Diesel Fire Pump Damages

Steven M. Lindholm, P.E. examines why low-usage diesel fire pump engines frequently sustain serious damage. These stand-by engines depend on continuous water flow from the fire piping through a small heat exchanger for cooling. Closed valves or inadequate recirculation during testing can cause rapid overheating and engine failure.

Ballast Water Management - An Update on Requirements

Steven M. Lindholm, P.E. examines why low-usage diesel fire pump engines frequently sustain serious damage. These stand-by engines depend on continuous water flow from the fire piping through a small heat exchanger for cooling. Closed valves or inadequate recirculation during testing can cause rapid overheating and engine failure.

The Meeting Point - Human-Machine Interfaces

Taylor Russell, P.E., explores how poorly designed human-machine interfaces contribute to serious incidents through mode confusion, data overload, and alarm floods. Drawing on cases like Three Mile Island and the Seastreak ferry collision, he outlines industry best practices for intuitive HMIs that enhance situational awareness and reduce costly errors in industrial systems.

Use of Distributed Control System (DCS) Data in Forensic Investigations

Thomas D. Traubert, P.E. shows how DCS data serves as a forensic black box. In a furnace fire case, flow and temperature records revealed a failed fuel gas control valve that caused tube overheating and rupture.

Headache Ball

Edward M. Deegan, Jr., P.E. explains why cranes use a headache ball—also called an overhaul hook ball. The weighted sphere keeps tension on the load line so the wire rope wraps properly and the unloaded hook can lower without being pulled up the boom.

Star Bolts

Edward M. Deegan, Jr., M.S., P.E. explains that the decorative stars on older masonry row homes are functional star bolts. These exterior washers distribute pressure from wall-bracing anchors that prevent bowing or buckling of front and rear masonry walls.

Pressure Treated Wood (AWPA Use Categories)

Glenn Stewart, P.E. explains how AWPA Use Categories guide the proper selection of pressure-treated wood. Matching the correct category to exposure conditions helps prevent decay and insect damage in wood structures and is essential for accurate forensic evaluations.

Understanding Water Hammer: Beating to Death a Commonly Misunderstood Term

David S. Williams, P.E., CFEI, clarifies the commonly misunderstood term “water hammer.” Sudden stops in liquid flow convert kinetic energy into damaging pressure waves—whether in household pipes or industrial steam condensate systems—capable of rupturing equipment if not properly controlled.