April 1, 2009

Valuing “where to look” for solutions

Recently, I was visiting a customer’s plant as a follow up to earlier work.  In the general conversation, the customer had asked me a basic question as to the principals of operation of one of his process equipment units at his water treatment plant.  The question required a basic understanding of how his water filter operated and a related question as to the operation of his backwash pumps during the backwashing/cleaning of his filters.

Having been involved in both design and operation of the specific type of filter installed at his plant, I asked if we could go the filter building and observe the operation during backwash.  It turned out that, in doing so, I was able to help him understand how he could backwash without the need to operate a 40 hp backwash pump (the pump had been turned on for backwash for the entire plant history of more than 30 years) – thus, saving this energy and relevant costs and “demand” charges.

Since I was visiting the plant on my own volition, it seemed inappropriate to “invoice” for the solution I had just provided.  And, yet, I think that this is part of the “problem” with engineering…..it seems that many of the answers are simply practical and not theoretical or equation defined.  In other words, the supposition might be that any person could see the solution – given the same knowledge which I had acquired.  Yet, isn’t this the base of the conundrum which all engineers face….at any given time, we arrive at solutions which – in some circumstances and with some individuals – the answer could be provided by a casual observer or simple lay person or mechanic.

Is an Attorney's knowledge of Law helpful?

Now, this, I realize, sounds elitist but isn’t it the preparation, the background, the many hours at the drawing board, and even the mathematics in differential equations solutions which are embodied in such a solution?  The pump had run for 30 years – and survived the scrutiny of many previous witnesses and tours by dozens (hundreds?) of engineers and bystanders and no one “knew” what to look for.  My background and my arduous history of working in the internals of design and operation of this type of filter led me directly to the solution/resolution.  Luck?  I suggest that it is the embodiment of engineering knowledge that led me to the solution.  And, why do we feel that this is “un-billable work”….while we are so ready to pay an attorney’s invoice where she/he renders an opinion with much less productive results?

I don’t have the answer for this rhetorical question…perhaps you do?

Regards,
Don