Intermediate level training is designed for individuals who have some experience and knowledge in the subject matter. It builds upon the foundational concepts within the basic learning level and expands the breadth and depth of understanding. Participants develop more advanced skills and competencies.

Participants will be able to: 

• Explain how pumping systems function as integrated systems rather than isolated pump components.
• Interpret pump and system curves to identify efficient and reliable operating regions.
• Recognize how flow variability in commercial buildings creates opportunities for energy savings.
• Identify major HVAC and plumbing pumping applications suitable for system optimization.
• Understand how system components influence pump performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Apply relevant industry standards, codes, and regulations to pumping system design and operation.
• Evaluate variable speed, smart pump, and advanced control strategies for modern buildings.
• Apply a structured pump system assessment methodology aligned with ISO 14414 and PSAP principles.
• Develop a defensible technical and economic justification for pump system optimization projects. 

• Commercial building maintenance, operations, and superintendents with basic knowledge of pumps and pumping systems. 
• Technical sales, sales reps, and engineers focusing on pump system design, control, operation, reliability, energy efficiency, technical services and aftermarket solutions, and optimization through pump system assessment. 

Upon completing this course, participants will be able to assess commercial building pumping systems so they can be optimized. They will understand applications, pump types, control methods, reliability, and energy issues related to these systems, enabling them to recommend and manage improvements that lower total life cycle costs.

Section 1: Pump Basics

• Pumping systems vs. individual pumps.
• Centrifugal pump components.
• Flow, head, pressure, and energy relationships.
• Pump and system curves, BEP, POR, and AOR.
• NPSH, cavitation, and reliability impacts.

Section 2: System Components

• Commercial building pumping system categories.
• HVAC and plumbing system applications.
• Variable vs. constant speed pumping.
• Pressure boosting systems.
• Energy impacts of load variation and control strategies.

 Section 3: Rotodynamic and Positive Displacement Pumps

• Hydronic system architecture.
  
• Motors and drives used in pumping systems.
• Heating system components.
• Cooling system components.
• Pressure control and flow control devices.
• Air management systems.

 Section 4: Standards, Guidebooks & Codes 

• Summary of applicable standards, guidebooks, and codes.
• Hydraulic Institute standards.
• ASHRAE 90.1 energy requirements.
• ASHRAE 188 Legionella risk management.
• DOE pump efficiency regulations.
• Energy ratings, labels, and incentives.

 Section 5: Smart Pumps & Advanced Controls  

• Variable speed control concepts.
  
• Control curves and sensor strategies.
• Smart pump definition and functionality.
• Parallel pumping and staging strategies.
• IoT and IIoT connectivity for pumps.
• Monitoring, analytics, and predictive maintenance.

 Section 6: Pump System Assessment & Optimization

• Causes of pump system inefficiency.
  
• ISO 14414 / PSAP assessment framework.
• Levels of pump system assessment.
• Pump system optimization process.
• Data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Non‑energy benefits of optimization.

 Section 7: Economics of Pump Selection

• Life Cycle Cost (LCC) concepts.
  
• Energy cost dominance in pumping systems.
• Operating point selection and efficiency.
• Installation, maintenance, and downtime costs.
• Environmental and disposal considerations.
• ROI and investment justification.