Background: This hot feed / effluent heat exchanger has a history of leaking that extends back 10 years and includes clamping and leak-sealing by outside contractors, as well as changing the gasket styles on at least two occasions to “upgraded” styles suggested by manufacturers. The most recent change in 2010 was to a kamprofile gasket with Mica/Graphite/Mica sealing elements. At that time, the flange surfaces were inspected, the new gaskets were installed, and the flange was tightened per refinery procedures. However the Tubesheet-to-Shell joint developed a small leak shortly after start up, and a steam ring was installed.
This is a TEMA type BEU exchanger with only one joint (channel – tubesheet – shell), with two gaskets and one common set of studs. The stud material was originally B7, but has been upgraded to B16. The joint utilizes 64, 1-1/8” studs that were torqued to a final value of 700ft.lb.
Analysis: The information provided by the client was loaded into the Exchanger Gasket Workbook to analyze the gasket seating stress under operational conditions. Barring defective components – whether flanges or gaskets – heat exchangers leak due to low gasket seating stress. For this reason we always look first at the gasket seating stress at full operating pressure. Regardless of the “Y” value of the gasket, we have found that reliable sealing of graphite-faced gaskets requires a gasket stress between 10,000 and 40,000-psi. If possible, we work to achieve a gasket stress in the 20,000 to 25,000-psi range. Not only is that tight enough to provide a great seal at start up, but it is also tight enough to offset the inevitable relaxation found in heat exchanger joints.
Given the leakage history on this unit, we anticipated a low gasket stress. However, the gaskets on this exchanger were loaded to nearly ideal levels. (The final page of this analysis is a snapshot of the Exchanger Gasket Workbook.) The question that must be resolved is how an exchanger that is designed to deliver 25,000-psi gasket stress can begin leaking shortly after start up. What factors might have contributed (historically) to the low-stress conditions that allowed leakage?
A full review of the equipment drawings and the related documents led us to two significant factors related to the equipment and gasket
designs, and two additional factors that were assembly related. Chief among these contributing factors was the threaded tubesheet.
The equipment drawings show (below) that the 64 holes in the tubesheet are threaded for the 1-1/8” studs.
As currently configured, the portion of the stud on the channel side acts independently of the portion of the stud on the shell side. The total amount of stretch in the stud is 0.0245”. However, if the tubesheet were drilled out, the full length of the stud would stretch under tension, providing 0.0321” of stretch – a 31% increase! For a flange that leaks habitually, this is a huge improvement of stud response.
It is interesting to note that the gasket stress drops more than the stud stress, because of the effect of the hydrostatic end-load on the joint. The table below summarizes the resultant gasket stress if there were a relaxation of 0.006” on each side of the tubesheet. (This is not an excessive estimate.) Each side is considered independently, because they are isolated from each other by the threaded tube sheet. Notice that the stud stretch and
stud stress are directly related, because the stud is a linear spring. But the gasket stress drops far more, because of the stud stress that is diverted to offset the hydrostatic end force in the joint.
The table below models the same scenario – a relaxation of 0.006” on each side of the tubesheet, for a total of 0.012” relaxation. However, in this case the tubesheet has been drilled out, allowing the full stretch of the stud to interact with both gaskets. Compared to the above chart, the percentage of stud stretch and stud stress drops far less, and the resultant gasket stresses are improved 30 – 50%!
Clearly, the short studs amplify the loss of gasket stress when relaxation occurs. Because of these dynamics, ERIKS recommends drilling out all threaded tubesheets. The purpose of the stud is to stretch to maintain gasket stress, and threaded tubesheets limit the ability of the stud to do so. We have clients who are now routinely drilling out tubesheets whenever they come across them.
If a refiner feels that they need to retain the ability to hold the Tubesheet-to-Shell joint tight while removing the Channel, they can do this with only one stud in four. So even if it is felt that drilling all the holes is not prudent, drilling three out of four holes would still improve the stud load on the gasket, while preserving the ability to remove the Channel independently.
Summary: While a simple numerical analysis seemed to indicate that there was adequate seating stress on the gaskets to prevent leakage, the fact that leakage was regularly occurring indicated underlying problems that were resulting in low gasket stress.
Beside issues related to the specific style of gasket utilized, the re-use of studs, and the lack of a post start-up retorque, the greatest contributor to the loss of gasket stress was the threaded tubesheet; which, in this case predated any changes in the gasket style. This conclusion is in line with field observations of leaks that are related to threaded tubesheets.
