Intermediate Pump & System Training / November 11-12, 2026 / Virtual Live Course

Intermediate Pump & System Training

Date: November 11-12, 2026 
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET 
Professional Development Hours: 14.0 

Overview:

This training provides participants with an intermediate level understanding of pump and system design, application, and operating behavior. Designed for professionals seeking to expand their technical capability, the course addresses the calculation of system curves, pump total head, and Net Positive Suction Head Available (NPSHA) and Net Positive Inlet Pressure Available (NPIPA), along with pump selection and control methods. The training also examines key design and operational considerations for rotodynamic and positive displacement pumps, including design characteristics, attainable efficiency, impeller trimming, hydraulic and mechanical loading, bearing life, and temperature rise. Additional focus is placed on pump drivers and variable frequency drives, factory testing, installation and commissioning practices, maintenance and troubleshooting, and the impact of operating conditions on reliability and efficiency. 

This training builds on Basic Pump & System Training concepts. 

Learning Path:

• Recommended following completion of the Basic Pump & System Training. 
• Suggested prior to enrolling in the Pump System Optimization & Assessment (PSOA) Training. 
• Recommended preparatory training for individuals pursuing Pump System Certification (PSC) Level 2.   

Click here for full PSC Level 2 Certification training and preparation recommendations. 

Learning Level - Intermediate:

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.  

Audience:

• Technical professionals with basic knowledge of pumps and pumping systems. 
• Engineers with approximately 1–5 years of experience in the fluid handling industry.  
• Technical sales, maintenance, and operations personnel seeking to expand their pump and system expertise. 

Core Capability: 

A core capability developed through this training is the ability to analyze pump and pumping system behavior and apply intermediate-level calculations, selection methodologies, and design considerations to evaluate operating performance, efficiency, and reliability. 

Volume Discount:

This product qualifies for volume discounting. See the "Registration and Pricing" tab for more information.

SKU: VLC-IPST-04

Participants will be able to: 

• Calculate pump system curves, system head, and pump total head, and evaluate their impact on operating point and energy consumption. 

• Calculate Net Positive Suction Head Available (NPSHA) and Net Positive Inlet Pressure Available (NPIPA), explain cavitation fundamentals, and assess NPSH margin considerations. 

• Identify rotodynamic and positive displacement pump types and describe key design characteristics, configurations, and application considerations. 

• Apply pump selection methodologies, including evaluation of performance curves, attainable efficiency, and design and application trade-offs. 

• Explain how fluid properties and operating conditions influence pump performance, efficiency, temperature rise, and reliability. 

• Describe the effects of impeller trimming, hydraulic and mechanical loading, axial and radial thrust, bearing life, and shaft behavior on pump operation. 

• Identify and understand pump system control methods, instrumentation, and devices. 

• Evaluate changes in operating point and allowable operating region (AOR), and assess their effects on reliability, testing, installation, commissioning, and maintenance practices. 

Section 1: Pumps, Energy Consumption/Cost, and Market Influences

• Pump Types and Classifications.  
• Pump Performance Curves. 
• Energy Consumption and Cost. 
• Market Influences and Trends. 

Section 2: Pump Systems 

• Determining System Head and Flow. 
• NPSH and NPIP. 
• NPSHA and NPIPA Calculations. 
• NPSH Margin Considerations. 

 Section 3: Rotodynamic and Positive Displacement Pumps

• Specific Speed and Suction Specific Speed. 
• Attainable Efficiency. 
• Impeller Trimming and Balancing. 
• Discharge Collectors (Casings). 
• Axial Thrust, Radial Thrust, Shaft Deflection, Shaft and Column Stretch, Shaft Stress, and Critical Speed. 
• Liquid Temperature Rise. 
• Design Characteristics, Configurations, and Purposes of Rotodynamic Pumps. 
• Bearing Life. 
• Positive Displacement Pump Types. 
• Self-Priming Characteristics. 
• Factors Affecting Pump Efficiency. 
• Design and Operational Considerations. 
• Air-Operated Diaphragm (AOD) and Metering Pumps.

