In 2017, Empowering Pumps & Equipment began inviting people working in the Pump Industry to Nominate a Pump Professional, giving our #PumpTalk Community a chance to shine a light on the PEOPLE behind the Pumps.

Today’s Pump Person of the Week is Elle Frier, Engineer III, Water Practice with CP&Y, Inc., an architectural and engineering consulting firm with several locations around the U.S. Elle had some wonderful stories and advice to share:

Q. How did you get started working in your field?

Elle: I am relatively new to the industry, having a little over 3 years of experience. With my background as an Environmental Engineering major at Southern Methodist University, I never would have guessed how much I enjoy working on pump-related projects. My connections from school put me in touch with CP&Y, which opened up great opportunities working on both large- and small-scale pumping systems and process design for water and wastewater applications. I am fascinated by the level of precision and detail involved when designing and specifying a pump, the variety of pumps, the broad applications, optimizing system design, and selecting the best pump for the job. My long-term goals are to keep learning more and growing in my technical knowledge of pumps. My recent involvement with the Hydraulic Institute has really accelerated my understanding of and inspired my development in the pump industry.

Q. What do you love the most about your job? What are you most proud of?

Elle: I love working with clients and using my creativity and knowledge to deliver accurate and cost-effective engineering solutions in the design of water systems to bring safe and reliable water infrastructure to my community. Knowing that the ultimate impact of my work improves the quality of life of others makes me feel proud.

Q. What advice would you give to someone considering this line of work or new to the field? 

Elle: My advice to anyone new in the industry: find a mentor. Establishing a meaningful connection with someone who can help guide you is essential to being engaged and successful in your field. I would also suggest studying and learning the Hydraulic Institute Standards and Guidelines.

Q. Can you talk about a project you recently worked on?

Elle: I am currently working on a project that transports groundwater over a hundred miles. As part of the mechanical team, we closely considered the starting position of the pump control valve and the impact on torque, piping layout considerations, and the startup sequence utilizing variable speed pumping. With booster pumps requiring motors as large as 2,000-horsepower, I worked closely with our electrical team. Large motors can have a damaging effect on a power system if the starting conditions are not assessed early on and the system adequately designed to withstand the effect of motor inrush. I have learned a great deal on this project, and as a young engineer, I am privileged to work with some great technical mentors throughout the design process.

On behalf of the entire team at Empowering Pumps & Equipment, Thank you for being our Pump Person of the Week! We look forward to keeping up with you as you continue advancing in your career in the Pump Industry! We know you will do great things!!

Know an Amazing Person who is making valuable contributions within the Pump Industry? Nominate them to be “Pump Person of the Week”!