Recommendation: Drill out all 64 holes in the threaded tubesheet to allow the stud the maximum stretch with the calculated stud stress. As a bonus, this will make assembly easier, as the stud does not have to be tightened from both ends.
Listen to the full MDM Podcast episode here: MDM Podcast: Jeff Crane on ERIKS NA’s Year of Change and Path Forward – Modern Distribution Management
ERIKS North America has long been a well-known distributor that focuses on applications using industrial and hydraulic hose, gasket and conveying system solutions. The Pittsburgh-based company was No. 4 on MDM’s 2022 Top Hose and Hose Accessories Distributors List.
But the company underwent a year of change throughout 2022, led by its divestment from former parent company, Netherlands-based ERIKS N.V. at the end of March of last year.
Since then, the company has been busy revamping its leadership team, which included former President & CEO Jeff Crane re-joining the company this past June as its CEO. The company has since added a new CFO, COO, a new HR leader and Key Industry Director.
For Crane, it brought him full circle with ERIKS NA, which he led as its President and CEO from 2006 to 2015 when it was formerly known as Lewis-Goetz, which ERIKS NA acquired in 2011 and rebranded in 2018. In between, Crane was President and CEO at manufacturer/distributor TPC Wire and Cable, which rebranded as Trexon in 2021 — giving him considerable added perspective on the distributor-manufacturer relationship that he brought back to ERIKS.
Crane joined the MDM Podcast to discuss how he’s come full circle with ERIKS NA, the company’s new-look leadership team, a recent acquisition and how the company looking to grow now as a standalone entity.
“I think there are a number of opportunities for us to invest in commercial activities and commercial capabilities that we don’t have,” Crane said about ERIKS NV. ”I had a wonderful experience in having those capabilities in-house at TPC, like inside sales and capabilities that we built there that I think we have the opportunity to build at Ericks North America. We’re aligning the finite resources we have around those best opportunities so that we’re placing our bets as effectively as we can.”
Additionally, this past January, ERIKS North America notched its first completed acquisition since last year’s divestment from ERIKS NV in the form of DeeTag, a fluid and material conveyance distributor with two locations in Ontario and one in North Carolina.
Crane and I discussed that whirlwind of change for ERIKS North America and what the company is looking to do as a standalone entity going forward.
Listen to the full MDM Podcast episode here: MDM Podcast: Jeff Crane on ERIKS NA’s Year of Change and Path Forward – Modern Distribution Management
Hockett, Mike (2023, April 11). MDM Podcast: Jeff Crane on ERIKS NA’s Year of Change and Path Forward. Modern Distribution Management. MDM Podcast: Jeff Crane on ERIKS NA’s Year of Change and Path Forward – Modern Distribution Management
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – ERIKS North America (ERIKS NA), a leading distributor of industrial solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of Rich Holderman as Key Industry Director.
In this role, Rich will drive growth and development in the Steel, Tire, Aggregates and Pulp & Paper industries, focusing on ERIKS NA’s conveyor belting business.
Rich brings 38 years of experience in the belting industry to ERIKS NA. He began his career as a belt splicer and worked his way up to a sales role and then into management. With extensive knowledge of the industry, both from a commercial and operational standpoint, Rich is a past President of the NIBA organization and served on distributor advisory boards of the largest industry suppliers in North America. Before joining ERIKS NA, Rich worked at Almex Group as their COO.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rich back to the ERIKS NA team,” said Jeff Crane, CEO of ERIKS North America. “Rich’s extensive experience and knowledge of the belting industry, coupled with his previous experience with our organization, will be instrumental in driving growth and development in our Key Industries.”
Commenting on his appointment, Rich said, “I am excited to rejoin the ERIKS NA team and take on this new role. I look forward to utilizing my experience and knowledge to reinvigorate our belting business and drive growth in our strategic markets.”
ERIKS NA is proud to welcome Rich Holderman back to the team and looks forward to his contributions in his new role as Key Industry Director.
About ERIKS North America:
ERIKS North America, a portfolio company of LKCM Headwater Investments, is a leading distributor of fluid and material conveyance solutions for industrial customers. Our technical solutions and services keep our customers running, reduce downtime and total cost of ownership.
