Viking Pump's expanded research and testing facility
Viking Pump invests $1.75 million to expand its full-service research and testing laboratory. The internally run lab complements the other Viking-owned facilities – a machining/assembly plant, alloy and iron foundries and the original historic headquarters building, all located in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
In recent years, Viking’s global footprint placed more demands on the lab, calling for efficiency improvements in laboratory operations as well as a larger space to accommodate new, modernized equipment and capabilities, according to the company. The remodel project features a 3,800-square-foot addition and renovation to the lab’s original 1,600 square feet to house a 300 hp dynamometer, two 50 hp dynamometers, a Distek data collection for five dynamometers, two 5,600-gallon tanks of testing oil and two 5-ton overhead cranes.
"Additional testing, depending on the application and product, is also implemented as needed through our new research lab,” says Derrick Goddard, Viking’s interim president. “Finite element analysis (FEA) is used to optimize component strength; computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to optimize fluid flow through the pump and statistical tolerance stacking software is used to make sure designs are repeatable and to deliver consistent performance from pump to pump.”
John Stillman, Viking distribution business line leader, says, “We also developed a scalable new product development process called ‘Concept to Customer.’ This staged program outlines research, testing, Voice of Customer and operational and market requirements for the implementation of new products. The program has increased our efficiency, as well as guided product development and project funnels for continued research and development.”
For more information, visit: www.vikingpump.com
