http://www.turbinetechnologies.com RSS feeds for Turbine Technologies 60 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/80/first-diesel-engine-dynomometer-laboratory-delivered-to-california-state-university-long-beach#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=80 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=80&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/80/first-diesel-engine-dynomometer-laboratory-delivered-to-california-state-university-long-beach   Turbine Technologies' staff returned from California this week following the delivery of a brand new, turnkey educational lab product to the University of California Long Beach.   Dr. Jalal Torabzadeh, Professor and the Chair of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering CSULB, along with Lecturer, Ms. Asieh Jalali-Farahani, welcomed TTL on campus for the commissioning of their new Diesel engine training system.   Mike Kutrieb, of Turbine Technologies, stated that "The staff and faculty of CSULB couldn't have been more welcoming. This new system incorporates a diesel engine and dynomometer with a completely integrated sensor package. Software and automation tools that are typically found in modern industrial settings are also seemlessly integrated. PID control of RPM and Torque set points allow students to devise a number of scenarios to study the characteristics of this type of power production. Todd Gaines, Director of Sales at TTL, went on to say that Cal State Long Beach has been a long time operator of our turbojet and steam turbine cycle analysis systems and we couldn't be happier that they chose our new Diesel Dynomometer tool to teach their students fundamentals of this thermodynamic cycle. Additional product details can be viewed here: Diesel Dynomometer Lab   Administrator Account Fri, 30 Nov 2018 19:26:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:80 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/79/turbine-technologies-recognizes-singapore-based-focus-science-technology-for-10-years-of-sales-customer-support#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=79 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=79&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/79/turbine-technologies-recognizes-singapore-based-focus-science-technology-for-10-years-of-sales-customer-support Todd Gaines, Director of Sales at Turbine Technologies recently stated, “From the first sale of our educational gas turbine lab system in 2008, to the installation visits that took place this month at the Indonesia Airforce Academy and the Singapore Nanyang Technological University, Mr. Lim Hoon, of Focus Science Technology, has routinely extended efforts beyond my expectations. It’s been a real pleasure to work with Mr. Lim and Focus Science”. Mike Kutrieb, of Turbine Technologies went on to state, “Clients throughout the Singapore region have benefited from the on-site sales, technical and training support that Focus Science provides.  It’s been a nonstop win-win for the last decade and we thank them for continuing to grow and support our operator family in that beautiful part of the world.  We welcome the Indonesia Airforce Academy and Nanyang Technological University into our growing operator family and thank Mr. Lim Hoon for his efforts in successfully commissioning our gas turbine lab units at those programs”.     Administrator Account Tue, 03 Apr 2018 15:37:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:79 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/77/windlab-supports-undergraduate-studies-at-kennesaw-state-university#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=77 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=77&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/77/windlab-supports-undergraduate-studies-at-kennesaw-state-university Dr. Adeel Khalid, Associate Professor of Systems Engineering at Kennesaw State University, is providing students a unique hands-on experience with Turbine Technologies' WindLabTM product.  WindLabTM is a scaled wind turbine electric generator.  It features a planetary gearbox and three rapid prototyped blades that drive a 3-phase electric alternator.   Included electronic models support development of student-designed turbine blades.  Multiple variants can be installed, tested and compared to the baseline factory blades.  This process inherently introduces participants to many aerodynamic performance topics.   Christopher Douglas Roper, an undergraduate senior of Dr. Khalid's, is enrolled in a dual-degree program with the University of West Georgia and Kennesaw State University (formally Southern Polytechnic State University).  