Contact:
Lauren Shaffer, Digital Marketing Specialist
Lauren.shaffer@eriksna-dev.local
412-925-7390
February 6, 2023
PITTSBURGH-ERIKS North America, a leading distributor of fluid and material conveyance solutions for industrial customers, announced today that it has appointed Michael Pastore as its Chief Operating Officer (COO).
Michael brings over 20 years of industrial distribution experience to ERIKS North America and has held executive leadership positions across multiple functional areas. He most recently served as Vice President, Operations at Kaman Distribution Group and, throughout his career, Michael has championed excellence in Supply Chain, Branch Operations, and IT. He brings a proven track record of improving operating efficiencies and service levels.
As COO, Michael will lead all manufacturing, quality, supply chain, EHS and customer service activities at ERIKS North America. He will also be responsible for setting broad operational goals for the organization, implementing best practices, optimizing inventory management and improving productivity.
“We are thrilled to have Michael join our team as COO,” said Jeff Crane, CEO of ERIKS North America. “His track record of success driving operational excellence makes him a valuable asset to our organization. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our company.”
“I am excited to join ERIKS North America and to be a part of an organization that is committed to continuous improvement and outstanding customer service. I look forward to working with the team to solidify the company’s position as the preferred provider of fluid and material conveyance solutions,” said Michael Pastore, COO of ERIKS North America.
About ERIKS North America:
ERIKS North America, a portfolio company of LKCM Headwater Investments, is a leading distributor of fluid and material conveyance solutions for industrial customers. Our technical solutions and services keep our customers running, reduce downtime and total cost of ownership.
Lauren Shaffer
lauren.shaffer@eriksna-dev.local
412-925-7390
PITTSBURGH-ERIKS North America, a leading distributor of fluid and material conveyance solutions for industrial customers, announced that it has acquired DeeTag, Ltd.u00a0(DeeTag), a distributor and fabricator of hydraulic and industrial hose assemblies.
For the past 40 years, Dean and Lorna Gordon and Heather and Dino Mansi have owned and operated DeeTag, which has three facilities, including two in southern Ontario, Canada, and one in Conover, North Carolina. They have grown DeeTag into a successful business serving high quality OEM customers in various markets and have more than doubled the business in the last few years by providing superior service to discerning customers.
Jeff Crane, CEO of ERIKS North America said, u201cThe combination of our companies provides the opportunity to accelerate the growth they have already accomplished. Their locations provide geographic expansion of our footprint and key capabilities as it relates to serving hydraulic OEM customers. The existing ENA footprint can serve as a way for us to support their growth as we seek to extend in markets that DeeTag could not serve on their own.u201d
Dean Gordon, President of DeeTag added, u201cWe began reviewing our strategic alternatives several months ago with a goal of finding the right long-term partner for the next stage of DeeTagu2019s growth. It became clear to us that the ERIKS team was the right organization with the right resources, culture, and strategy to partner with us. We are excited to be a part of the ERIKS North America organization and we look forward to working with Jeff and his team as we continue to build this great company.u201d
u00a0
About ERIKS North America:
ERIKS North America, a portfolio company of LKCM Headwater Investments, is a leading distributor of fluidu00a0and material conveyance solutions for industrial customers. Our technical solutions and services keep our customers running, reduce downtime and total cost of ownership.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – ERIKS North America, a leading distributor of fluid and material conveyance solutions for industrial customers, announced today that it has appointed David Brown as its Chief Financial Officer.
David Brown has joined ERIKS North America as its new Chief Financial Officer. With more than 15 years of Senior Leadership experience and over 25 years of financial roles in accounting and finance, Brown has expertise aligning finance organizations and departments with overall organizational strategy and operating goals across multiple companies and industries.
Brown was most recently Chief Financial Officer at A. Stucki Company, a manufacturer of highly engineered freight car components, in Pittsburgh, PA where he focused on ERP and acquisition integration to drive value creation and enhanced profitability. Prior to that position he was CFO for Implus LLC, a private equity sponsored consumer packaged goods company. Brown also spent over 17 years at Airgas, an Air Liquide company, in corporate and subsidiary financial leadership roles.
As Brown joins ERIKS North America, he will be guiding our finance team through a transition out of ERIKS Global, who sold the North American division in March 2022.
“We are pleased to welcome Dave to the ERIKS NA team, and I look forward to working closely with him as we build momentum on our growth journey,” said Jeff Crane, CEO of ERIKS North America. “Having Dave as a thought partner will ensure that we are not only growing our business aggressively but that we also have the tools and insight necessary to maximize our profitability in the process.”
