Background and Experience
Michael Ekholm PE
I have experience completing complex engineering review and analysis of products used in architectural, chemical processing, water well, water treatment, food processing and general industrial applications. Expertise in structural, fluids and general engineering as well as CFD/FEA/Multiphysics analysis tools. Responsible for training engineers globally on new and existing products.
Career:
My initial engineering work focused on short term, simple projects custom manufactured for multiple customer needs and applications. Developed engineering cell concept, where these more basic designs could be processed accurately in a minimum amount of time. Interacted directly with welding fabrication, machining, parts fabrication and specialized machine fabrication personnel regularly.
After this initial success, I moved on to larger project level tasks. Skills needed included project management, engineering verification, customer submittals/interaction and field support of product implementation/installation.
Working with sales personnel both internal and external, I had several years of experience as an application engineer. This role focused on pre-sale activities which included sales presentations, site specific proof of concept analysis/verification, concept to installation technical support and the development of new products/markets/applications.
My experience as an application engineer led to a position to manage an R&D team focusing on new product/platforms as well as advanced customer support. The team under my leadership was able to develop multiple new market opportunities, design methods and customer installations.
After working to lead R&D efforts for one location, I accepted a role as a global technical advisor, providing training, guidance, special design assistance and general problem solving for multiple markets and locations globally. I acted as the principal source of engineering knowledge for multiple engineering groups.
Throughout my career, I have developed skills and evangelized the use of advanced analysis tools such as Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Finite Element Analysis (FEA), Multi-physics as well as enhanced manual calculation tools such as Excel, Mathcad, Maple, MATLAB and custom solutions.
Projects:
From the work experience described, the following are some examples of specific projects and focus areas successfully completed:
Architectural:
Created new architectural product line, an example of which was used on World Trade Center Building 7. A new product form and supporting platforms for building decorative and functional facia panels to be mounted on the surface of buildings. Created full design from initial concept sketch that was later installed on the first seven floors of the building. Determined required geometry and verified using manual calculations, CFD, FEA and physical testing. Many methods developed from interpretations of building code and general standards (ASCE-7, AISC, NY Building Code).
Process Vessel Internals:
Invented new configuration for fractal distributor vessel internals providing high distribution efficiency and effective fractal performance for resin-based processes. The fractal element was the balance of residence time within a distributor/collector system; a given fluid “particle” takes the same time to enter/exit the vessel regardless of the path taken. Verified designs with manual calculations, CFD, FEA and flow tests. System delivered both high distribution efficiency (measured from different locations in the configuration comparing the ratio of highest to lowest flow at greater than 0.97) and limited but balanced residence time (measured as how many seconds a theoretical fluid particle remains in the system). Final installed system corrected issues observed with resin utilization and enabled the process to be successful. This patented design method/concept was used in several other ion exchange and water treatment applications successfully. This is one example of multiple vessel internals designed to meet ASME and other guidelines.
Water Treatment:
Created design for large underdrain system used in a water treatment plant. The design consisted of a series of semi-circular drain elements installed on the bottom of a gravity filter basin. The filter, filled with a combination of sand and coal, removed contaminants from water as it passed downward (driven by gravity) thru the bed and exiting from the underdrain screens at the bottom. When the bed becomes saturated with contaminates, it is backwashed using the distribution efficiency of the bottom mounted underdrains. Using experience, calculations, CFD and other analysis a highly efficient design was created for the extremely large (13 m x 20m+) basin. This design was verified by physical testing, and successful installed and operated. This single example is one of numerous designs completed for multiple customers and locations with similar applications.
Programming:
Developed framework and basic expert programs utilizing engineering automation to allow rapid design of key products. These programs allowed accurate and safe designs to be initially estimated by technical sales personnel who may not have full engineering degrees. System allows the transfer of key parameters to CAD and engineering verification tools to assure proper designs were verified and provided.
Best Practices:
Created multiple templates and best practice guidelines for company products in all applications. Used by engineers in multiple locations along with expert quoting/design systems to reduce engineering cycle time while improving design quality.
Patents:
Managed Intellectual Property (IP) consisting of patents, trade dress and trade marks for company globally. Implemented a full docketing system to manage and maintain IP for all company divisions. Individually and with other inventors filed successfully for multiple global patent families which were used in commercial products. Primary liaison for inventors and IP attorneys, helping to improve patent protection and define key elements to be included in the patent applications from provisional to national phases.
Mentoring:
Acted as a global resource, training other engineers and technical support personnel in the use of CFD/FEA/Multi-physics tools and manual calculations. Created and distributed engineering best practices for multiple global locations and market engineering teams.
Wide Experience:
In a long career as an engineer for a multi-market custom manufacturing company, I have encountered and solved a list of opportunities beyond what can be described in this context. Those included are representative examples only, and do not fully describe the full range of my experience, knowledge and skills.
Education
I have a bachelor of science degrees in Aerospace Engineering & Mechanics and Computer Science from the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology. Continued training in lean practices (six-sigma, manufacturing, process and product development), project management (including scrum/agile), sales strategies, customer direct interactions (presenting technical concepts to multiple audience levels, VOC and surveys) and various technical topics to maintain my professional engineering certifications.
I look forward to the opportunity to work with you on your next project.