 Section 4: Drivers and Drives 

• Motor Types. 
• Speed-Torque Curves: Impact on Motor Selection. 
• Motor Characteristics, Allowable Starts, and Internal Mechanisms. 
• Variable Frequency Drives: Features, Controls, Applications, and Selection. 
• Variable Frequency Drives: Operating Principles. 
• Electromagnetic Interference (EMI): Grounding, Shielding, and Cabling. 
• Harmonics and Filters. 

 Section 5: Pump Components, Accessories & System Design Considerations  

• Mechanical Seals and Compression Packing. 
• Bearings. 
• Couplings. 
• Baseplates and Coatings. 
• Reciprocating Pump System Components. 
• Variable Speed Drive Train Devices. 
• Gear Sets and Flywheels. 
• System Design Considerations. 
• Plans, Drawings, Diagrams, and Symbols. 
• Control Methods, Instrumentation and Devices.
• Pump Specification. 
• Nozzle Loads and Seismic Analysis. 
• Pump Piping and Free Surface Intakes. 

 Section 6: Pump Selection, Testing and Operations

• Liquid Characteristics and the Effects on Pump Performance and Selection. 
• Materials of Construction. 
• Pump Operation Uncertainty. 
• Varying and Pump Operating Point.
• Pump Control Methods. 
• Process Control Methods. 
• Various Performance Curve Shapes. 
• Pump Selection. 
• Sizing and Selection of Pumping Unit Components. 
• Factory Performance Testing. 
• Factory Performance Test Procedures and Arrangements. 
• NPSH and NPIP Testing. 
• Hydrostatic Pressure Testing. 
• Pump Total Head. 
• Mechanical and Electrical Integrity Testing. 
• Sound and Vibration Testing. 
• Additional Testing. 

 Section 7: Pump Installation, Commissioning,

• Pipe and Tube Connection Designs. 
  
• Pump Installation and Priming. 
• Proper Free Surface Intake and Pump Piping Design. 
• Nozzle Loads. 
• Pump Field Testing Limitations. 
• Performance Evaluation. 

 Section 8: Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Maintenance, Monitoring, and Inspection. 
• Short-term and Long-term Storage. 
• Allowable Limits and Pump Shutdown. 
• Common Operating Problems. 
• Failure Modes and Root Cause Analysis. 

Registration Fees:

Members, Associate Members, Standards Partners, and Training Partners of the Hydraulic Institute (HI) receive 25% discount on all available PSM training. Employees of Members, Associate Members, Standards Partner, and Training Partner organizations must log-in with their company email address in order for the discounted registration fee to apply. Industry Partners and Academic Partners receive 5% discount on all PSM training. Click here to learn more about HI membership.

Membership Question?  Call us at 973-267-9700, email us, or view the HI website for more information.

Volume Discount:

Receive volume discounts up to 20% off on select training and certification products. Add products in cart to see the applicable discounts. Member and partner discounts are combined with volume pricing for additional savings.

Refunds & Cancellations:

All refund requests must be made in writing at training@pumps.org. 

• Virtual Live instruction. 

• Downloadable Slide Deck (PDF) (see Handouts tab after registration). 

Professional Development Hours (PDH):

Upon the successful completion of this training and passing the required quiz, you will receive a Certificate of Completion for the number of credit hours noted on the "Overview" tab.

Note: 1.0 PDHs is equivalent to 0.10 CEUs or 1.0 Contact Hours

Licensed Professional Engineers:

Continuing professional development is a vital component of the engineering licensure process. Most state licensing boards require continuing professional development as a condition for licensure and renewal of the license to practice engineering. The acceptance of continuing education as it applies to fulfillment of the state licensing requirements for professional designations is at the pleasure of the individual state licensing boards. It is the responsibility of the individual participants to be knowledgeable about their state requirements. Pre-approval of training providers and courses is not required by most state licensing boards, except for the following:

Florida Board of Professional Engineers

Pump Systems Matter is a board-approved continuing education provider for the Florida Board of Professional Engineers: License # CEA361.

New York State Board for Engineering, Land Surveying, and Geology

Pump Systems Matter is approved as a sponsor of continuing education for professional engineers in New York State: NYS Sponsor # 241.