He is double majoring in physics and mechanical engineering with minors both in aerospace engineering and mathematics and co-authored a paper regarding the educational use of Kennesaw State's WindLab system. Mr. Roper stated that this undergraduate activity "allows a student to go through a complete engineering design cycle. They start with a baseline wind turbine and calculate the lift and drag using analytical methods. The values are then compared with corresponding wind turbine blades designed using CAD and CFD software. Validation is performed to ensure that the CFD software is calibrated. Various wind turbine parameters are changed and power extracted values are calculated. This allows the undergraduate student to experience a complete engineering research process". Check out their WindLabTM turbine blade optimization paper here:           Administrator Account Wed, 15 Nov 2017 20:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:77 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/76/mechanical-design-students-verify-solidworksstructural-simulation-results-with-ttls-truestructures-lab#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=76 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=76&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/76/mechanical-design-students-verify-solidworksstructural-simulation-results-with-ttls-truestructures-lab   When designing critical structural components, computer based simulation tools enable engineers to rapidly assure factors of safety. These modern software codes help prevent bridge collapses, assure that aircraft can easily sustain the most extreme turbulence, and even keep roofs from collapsing under high snow loads.   Students at the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay, WI recently had the opportunity to work through the entire progression of this type of analysis.  They first imported solid models into SolidWorksTM Simulation.  They then simulated loading scenarios and arrived at predicted stress and strain values. In a typical educational setting, a report is generated on the software findings, and that is the end student deliverable.    Mr. Justin Lemke, a Mechanical Design instructor at the Northeast Wisconsin Technical College however, had his students take the next step.  Following the software exercise, the students set up a Turbine Technologies Ltd. test rig, called TrueStructuresTM , to measure the actual results of the simulated loading conditions on real components.  They then compared measured values to those that were computer derived. Upon review of their paper, Turbine Technologies personnel made a few observations too.  Kevin Carlson, product applications specialist at Turbine Technologies, said: “There are thousands of design students every year that are learning to use some very powerful simulation tools, but most of them rarely get to verify those calculations with a real structure.  Our TrueStructures™ lab provides a structural frame with a built-in loading apparatus, 3 strain gauge equipped test elements (I-Beam, tube, and an actual aircraft wing) and the electronic solid models of those elements. With this turnkey device, students can readily compare and verify predicted results with actual values. Mike Kutrieb, a mechanical engineer with TTL went on to state: “Simply put, real-world exercises like this are very valuable to students. The end result is that they learn about mistakes that can creep in when using simulation tools. Items like proper material selection within the software tool, heat treat conditions, rigidity provided by properly mounting the real components, and ambient temperature variations in readings of strain gauges, all play a critical role in obtaining accurate results.  We think that mechanical design courses are greatly enhanced by combining simulation with instrumented, real world devices".  For a free copy of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College’s paper, please email kevin@turbinetechnologies.com  Also, for additional information on TrueStuctures™, please visit https://www.turbinetechnologies.com/educational-lab-products/structures-lab Administrator Account Fri, 19 May 2017 18:48:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:76 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/75/uw-green-bay-students-faculty-welcome-ttls-new-state-of-the-art-mobile-engineering-lab#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=75 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=75&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/75/uw-green-bay-students-faculty-welcome-ttls-new-state-of-the-art-mobile-engineering-lab On Wednesday, April 19th, Turbine Technologies’ new mobile engineering and technology training center arrived at the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay.  Students and faculty were excited to experience hands-on, interactive demonstrations of brand new, state of the art learning systems. Following a general presentation, and a question and answer session, each participant was given time to operate an on-board, fully instrumented jet engine, steam turbine power plant, process automation trainer, and a programmable automation control systems device.  A structures experimental rig also gave faculty, staff and students an opportunity to witness stress and strain characteristics of numerous test elements (I-Beams, tubes, and an actual aircraft wing section).   Toby Kutrieb of Turbine Technologies stated:  "A unique aspect of our product line is the fact that we take a systems approach to student knowledge development, rather than having our educational clients purchase multiple piecemeal-ed trainers.  