Abstract Title: FISHFRIENDLY PUMPS FOR THE NEW DILUTION PUMPING STATION: CARLSBAD DESALINATION PLANT

Session Title: Industrial Water Reuse and Recycling

Statement on Research: Every Drop Counts! Raising awareness of the importance of water conservation. Managing water is a growing concern in the World. Designing and projecting water efficient solutions for the pumping projects contributes to the goal of using water more efficiently. The presented research for the High Tech Fishfriendly design of the submersible pumps starts from the premise that, not only does each drop count, but it must do so in a sustainable way with the environment. Every drop counts in a region, California, where water is the most precious natural resource and it’s immersed in a continuous drought.

Bio: With a background in Mechanical and Hydraulic Engineering I started in the Pump Industry almost 23 years ago when I was still completing my Master in Mechanical Engineering in Tecnun (Universidad de Navarra). After few years as engineer internship in Bombas Itur now part of KSB, I started as Pump Design Engineer in Indar by July 2000. Ten years after completing my Masters in Mechanical Engineering, in 2008 I decided to further enhance my education and training. I earned an additional degree in Civil Engineering with a specialty in Public Works.

At this point in time, I have two major purposes within Indar: I work as a Centrifugal Pump Design and Performance Engineer, mainly supporting customized projects, and I am, at the same time, the Water Engineering Director. Both these endeavors complement each other and keep me up-to-date with new technologies. I am in permanent training, and I like it! The feeling of always learning some-thing is very satisfying to me! I employ creativity to contribute to the common good – to work for the most efficient use of water.

As Water Engineering Director, I enjoy having the opportunity to work on projects from the very beginning, when they are only conceptual ideas. Being able to solve a hydraulic necessity is really exciting. Thinking about the best solution for the existing needs, participating in the design, tracking and acting during the whole process until the pump is installed – prior, during and after the startup – this is really incredible!

After all these years it’s difficult for me to think about being something different than a pump engineer. Now, it’s just part of my essence, and honestly, I love it! I like to think that I am a good professional but also good person and work colleague. I have the best companions, and I am very proud of my colleagues in the Indar technical department. There is not success without a team. As Michael Jordan stated: ‘Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.’”