS, Samuel started his career in rotating equipment working on blowers and compressors as a Senior Field Engineer. Samuel has experience leading root cause failure analysis on turbomachinery to diagnose issues and improve reliability. RMS is excited to welcome Samuel to our growing engineering team.

Andrea Pinkerton, Senior Sourcing Specialist - Andrea offers over 10 years of purchasing experience in the oil and gas industry. Andrea has experience Consulting, visiting, and selecting new vendors based on best cost, quality, and vendors intercompany processes. Andrea’s experience is a welcomed addition to the RMS purchasing team.

Andrew Hopton, Director of QHSE - Andrew Joins RMS as the Director of Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE). Andrew offers over 15 years of experience in Quality roles focused on full life cycle quality improvement. Andrew has experience overhauling QMS for successful transition to ISO 9001:2015 and the development of strategies for improved supplier control. Andrew’s Multi-site Quality leadership experience is a welcome addition to the growing RMS organization where quality is paramount.

Jonathan Manuel, Lead NDT Technician - Jonathan joins RMS as a Lead NDT Technician with over 18 years of NDT experience. Jonathan started his career hydro testing gas cylinders before moving on to Radiographic Inspections of Casting & weldments per NAS 410 and ASTME 1742. Jonathan’s diverse NDT experience most recently included Level II UTSW, Level II MT, Level II PT. RMS looks forward to having Jonathan aboard the growing shop team.

Josh Cowart, Director of Field Technology - Josh brings to RMS a wealth of experience in planning and executing turnarounds with industry-leading performance. Josh has 22 years of experience with ExxonMobil, most recently as the Lead Machinery Specialist for the Baton Rouge area. Within ExxonMobil, Josh led the field execution for all metrology efforts in Baton Rouge associated with turbomachinery maintenance and project execution. Josh will oversee RMS field metrology technicians and support customers on site.

Edgardo Garza, CNC Lathe Machinist - Edgardo is an experience machinist who has over 18 years of experience. Thanks to his experience working with tight tolerances and working on highly engineered machinery, Edgardo is an exciting addition to the RMS team. RMS looks forward to having Edgardo as part of the growing RMS organization.

Javier Molina, CNC HBM Machinist - RMS is excited to welcome Javier to the growing RMS shop team. Javier has over 20 years of CNC machine experience primarily focused on horizontal and vertical mills. In addition to his CNC experience, Javier has spent much of his career working in ISO9001:2015 certified manufacturing facilities. RMS looks forward to having Javier as part of the shop team where his skills and experience will be a great addition to our growing team.

John Rubino, Project Manager - John started his career working in the RMS shop in Bethlehem before transitioning to a role as a Police Officer in Philadelphia, PA. John has over a decade of experience in the world of law enforcement where he developed skills to deliver professional communication in high stress environments. John was also awarded “Officer of the Year”, and selected in two different districts for Captain’s handpicked squad. In addition to enforcing criminal and traffic laws, John was responsible for documenting daily activities and observations through a variety of forms and documenting and cataloging evidence for proper storage. John held an analyst position within the department and represented graphical information to supervisors. RMS is excited to welcome John to the project management team where his experience will be a major asset.

Daryl Howard, Production Supervisor - Daryl has over 45 years of experience on the rebuilding of all types of centrifugal pumps, and in particular between bearing horizontal split case and radial split case pumps, vertical pumps and overhung pumps. Daryl also has over 20 years of hands-on experience as shop/field mechanic and machinist operating manual lathes, mills, boring mills, drill presses and various other shop equipment. In addition to his hands on experience, Daryl has a wealth of shop management experience with a specialization in rotating equipment.

Dennis Moreland, Rotating Equipment Planner - Over 26 years Downstream oil & gas plant experience starting as a Journeyman Machinist and most recently as a field service representative. Dennis has experience managing the installation, repairs, and troubleshooting of gas compression, power generation, and turbo machinery. Dennis was also responsible for the installation of auxiliary and support equipment for rotating equipment. RMS looks forward to adding Dennis’s impressive skill set to our growing Field Service team.

