399 Pinks and Blues: The Science of Serial Dilution
Scaling UP! H2O
Having a product does not mean it’s going to work well. Having a product and having the experience to use it properly, that’s the determining factor. - Trace Blackmore Dive into one of ’s favorite formats: the "Pinks and Blues" episode! In this special installment, Trace tackles real-world questions from water treatment professionals like you, offering clear, practical solutions rooted in chemistry, strategy, and years of experience. From mastering serial dilutions to making the most of leftover competitor products, this episode is all about equipping you with the tools to excel in...
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398 Water Treatment Project Success: Essential Steps for New Facilities and Expansions
Scaling UP! H2O
"Don’t be afraid to ask questions early and often when working with engineering firms or general contractors on your water treatment program... Getting it right the first time is the easiest and least painful way to a long-term successful water treatment program." – Walker Burnette In this episode of the Scaling Up H2O podcast, host Trace Blackmore sits down with , Water Treatment Consultant at to explore the importance of early involvement in water treatment projects for new and expanding facilities. Together, they uncover essential lessons, challenges, and best practices that can make...
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397 Pinks and Blues: How to look at your tests
Scaling UP! H2O
“Your test kit is your tool, and you are the master of that tool. “- Trace Blackmore In this insightful episode of Scaling Up! H2O Podcast, host delves into the critical topic of understanding and optimizing water treatment tests. This episode is designed to equip water treatment professionals with practical knowledge to enhance their test-taking techniques and interpretation skills. The Concept of Pinks and Blues Trace shares the origins of the term “pinks and blues,” coined by his father, and explains its significance in water testing. He stresses the...
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396 Navigating Carbon Capture: Water Demands and Wastewater Solutions with Steve Russell
Scaling UP! H2O
“Learning how to learn is essential. “- Steve Russell In this week’s episode of the Scaling UP! H2O Podcast, we’re excited to share a deep dive into the complex world of carbon capture and water treatment with , Senior Process Engineer at . Host Trace Blackmore and Steve explore the challenges of treating wastewater in carbon capture facilities, including the need for innovative approaches to meet environmental and operational standards. Navigating Carbon Capture: A Process Engineer’s Perspective Carbon capture is a hot topic in today’s industrial landscape,...
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395 A Career Flowing with Purpose: Five Decades of Water Wisdom with Bob Cunningham
Scaling UP! H2O
Here we go! We have the privilege of collaborating with our lab partner , of , a true water industry expert whose journey flows through five decades of dedication, transformation, and insight. Starting his own company 35 years ago, Bob has navigated the currents of change in the field, sharing the lessons that come from a lifetime of experience. For those new to the water industry, Bob’s story will inspire you to write your own chapters with integrity and resilience; for seasoned professionals, it’s a reminder of the profound impact a lifelong commitment to this work can make. What Was...
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394 Visibility and Value: Enhancing Sustainability in Water Treatment
Scaling UP! H2O
By highlighting cost savings, clients can see how efficient water treatment impacts their bottom line. Sustainability isn’t just a trendy term—it’s about implementing practical practices that protect our planet for current and future generations. By adopting sustainable strategies, we can conserve resources, cut costs, and create lasting benefits for both the environment and our client’s businesses. In our latest episode of the Scaling UP! H2O Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with , CWT, LEED AP of an advocate for water sustainability, who shared actionable insights on how...
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393 High Recovery Reverse Osmosis (HRRO): Expert Guidance on Optimizing System Performance
Scaling UP! H2O
We’re focusing on High Recovery Reverse Osmosis (HRRO) with insights from , Director of North America Application & Sales at . With over 40 years of experience in membrane technology, Ken sheds light on how HRRO is transforming water treatment and tackling industry challenges. Here are the key highlights from our conversation. What is Reverse Osmosis (RO)? Ken describes reverse osmosis as a method for rejecting dissolved minerals and macro-organics from water. He stated, “Today's systems, most of them are using what they call a thin film composite membrane, which are categorized into...