In other words, faculty may elect to teach a sensors class, a process logic control course, or a pumps class, but are doing it with only one of our products (not 3 separate trainers) and within a "real-world" systems type of architecture.  Over the years, hundreds of our faculty customers have found this approach more cost effective and educationally beneficial ".   Mr. Kutrieb went on to say that "Our new demonstration trailer clearly depicts how various engineering disciplines need to be correctly applied to solve real world challenges.  In most job settings, you won't find an individual solely responsible for just PLC's, but you will find someone that is responsible for say a manufacturing plants automation operation".    Kevin Carlson, Product Applications Specialist at Turbine Technologies added, “We really enjoyed meeting faculty members and interacting with the UW Green Bay students throughout the day.  And, we're off to a great start with over a dozen additional visits scheduled for this spring in Wisconsin and Minnesota”.  “UW-Green Bay News and Features” also ran a piece about the visit and posted some great pictures of the day, found here:   Campus and community invited to tour mobile engineering lab   If your school has an interest in participating in a mobile demonstration visit, please contact Kevin Carlson.  Kevin@turbinetechnologies.com, or call him at 715 924 4876, ext. 115.       Administrator Account Wed, 26 Apr 2017 16:10:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:75 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/73/ttl-unveils-new-mobile-engineering-and-technology-training-center#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=73 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=73&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/73/ttl-unveils-new-mobile-engineering-and-technology-training-center   TTL’s new Mobile Engineering and Technology Training Center is now on tour!    Todd Gaines, Director of Sales stated, “For many years, we’ve been bringing prospective clients to our Chetek, Wisconsin manufacturing facility to experience first-hand operation of our unique training systems.  Nearly every time we provide that experience educational programs join our growing operator family.  But, we know that faculty members have limited time and travel budgets and most times can't bring key decision makers (deans, department chairs, financial foundation members, industry partners,etc.).  So, over the last year, we worked to bring the experience to them.  Our new self-contained, climate-controlled trailer does an exciting job of that”. Kevin Carlson of Turbine Technologies' went on to say "We're extremely pleased with this new onsite demonstration capability.  We can now offer on-campus demonstrations of some of our most popular training systems. Faculty and students will be able to get hands-on experience with numerous energy conversion and automation devices.  The trailer is equipped with our fully operational jet engine lab, steam turbine power plant, and the latest and greatest in process automation and controls systems.  A structures experimental rig is also on-board and allows participants to witness stress and strain characteristics of numerous test elements (I-Beam, tube, and an actual aircraft wing section).  The devices also “talk” to each other and vividly portrait the “internet of things”.  For additional information, or to schedule a visit, please contact Kevin Carlson. kevin@turbinetechnologies.com, or call 715-924-4876, ext. 115.   Administrator Account Tue, 04 Apr 2017 18:12:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:73 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/72/students-bring-new-life-to-legacy-jet-engine-lab-system#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=72 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=72&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/72/students-bring-new-life-to-legacy-jet-engine-lab-system   Sixteen years ago, Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston acquired a MiniLabTM Gas Turbine Power System from Turbine Technologies, Ltd.  The engine and support systems have weathered time and student use nicely, but some sensors needed attention and a modern data acquisition system was desired.       Newly Created Virtual lnstrument for improved gas turbine engine data gathering at Wentworth Institute of Technology Students and their faculty advisors decided to make this into an in-house project and the results are very impressive.  