James Blanding

Dr. Blanding’s career was devoted to reciprocating plunger compressors or “Hypers” in 2,000+ BARG services in low-density polyethylene or LDPE units. The short life of packing is a major problem, which is described in detail in the publication, along with engineering efforts Dr. Blanding conducted to diagnose and solve root-cause problems. He also developed a computer model for checking valve dynamics, which enabled design modifications to improve valve life. Dr. Blanding carried out pressure pulsation analyses to develop modifications to the high-pressure tubing that reduced severe pulsation and vibration to acceptable levels. He also developed a methodology and acceptance criteria to screen for allowable vibration levels of high-pressure tubing.

High-pressure process systems in general make up a large portion of Dr. Blanding’s work. This includes pressure pulsation methodology Dr. Blanding advanced in-house, some of which is described in the publication. He also developed and/or advanced in-house computer simulation capabilities in the areas of dynamic flow performance of PD pumps, reciprocating compressors and dynamics, and cyclic stress of their internal check valves. He also wrote the in-house algorithms at DuPont for flow-induced vibration of spargers, dip tubes, and agitated reactor internals.

Dr. Blanding led numerous efforts using rotary tachometers to diagnose and solve problems involving the torsional dynamics of gearboxes, extruder screws, natural gas engine crankshafts, and web transport systems. In this last instance, he traced the root cause to film drive chain wear and developed a chain repair design involving a disposable wear-part insert that reestablished the original chain pitch and negated the cost and time delay of new chains. This design is still in use after more than 20 years.

Dr. Blanding currently serves on the Pump Advisory Committee for the Turbomachinery and Pump Symposium (TPS), sponsored by the Turbomachinery Laboratory at Texas A&M University.