Commenting on his appointment, Brown said, “I am pleased to join a company that is focused on delivering best in class customer experience, is committed to a culture of inclusion and engagement, and is uniquely positioned to deliver enhanced shareholder value”.
About ERIKS North America:
ERIKS North America, a portfolio company of LKCM Headwater Investments, is a leading distributor of fluid and material conveyance solutions for industrial customers. Our technical solutions and services keep our customers running, reduce downtime and total cost of ownership.
Lauren Shaffer
lauren.shaffer@eriksna-dev.local
412-925-7390
November 28, 2022
PITTSBURGH–ERIKS North America, a leading distributor of fluid and material conveyance solutions for industrial customers, announced today that it has appointed Annette Camuso-Sarsfield, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, as its Chief Human Resources Officer.
Annette Camuso-Sarsfield has joined ERIKS North America as its new Chief Human Resources Officer. With more than 25 years of Senior Leadership experience, Camuso-Sarsfield is a Strategic Human Resources Executive and proactive business partner. She has a strong track record of providing vision and counsel to senior leaders as well as successfully steering organizations to always act in the best interest of its employees, customers and the environment.
Camuso-Sarsfield was most recently the Chief Human Resources Officer at A. Stucki Company, a railroad manufacturing company, in Pittsburgh, PA where she focused on developing, integrating and executing human resource strategy in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction. Prior to her position at A. Stucki Company, Camuso-Sarsfield served as Chief Human Resources Officer for PlayPower, Inc., a private-equity sponsored global manufacturer and distributor of commercial grade recreational equipment.
As Camuso-Sarsfield joins ERIKS North America, she will be guiding its human resources team through a transition out of ERIKS Global, who sold the North American division March 2022. ERIKS North America will concentrate on becoming a world class, employee-centric employer.
“We could not be happier to welcome Annette to the ERIKS NA team,” said Jeff Crane, CEO of ERIKS North America. “A strategic goal of our organization is to be an Employer of Choice. To do this, we will build a company that attracts the best talent and creates a challenging and diverse environment. ERIKS NA will become an organization that develops and retains its people, enabling our business’s long-term, profitable growth. Annette is uniquely qualified to lead us in this journey, and we are honored to have her.”
Commenting on her appointment, Camuso-Sarsfield said, “A culture of employee engagement, development, and life/work integration is what makes a company a great place to work for great employees. ERIKS North America is committed to this, and I am excited to be a part of a dynamic team focusing on safety, continuous improvement, and “best in class” initiatives, to better serve both our internal, and external, customers.”
About ERIKS North America:
ERIKS North America, a portfolio company of LKCM Headwater Investments, is a leading distributor of fluid and material conveyance solutions for industrial customers. Our technical solutions and services keep our customers running, reduce downtime and total cost of ownership.
Lauren Shaffer
lauren.shaffer@eriksna-dev.local
412-925-7390
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – ERIKS North America, a leading distributor of fluid and material conveyance solutions for industrial customers, announced today that it has appointed Jeff Crane as its Chief Executive Officer.
Crane is a proven leader with a strong track record of advising and building successful companies in the industrial distribution industry. Most recently, Crane served as President and CEO of Trexon, a leading provider of wire, cable and specialty connectivity solutions built to withstand the toughest environments and the most exacting applications. Prior to that role, Crane served as President and CEO of ERIKS North America, formerly Lewis-Goetz, from 2006 through 2015, after joining the company in 2003.
Crane will succeed Eric Hoffman, who served as President of ERIKS North America from January 2021. During his tenure, Hoffman successfully led the company through its divestment by former parent company, ERIKS N.V., earlier this year. Of the appointment, Hoffman said: “The last year has been a period of transition for the company as we prepared for and completed the sale of the business. I am proud of the work that the ERIKS North America team has done to get to this point. Knowing Jeff Crane’s track record, I am excited to see what the team will accomplish next.”
During his tenure with ERIKS North America, Crane executed strategic plans that more than quadrupled revenues and grew the business to become a prominent player in the industrial distribution market. After leading Trexon to similar results, Crane is excited to return to ERIKS North America.
Commenting on his appointment, Crane said: “I am humbled to be offered the opportunity to return to ERIKS North America as President and CEO. Eric Hoffman and the team have built a strong foundation for the company to operate on a stand-alone basis following the recent divestment. I’m looking forward to working with the team as we, and our valued supplier partners, chart the next phase of the company’s growth.”