For additional details:  Wentworth Inst Tech Final_Report_Mini_Jet_Turbine_Analysis_and_Testing.pdf      Administrator Account Thu, 10 Nov 2016 16:51:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:72 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/68/university-of-queensland-australia-readies-windlab-from-turbine-technologies#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=68 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=68&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/68/university-of-queensland-australia-readies-windlab-from-turbine-technologies   The University of Queensland, Australia has taken delivery of a Turbine Technologies, Ltd. WindLab system. This educational device is being readied for student use and the college released the following information: "The University of Queensland has recently acquired a WindLab wind turbine by Turbine Technologies which has been part funded by the Australian Power Institute (API). The aim of this purchase is to provide undergraduate and postgraduate power engineers with a practical method of learning and understanding the fundamentals of how wind turbines operate and the principals of wind power generation. This system will provide power engineering students with a platform to develop, test and simulate a wind turbine and its associated generator under variable wind conditions. The WindLab wind turbine is designed to be a viable, hands-on tool for renewable wind energy education. The system will be used for experimentation and research along with studies into aerodynamics, structures and electrical engineering [1]. To ensure that UQ engineers get the full educational and practical benefits from this system, six hours of laboratory modules have been developed for use in existing and future BE, ME and BE/ME courses that cover wind power generation. The laboratory modules have been developed as three separate practical sessions that would each take approximately two hours to complete. The format and structure of each module is consistent with other API practical and laboratory modules developed by UQ and each module contains a worksheet, step through guide and sample solutions. The first eight sections of this report summarise some background theory and fundamentals on wind power, pitch control, the WindLab system and how to calibrate relevant meters as well as pre-lab procedures. The first laboratory module is designed to familiarise the user with all necessary safety procedures and the basic operational overview of the WindLab system. It runs through the wind turbines control parameters and how to sample and save data through the data acquisition system and the program installed on the supplied laptop. The second module is designed to explore the turbines functionality, reveal the underlying operating principles and wind power’s potential benefits. The worksheet provides real world scenarios and instructs the user to gather experimental data using this system to answer questions as well as requiring theoretical knowledge to justify the user’s decisions. The third two hour module aims to provide an insight into the customisable features of the WindLab system. In particular, the effect of blade pitch positioning is investigated where the adjustable blades are configured at different angles and the turbine performance for each configuration is analysed. The effect of blade pitch on system performance of both the model wind turbine and a full scale application is examined, providing insight into a current issue and focus within the wind industry". Turbine Technologies welcomes the University of Queensland to our ever growing operator group and look forward to their success in hands-on student education with their new WindLab system.   Administrator Account Tue, 01 Dec 2015 21:54:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:68 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/44/new-controlslab-offers-students-programmable-automation-training#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=44 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=44&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/44/new-controlslab-offers-students-programmable-automation-training It's difficult to escape the influence of automated systems. Nearly every mechanical and electrical device we encounter on a daily basis has some element of automation built into it. As a consequence, virtually every technical discipline is required to have some knowledge of control engineering in order to succeed. Typical introductory controls classes are heavy on mathematical theory and light on real world application. The Turbine Technologies, Ltd. ControlsLab™ - Programmable Automation Trainer aims to change that with a student friendly, flexible device for introductory exposure to feedback system characteristics, performance and design.   "We can't escape the influence of automation in our daily lives," said Mike Kutrieb, of Turbine Technologies. "Today's student needs to have more than a passing familiarity with automation design and operation. Even entry-level positions now demand basic controls skills. Theory isn't enough anymore. With our new ControlsLabTM product, we set out to design a piece of educational equipment that allows students to apply what they are learning in their textbooks and apply it to state-of-the-art industrial hardware and software. And do so in a manner that's not only educational, but fun as well." ControlsLab™ introduces students to fundamental automation through the classic problem of controlling the rotational speed of a motor. All mechanical and electrical components, including controllers, sensors and the plant itself are conveniently packaged and ready for experimentation via a comprehensive, free curriculum. Via the systems large format, touch screen interface , the student is tasked with determining the necessary control parameters and tuning them in such a way to affect the desired system response. The challenge presented to the student though, lies in controlling the position of an aerodynamic float on a column of air with a variable frequency drive and motor.  