Meet Our Trainers
We have many experienced trainers currently working in the process industry. Vector University is dedicated to helping customers with most up to date knowledge to keep their processes running safely, optimally and cost effective. Our courses include Basic Instrumentation, Fire and Gas and Advanced Analytics. Spots are limited! Reserve your seat now and join us for the course that will teach you what you need to know about numerous technologies. Visit the full schedule for additional information on each session and course offerings.
Trainers
Scott Childs
Trainer / Service Engineer
Scott Childs has spent the last 38 years working with instrumentation in the field service industry, performing process measurement and control support. During this time, he managed jobs, projects, people, performed start-ups, provided consultation for customers, calibrated instrumentation, provided customer training and helped trouble-shoot various difficult application and instrumentation issues to help customer achieve their process measurement requirements and needs. His career although very diverse, has involved spending time in almost every type of product manufacturing plant, which has given him a very broad knowledge of how different industries operate and ideas that can be carried over from one industry to another, to resolve similar process measurement issues. The time spent within these industries, has been very helpful in understanding what instruments work best in various applications and how and where to install them to achieve the best results. This allows him to teach through experience and pass his knowledge onto others.
Chris Fournet
Trainer / Senior Application Specialist
A professional with over 31 years of instrumentation experience, Chris Fournet will excite you with his wit and wisdom. Instrumentation is not only a job for Chris but a passion. He loves all aspects of the industry and enjoys helping the sales team and customers solve problems. Chris graduated with a Associate of Applied Science in Electronics and Instrumentation from Lamar University. Additionally, he is certified from the Instrument Society of America(ISA) Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST) and earned Endress+Hauser’s Black Belt in Level, Pressure, Temperature and Service. He has obtained much of his experience working 22 years for Motiva as well as past positions with Texaco Research and Texaco Chemical. In 2014 he became part of the Vector CAG family as Senior Application Specialist. His Vector University training focus is on Instrument 101/102, Level 101/102, Pressure, Temperature and Williamson Flare Products. He also provides other technical support to our sales team and customers. In his free time, he enjoys playing in the dirt; riding dirt bikes, 4 wheelers and side by sides.
Steve Smith
Consultant / Sr. Instructor
Forty years working in the field of analytical instrumentation in a variety of positions. Of this time, 22 years handling day to day operations for three different analyzer organizations Steve has owned or held ownership interest in Steve is the founder of Advanced Analytical Solutions, LLC (1993-1997) and most recently Smith Analytical, LLC (2012 – Current) Prior to the sale of Process Analytical Applications, Inc (PAAI) to Cameron in 2008, Steve had ownership interest in PAAI Steve has been directly involved in handling over $125M USD in analytical projects, in addition to 25 years of experience teaching analytical instrumentation courses at the college level and to Clients all over the world.
Justin Smith
Technical Services Manager
Degrees in Business Management and Chemistry Almost 15 years of experience working with process analyzers, sample systems and the ancillary equipment for these systems in both chemical plant and refinery settings. Proficient in numerous types of analytical equipment including; ABB Magnos and UrasAmetek 900,910,921 Sulfur Analyzer Ametek WDG IV, Applied Automation Gas Chromatographs Siemens Maxum I and II, Thermo Scientific SOLA I and II Rosemount Oxymitter 4000, Rosemount pH, ORP, DO, and Conductivity, GE, Panametrics hydrogen, oxygen, and moisture, Horiba, Enda 7000, Yokogawa Gas Chromatographs, Sick Maihak GM 31,32, 35, Flow Sic systems, Mettler Toledo, and Optical Scientific flow meters. Well versed in analytical software and Data acquisition software including Maxum EZchrom, Portal and system manager, APC, Aspen and PI trending software, Vivicom Data acquisition systems Works daily with EPA regulations regarding CEMS analyzers, downtime and uptime.
Les Howe
Analyzer Specialist / Project Manager
Texas A&M University Institute of Electronic Science. Dedicated Project Manager, Engineer, Analyzer Specialist with excellent technical, analytical and communication skills demonstrated by almost 40 years of experience Project Manager/Engineer: Responsible for the engineering, design and construction of complete analyzer shelter systems including analyzer selection sample system design, electrical, DCS terminations, and well as all safety systems per customer specifications. Analytical Skills: Experience in troubleshooting, repair and the applicating of gas chromatographs All Siemens Maxum/Applied Automation equipment, including and Modbus communications Sample system design and applications Extensive knowledge of physical properties Sample system phase envelops and lag times Electrical Skills: Trouble shooting and repair of electrical equipment including motor starters 480V, 4160V and 13 2 KV Replaced bearings in motors up to 200 HP Includes the racking in and out of 4160 and 13 2 KV switchgear Equipment controlled by Allen Bradly PLCs.
Bob Scraper
Sr. Instructor / Analyzer Specialist
Over 30 years of experience working in the petro-chemical industry for many of the major companies in the US and abroad. Experience includes online Gas Chromatographs, continuous type analyzers and process sample systems. Especially skilled at training technicians in the use of sample systems, Siemens/AAI GCs, ABB GCs, Yokogawa GCs and Rosemount/Daniels analyzers.