Zain Iqbal, Mechanic - A United States Marine Corps Veteran, Zian has over 15 years of rotating equipment experience. After his career in the military, Zain started his career in the rotating equipment world where he gained valuable experience completing compressor and turbine rotor DCI (disassemble, clean, inspect and the assembly of compressor rotors and components. Zain is also skilled in the art of Dynamic/Static rotor balancing using IRD, Schenck, and Easy Balancing software. RMS is excited to welcome Zain to the shop team.

Antonio Salazar, Quality Control - Antonio joins the RMS team with a wealth of both machining and quality inspection experience. Antonio has his NDE Level II-Liquid Penetrant/Magnetic Particle & Visual Examination. Antonio’s experience in the inspection of complex engineered equipment makes him a great addition to the RMS shop team.

Brian Arnbrister, CNC Vertical Mill Machinist - Brian joins RMS with over 20 years of manufacturing experience and 12 years of CNC machining experience. Brian worked with CNC mills in a lead position for 8 years. Ability to calculate and set controls to regulate machining factors such as speed, feed, coolant flow, depth and angle of cut, or enter commands to retrieve, input, or edit computerized machine control media. RMS looks forward to having Brian as part of the growing RMS team.

Brian Boychuck, Senior Sourcing Specialist - RMS is excited to welcome Brian to the purchasing team as a Senior Sourcing Specialist. Brian has over 25 years of purchasing experience in the manufacturing sector managing the purchase of everything from raw materials to key outsourced labor support. Brian’s wealth of purchasing knowledge is a welcomed addition to the RMS team as we continue to grow to support our customers.

Ernesto Palacios, CNC VTL Machinist - Ernesto joins RMS as a CNC VTL Machinist with over 15 years of experience in CNC machine operation. Ernesto’s career lead him to work on the manufacture of critical equipment for the oil and gas industry where meeting tight tolerances is required. In addition to his machining experience, Ernesto supported the Quality Control department by calibrating tools inspection of parts, NDT/dye checks, and PMI checks on materials. RMS looks forward to having Ernesto as part of the growing RMS shop team.

Keith Petersen, Senior Project Manager - Keith is an engineering Professional with extensive experience in global service, commercial, execution, and manufacturing environments. In his previous role Keith was responsible for the continued improvements in proposal issuance speed reduction, on-time project execution, and Orders & Sales figures. Keith started his career in the engineering of tools for a prominent manufacturer before starting a career in rotating equipment over 16 years ago. The RMS Project Management team looks forward to adding Keith’s skill set to the organization.

Victor Ovalle, Senior Sales Manager Latin America - RMS is pleased to welcome Victor Ovalle as the Senior Sales Manager for Latin America. Victor has over 40 years of rotating equipment experience in both sales and as a Designer. Victor graduated from Massey Business College with a Technical degree in Mechanical Design. Victor started his career as a Designer engineering compressor parts, developing working drawings from sketches and/or similar mechanical parts, identifying critical dimensions and working conditions on existing OEM parts to improve their performance. After over ten years of Design experience, Victor transitioned to a sales role for critical rotating equipment in the Latin America region. RMS is excited to welcome Victor and add his wealth of experience to the RMS sales team.

Michele Walker, Human Resources Coordinator - Michele joins RMS with over five years of human resoruces expeirnece. Prior to joining RMS, Michele was the Executive Team Lead for Human Resources for Target where she lead all human resource functions for over 200 staff including hiring, on-boarding, training, benefit packages, compensation coordination, and ongoing employee relations. RMS looks forward to adding her skill set to the growing RMS HR team.

Arjay Mariano, Quality Inspector - Arjay has over 20 years of quality inspection experience. Arjay is certified in Magnetic Particle Level I / Liquid Penetrant Level II and has experience working with SAP, PLM2020, Access Database, Gage Insite, reading engineering drawings and documents, material specifications, quality plans, inspection test plans, work scopes and special procedures. RMS is excited to welcome Arjay as part of the growing RMS team.

Pictured: John Rubino, Project Manager

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