An additional variable includes two digitally controlled louvers that enable flow diversion. "Controlling set points in process temperature, pressure, flow or regulating the speed of a motor, while important control engineering problems, lack the qualitative cues to help students learn. We've incorporated a highly visual floating element and clear-view duct with a fan on the system motor to provide visual feedback as to the system's performance. Students can directly see if the system is stable by how well the element floats at a fixed point via the graduated duct. It's difficult to see the stability of a temperature or motor speed. With the aerodynamic float, other control scenarios such as manufacturing operations, process plant, or HVAC systems can be simulated," said Mr. Kutrieb. Convenient USB and Ethernet ports support LAN and remote access. An included wireless mouse and keyboard offer additional connectivity.  Rockwell Automation software is also included and pre-installed and includes Studio 5000 and FactoryTalk View ME V8.0.  Multiple pre-programmed virtual instruments are included and open-ended student design is facilitated via the on-board, industrial programming software.  Mr. Kutrieb concluded, "The ControlsLabTM represents an inexpensive controls experimentation toolbox. Through the various hardware connections and the ability to control and monitor with software, any number of scenarios can be conducted using real hardware. There is simply no substitute for working a technical challenge, then directly seeing the 'answer' play out on live hardware."   Click here for a printable brochure Additional information on the ControlsLab™ - Programmable Automation Trainer, including a specification sheet and pricing, is available by contacting Turbine Technologies, LTD. Administrator Account Fri, 20 Nov 2015 08:22:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:44 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/67/turbine-technologies-introduces-their-one-of-a-kind-programmable-process-automation-trainer-fluidmechatronix#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=67 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=67&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/67/turbine-technologies-introduces-their-one-of-a-kind-programmable-process-automation-trainer-fluidmechatronix   U.S. manufacturing competitiveness is largely driven by advanced automation.  Product quality, time-to-market and cost are significantly enhanced by modern devices and software.  Robots, variable frequency drives, process-automation-controllers and computers are just a few of the devices that work together in advanced manufacturing fields that include oil refineries, automotive plants and food packaging.  “Consider the reality of today’s job market. We have a massive skills gap. Millions of jobs are unfilled because no one is trained to do them.” -Mike Rowe, American television host Wisconsin based Turbine Technologies, Ltd. continues to recognize the need for engineers and skilled technicians by developing and manufacturing unique training devices.  These turnkey systems teach students about energy and automation.     “We’re introducing a brand-new, one-of-a-kind process automation trainer that vastly improves current market offerings”, says Perry Kuznar, Principal Applications Engineer at Turbine Technologies.  FluidMechatronix™ is a state-of-the-art teaching system.  It’s the only trainer of its kind to combine automation with a clear-view pumping circuit- allowing students to see into the machine, while operating!”    Utilizing water as the working fluid, along with interchangeable pump impellers, students are provided skills-based training in: Centrifugal Pumps:  Including data mapping and development of characteristic performance curves, along with viewing often discussed, but never seen flow cavitation   Control loops that include:  Tank levels, temperatures, mixing, pressure/suction and flow     Programmable Automation Controller (PAC/PLC) Programming:  Featuring on-board Rockwell Automation Studio 5000™ ladder logic with PIDE Autotune, alarms, lock-out tag-out, etc.     Human Machine Interface Programming (HMI):  Large format touch screen with pre-installed Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk ViewME® v8.0 Variable Frequency Drives (VFD):  Operation & control   Ethernet communications:  Set-up & networking over local area networks (LAN) & internet (subnets, IP address Classification, etc.) Mr. Kuznar went on to say:  “Our industry and educational advisory committee helped us develop a complete curriculum series that focuses on critical skills-based topics and our in-house design team really put an exciting spin on those topics. We’re extremely eager to start shipping the new FluidMechatronix™ trainer.  