About ERIKS North America:
ERIKS North America, a portfolio company of LKCM Headwater Investments, is a leading distributor of fluid and material conveyance solutions for industrial customers. Our technical solutions and services keep our customers running, reduce downtime and total cost of ownership.
For more information, visit eriksna.com
Contact: ERIKS North America
Lauren Shaffer
Lauren.shaffer@
May 19, 2022
Pittsburgh, PA – ERIKS North America, a leading distributor of fluid and material conveyance solutions for industrial customers, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeff Crane to its Board of Directors effective June 1, 2022.
Mr. Crane, President and CEO of Trexon, is a proven leader with a strong track record of advising and building successful companies in the industrial distribution industry, including an extensive history with ERIKS North America. Mr. Crane joined ERIKS North America, formerly Lewis-Goetz, in 2003 and served as President and CEO of the company from 2006 through 2015.
“I’m thrilled Jeff will be joining our Board of Directors, and I look forward to partnering with him to drive our mission at ERIKS North America,” said Eric Hoffman, President of ERIKS North America. “As we continue to advance our corporate strategy, it is important our board members are reflective of our values and commitment to deliver high quality hose, gasket and conveyance solutions to our customers.”
During his tenure with ERIKS North America, Mr. Crane successfully executed strategic plans to continue the company’s growth trajectory, expand market share, and implement programmatic M&A, which collectively more than quadrupled revenues.
“I’m very excited to be joining the ERIKS family again,” Crane said. “Since I first joined Lewis-Goetz in the early 2000s, I’ve watched the company transform and grow into one of the nation’s most prominent industrial distributors. I’m looking forward to working with the team as the company enters its next phase of growth.”
About ERIKS North America:
ERIKS North America, a portfolio company of LKCM Headwater Investments, is a leading distributor of fluid and material conveyance solutions for industrial customers. Our technical solutions and services keep our customers running, reduce downtime and total cost of ownership.
For more information, visit eriksna.com
Contact:
ERIKS North America
Lauren Ulrich
Lauren.ulrich@eriksna-dev.local
Attendees Invited to Visit Booth No. 831 for Insights into Complete Grain Industry Product Offering
PITTSBURGH, July 29, 2021 – ERIKS, a leading international provider of specialized industrial services, will be exhibiting at the Grain Elevator and Processing Society (GEAPS) Exchange 2021 from Aug. 6-9 in Columbus, Ohio.
ERIKS will also be highlighting its complete product offering for the grain industry including:
The booth will also feature products such as Continental, Legg and Legacy conveyer belts, Tapco buckets, Benetech chute inspection doors and an Anhydrous Ammonia/NH3 hose. Attendees are also invited to stop by the booth for a chance to enter to win one of three Bass Pro Shops gift cards. Attendees can also visit our website to get a coupon code for ½ off the cost of the expo.
GEAPS Exchange is a great place to make new connections in the grain industry, find operations solutions and learn about new technologies and best practices from across the industry. With around 300 exhibitors in the Expo, nearly 30 hours of education and a number of social events, the GEAPS Exchange is the biggest show and an outlet to keep track of what’s happening in the industry.
“ERIKS has a long and proud history in the grain industry, providing a full line of mill and elevator products and services since 1975,” said Scott Holquist, Key Industry Director, ERIKS North America. “We’re eager to continue sharing that expertise alongside some of the leading names in the industry as we get back to in-person tradeshows.”
For more information about ERIKS North America’s offering to the grain industry, visit grain.eriksna.com.
About ERIKS North America
ERIKS (www.ERIKS.com) is a leading international industrial service provider that offers a wide range of technical products, co-engineering and customized solutions, as well as related services. We help customers in a variety of industrial segments to improve their products’ performance and reduce their total cost of ownership. Our technical know-how is the basis of our specialism. Over the last 80 years, we have built up deep expertise in the areas of gaskets, industrial & hydraulic hoses, conveying systems and more. We supply A-brands as well as manufacture our own products. Our 6,500 skilled colleagues worldwide serve customers in their original equipment manufacturing (OEM) and maintenance, repair and overhaul operations (MRO). ERIKS has locations in 17 countries, with a strong position in Western Europe and North America, alongside a presence in Asia. For more information, please visit www.ERIKSNA.com
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