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392 Breaking Barriers: How Diversity and Confidence Drive Growth in Water Treatment
Scaling UP! H2O
“Your most limiting factor is yourself.” - In this week's episode of the Scaling UP! H2O Podcast, we're thrilled to bring you an empowering conversation between host Trace Blackmore and two leaders in the water treatment industry— , Sales Director, and , Service Quality Supervisor at . Together, they explore how diversity fuels success, the importance of overcoming Imposter Syndrome, and how you can take meaningful steps to give back to our industry. Diversity Drives Success: The Data Speaks Diversity isn't just about creating fair workplaces—it's a proven driver of business success....
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391 Multimeter Troubleshooting: Your Guide to Accurate Diagnostics, Part 2
Scaling UP! H2O
We continue our in-depth conversation with , Product Specialist and equipment guru at diving deeper into the technical aspects of multimeter troubleshooting. This episode is packed with practical tips designed to help you navigate the often-confusing world of diagnostics and electrical troubleshooting. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started, Tom’s hands-on advice will guide you through common troubleshooting challenges so you can improve your accuracy and efficiency in the field. Missed Part 1? No worries! You can catch up on to get the foundation before diving...
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390 Multimeter Troubleshooting: Your Guide to Accurate Diagnostics, Part 1
Scaling UP! H2O
In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of welcoming back , Product Specialist and equipment guru at . Tom shared invaluable insights into troubleshooting multimeters—an essential tool every water professional should have on hand during site visits. Here are some key takeaways from our discussion that you won’t want to miss! Why You Need a Multimeter: An Essential Tool for Your Kit Tom emphasized the importance of carrying a multimeter. “This is the tool that checks the controller to ensure you’re delivering your products and services on site while you’re not there. If you need to...
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We are equipment whisperers.
Imagine this: You're at a conference, surrounded by industry experts, and someone raises their hand to ask, "What's the difference between a Water Tube Boiler and a Fire Tube Boiler?" Now, most of us would expect this to be common knowledge at a water conference, right? But here’s the twist—the person asking wasn’t a water professional. He was a curious customer, frustrated because the company servicing his boiler couldn’t give him a clear answer.
This is where we, as water professionals, can really shine. Our job isn’t just to service equipment; it’s to educate our customers. We need to explain how their systems work, identify issues, discuss the solutions we’ve implemented, and most importantly, show them the results. Because when customers understand, they trust.
We are the "equipment whisperers," and our mission is heating transfer management. In boilers, everything has to work together perfectly for efficient heat transfer. But how do we prove that? And how do we share that information in a way our customers understand?
Today’s episode tackles the age-old question: What’s the difference between a Water Tube Boiler and a Fire Tube Boiler? And for those of you working in the field, here’s a challenge: Can you explain it easily to your customers?
Water Tube Boilers circulate water through tubes heated externally by combustion gasses. These systems are typically larger, with higher efficiency, and can handle extreme pressures and temperatures. On the other hand, Fire Tube Boilers have hot gasses flowing through the tubes surrounded by water. They’re simpler, more compact, and generally cheaper to install—perfect for smaller applications.
But no matter what type of boiler your customer has, scale buildup is always the enemy. When scale forms inside a Water Tube Boiler, the consequences are severe. Fire Tube Boilers are a bit more forgiving, but the goal remains the same: Keep those heat transfer surfaces clean to generate steam with the least fuel possible.
So, the next time your customer asks a question—no matter how simple it seems—take the time to explain. Prove the value of your service and remind them that you're there to help them maximize their system’s efficiency.
Tune in every day this week for a new episode of Scaling UP! H2O, and let’s make this Industrial Water Week a celebration of the amazing work we do!
Happy Industrial Water Week!
Timestamps
0:01 - Trace Blackmore welcomes you to Boiler Tuesday
09:32 - What is the difference between a Fire Tube Boiler and a Water Tube Boiler?
17:09- Our friend Fred Shurtz, Owner and the President of Precision Chemical, Division of Browne Labs stops by to wish everyone a happy Boiler Tuesday
19:40 - Detective H2O - The Case of Being Picture Perfect (NEW release for 2024)
Connect with Fred Shurtz
Phone: +1 812 455 7378
Email: [email protected]
Website: Precision Chemical
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-shurtz-7287b032/
Links Mentioned
369 Mastering New Business: A Sales Journey
Water Cake
Industrial Water Week Resources Page
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