The product is packaged so well and uses state of the art industrial hardware and software to accurately replicate an automated manufacturing environment.” For additional information, please visit: the Mechatronics Lab page ### Administrator Account Fri, 18 Sep 2015 19:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:67 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/63/esteemed-professor-and-son-visit-ttl#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=63 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=63&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/63/esteemed-professor-and-son-visit-ttl Turbine Technologies, LTD. (TTL) was honored to host Dr. Horacio Perez-Blanco, Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Penn State University and his son Dr. Marcos Perez-Blanco, an engineer for Madison, Wisconsin-based Epic, a healthcare software developer. Dr. Perez-Blanco has been a long-term operator of a number of TTL engineering educational systems, integrating the gas turbine, steam turbine and centrifugal pumping trainers into Penn State’s engineering labs over the past 14 years. “Because of his strong background in energy systems, Dr. Perez-Blanco was always interested in seeing our small, but dynamic company.  He does such a great job of developing interesting methodologies to teach key energy engineering topics at Penn State”, stated applications engineer Perry Kuznar of Turbine Technologies.    “Both gentlemen were able to see, first-hand, TTL’s integrated capabilities by touring our design center, rapid prototyping lab, vacuum investment foundry, machining center, assembly areas and jet engine test cells”, stated TTL’s vice president Toby Kutrieb. The highlight of the visit was a “meeting of the minds” between Dr. Perez-Blanco and TTL’s Company founder and President, Mr. Wolfgang Kutrieb.  With both gentlemen so well versed in energy technologies, including jet engine development, the conversation covered many pertinent topics regarding energy technology advancements for both education and industry. TTL team members were excited to meet both Dr. Perez-Blancos.  The connection with a long-standing customer has grown even stronger and fortifies the idea that it is highly beneficial for education and industry to work together.  “These kinds of visits help serve the future educational needs of engineers and technologists”, stated TTL president Wolfgang Kutrieb. From Left to RIght:  Wolfgang Kutrieb, Dr. Perez Blanco, Dr. Marcos Perez-Blanco Administrator Account Thu, 05 Feb 2015 17:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:63 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/59/lowering-cost-and-reducing-production-time-projet-3d-printing-lets-turbine-technologies-soar#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=59 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=59&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/59/lowering-cost-and-reducing-production-time-projet-3d-printing-lets-turbine-technologies-soar       Lowering Cost & Reducing Production Time, ProJet 3D Printing Lets Turbine Technologies Soar     "If we used a traditional method for a wax injection tool, it could take up to 5 weeks and cost well in excess of $20,000. However, if we rapid prototype an axially turbine blisk, for example, with our 3D Systems printer, the wax investment piece builds unattended overnight and is ready for foundry in the morning for well under $2,000." Making test parts using traditional mold manufacturing techniques is risky business. Take turbine engine components, which traditionally require weeks and tens of thousands of dollars to finish. The designs upon which these parts are based go through extensive cycle analysis, computational fluid dynamics, finite element analysis and solid modeling, but there’s always the chance that alterations may be required due to a mistake or change in specifications. In any case, if a design change is suddenly required, your shiny new test part is now an expensive, time-eating piece of scrap. In addition, with traditional techniques iterative design and testing become virtually impossible. Turbine blades especially may require several tests, as they have to be twisted precisely. Even a few degrees off and they won’t function. But when one part costs upwards of $20,000, it’s not feasible to produce several parts for testing alone. Standout turbine engine makers are finding ways to make changes and maximize iterative design by producing parts quickly, accurately and at a low cost. Wisconsin-basedTurbine Technologies and its gas turbine development sister company, Kutrieb Research, get it right by using 3D Systems ProJet™ 3D printing technology to produce multiple wax patterns, which they then cast in super alloys and test until they find the right design. “All the engineering and FEA software in the world can’t replace actually having physical test models,” says Toby Kutrieb, the company’s vice president. For a company that considers physical testing its linchpin, the ProJet wax patterns are a huge boost to creating an R&D process that doesn’t rely on expensive tooling. (Image left: A wax pattern of a stator case with sprues attached) For over 25 years family-owned Turbine Technologies has been the go-to provider of educational laboratory turbine equipment for college engineering departments and technical colleges. Kutrieb Research, Turbine Technologies’ spin-off company, makes small, advanced turbine engines for vehicles including UAVs. To date, Kutrieb Research has successfully completed contracts for the likes of NASA, the United States Naval Research Laboratory, the US Air Force, and the US Army. You could say that founder Wolfgang Kutrieb and his three sons know their turbines. Early on, they knew investment casting would play a huge role in their success, both for testing and production. In the company’s infancy, CNC wasn’t advanced enough and tooling was expensive (and it still is). So Wolfgang Kutrieb bought an induction vacuum furnace, one of the few in the world, in which they could cast high-nickel superalloys for their turbine engines. In those days, they carved casting patterns by hand, a painstaking and long process. Turbine Technologies’ foray into 3D printing actually started in the late 90s when they bought a 3D Systems Viper SLA 3D printer. A decade later, 3D Systems Sales Manager Jim Dier proposed a new printer, a ProJet CP 3000 (now sold as a ProJet 3510), and ran a few sample wax casting patterns for them. The ProJet 3510 quickly prints mirror standard casting patterns with an exceptional level of accuracy. Wax parts produced on the ProJet are castable in a variety of casting processes, from those used by Turbine Technologies to jewelry and medical device applications. “The casting patterns were great,” says Toby Kutrieb. “Jim gave us samples, we did shell building and burnouts, and we were impressed. We bought one of the first models that was made.” They put the ProJet to use right away. “We ran the machine a lot,” Toby Kutrieb says. Primarily they used it in product development, i.e., for that vital role in iterative design and research. But after a while, it started to make more sense to use the ProJet for small production runs, printing casting patterns for specific turbine parts and some customization work. “Right now,” continues Toby Kutrieb, “we’re doing R&D on the machine about 20 percent of the time. The other 80 percent is production.” Creating a wax pattern traditionally starts with milling an injection mold, which is a negative cavity of the part. Then workers inject wax into the mold to produce the pattern. From there they surround the pattern in ceramic, burn out the wax and go through a vacuum investment casting process in which molten super alloy is poured into the ceramic shell. ProJet casting patterns allow Turbine Technologies to produce a wax pattern in hours without making an injection mold, without wax injection and without cooling time. “If we used a traditional method for a wax injection tool,” says Toby Kutrieb, “it could take up to 5 weeks and cost well in excess of $20,000. However, if we rapid prototype an axially turbine blisk, for example, with our 3D Systems printer, the was investment piece builds unattended overnight and is ready for foundry in the morning for well under $2,000.” Whether it’s for R&D or production, the ProJet allows them to make better more accurate components and test designs more freely. They simply print several different options of a given part and find out which one produces better results. This higher level of quality means more opportunities and an even stronger reputation for Turbine Technologies, Kutrieb Research and the family behind the two companies. (Image right: A wax pattern created with the lengthy traditional tooling process; tooling also pictured in background.) “Additionally,” Toby Kutrieb stresses, “with the digital workflow that the ProJet allows, we can keep our designs safe. Tooling can be damaged. You have to train people how to handle it. It can be lost in a fire. It has to be protected. You lose a tool, you’re wasting months getting back to production. But with electronic files, if something were to happen, we can be up and running again in a matter of days.” The ProJet is also allowing the company to branch out in terms of offerings and product variation. One of its educational pump labs allows engineering students to learn about impellers by designing their own. Turbine Technologies then uses the ProJet to produce each student’s design. “They design the impeller, mathematically figure out what it will do. Then they send us a design file, we print it, cast it and the student can see how close their predictions were,” says Toby Kutrieb. It’s extra offerings like these that bolster the Turbine Technologies brand and enhance the educational experience for students all over the world. Today, many of the internal parts of the turbines produced by Turbine Technologies and Kutrieb Research are first 3D printed on the ProJet. They’re even doing some service work on the side for area companies that don’t have the same casting and rapid prototyping technologies. Through it all, with the help of their streamlined workflow, the Kutrieb family companies have bolstered their standing as trusted turbine developers and manufacturers, and they’ve charted further into the future with bold new designs for the larger engine market. Administrator Account Fri, 18 Apr 2014 14:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:59 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/58/marietta-college-petroleum-engineerings-pumpprocess-control-trainer-creates-excitement#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=58 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=58&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/58/marietta-college-petroleum-engineerings-pumpprocess-control-trainer-creates-excitement   As Dr. Paul Daniell was looking over the new Pump Lab, he turned to the three students in the room and asked, “What do you think is making it cavitate like this?” Jake Double ’14 (Evans City, Pa.) and Kara Gromicko ’14 (Irwin, Pa.) both suggested there could be a pressure issue, while Nicole Schaly ’14 (Ashland, Ohio) looked at the monitor and offered up another potential cause. It didn’t take them long to figure out what was causing the problem, proving that this new mobile lab has added another dimension to the education being offered in Petroleum Engineering at Marietta. With this see-through flow lab, students can visualize the internal operations within fluid flow systems, and gain a better understanding of the laws governing pipes, pumps and energy in a flow system. “The number of experiments and opportunity for learning are endless,” says Daniell, Assistant Professor in Petroleum Engineering. “Right now we have the seniors working on doing process control experiments, and the sophomores working on modeling the system to bring together the theory and the real machine. The ability to predict the behavior of a physical system with a model and then confirm it with experimentation is a very important skill for an engineer.” Daniell says a majority of the hands-on experience with equipment is done in the field during internships, so he feels this fills in some of the educational gaps that had been missing. Schaly, who has a job lined up as a production engineer with Anadarko Petroleum Corp. after graduation, is still getting used to the new equipment, but she can see the value it will have in the teaching lab. “We have seen the formulas and theories on the board and we’ve talked about it in class, but now we can take a real life situation and test it on a system that brings it to life,” she says. “Even if we had a problem like this in the field, we wouldn’t be able to see it like we can here.” Being able to see the mechanics at work is one of the huge selling points for the Pump Lab. “Pumps and piping systems are part of the life of an engineer and must be understood. Also, control systems are present everywhere in industry and our everyday lives,” Daniell says. “Simple examples would be cruise control on your car to keep constant speed and room temperature control with a thermostat. In the end, an engineer needs to understand the core principles of an engineering system and build a system to allow it to operate on target and have it respond quickly to upsets. This lab accomplishes both for the students.” Later that same day, Daniell had 20 sophomore team leaders come to the lab in the basement of the Brown Petroleum & Geology Building to get their first look at how the pump system works. Daniell says they will only run water through the pumps as to not damage it with more corrosive liquids. “I’m going to be doing a lot of frack work, so it is good to see some of the applications here,” says Gromicko, who has a job lined up with Schlumberger. “There is no question this is directly related to what we will be doing in our jobs,” says Double, who is also slated to be a production engineer with Anadarko. “I’m a very visual person and when I can see it on the board and then see it in action it just reinforces what we are learning.” Double even got his professor thinking about some of his calculations after noticing the difference in the size of the pipes. “When the students start to ask these types of questions, I know it is time for them to graduate and go into the real world and that is very satisfying,” Daniell says. “The new system gives students the hands on experience that is so important to application. Employers value candidates who have practical experience to go with the theory.”   Administrator Account Mon, 07 Apr 2014 16:03:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:58 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/55/turbine-technologies-expanding-chinese-market-presence#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=55 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=55&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/55/turbine-technologies-expanding-chinese-market-presence Today we're welcoming the University of Shangahi for Science and Technology into our operator family. Professor Zhi Jun Zhao has taken delivery of our turboshaft engine demonstrator- TurboGen and Steam turbine lab- RankineCycler. Thanks Tsingso Technologies for facilitating the delivery! Check out their website detailing our products for the Chinese educational marketplace:http://tsingso.com/ 北京青铄兴业科技有限公司—涡轮机试验台、新能源试验台 tsingso.com 北京青铄兴业科技有限公司—涡轮机试验台、新能源试验台 Administrator Account Mon, 23 Jul 2012 15:32:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:55