Day in the Life of a Welder

From Plans to Sparks, A Welder Brings Every Project to Life!
Take a look behind the scenes of a day in the life of Andrew Leblanc and Ben Fulp, our welders at M.G. Newell. 
What is a typical day for welder Andrew Leblanc at M.G. Newell?

A typical day for a welder at MG Newell starts with coming into the shop, getting your bearings, and starting on the job you’ve been assigned to. Before you realize it, it’s time to refuel. Typically it could be Mexican, BBQ, or Subway for some of us. Then, it’s back to working on the job and tidying up before going home.

How long have you been a welder at M.G. Newell, and what education or background did you have to have to get this job?

I’ve been a welder at MG Newell for 7, almost 8 months, and graduated college with a diploma in welding. My background work ranged from welding at the Top Golf here in Greensboro to repairing excavator buckets, chandeliers, and more. 

What is your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is at the end of the day I’m still fairly clean and having meaningful relationships with my coworkers. 

If someone is interested in becoming a welder, what is one piece of advice you’d give them?

A piece of advice I would give someone interested in welding would be you can’t just be a good welder. It takes time, practice, and dedication. If you are willing to give it that, then your welding possibilities are endless. 

What is a typical day for welder Ben Fulp at M.G. Newell?

Honestly, there isn’t a typical day here at MG Newell. We have such a diversity of responsibilities and projects that, in my experience, nothing is ever typical. We handle everything from handling raw materials to shipping finished projects to sweeping the warehouse or assisting other departments. We are the catch-all. 

How long have you been a welder at M.G. Newell, and what education or background did you have to have to get this job?

I’ve been associated with MG Newell since 2019 and have been in metalworking occupations since 2010. Working as a fitter, fabricator, welder, machinist, material handling, aerospace, and medical industry. I have a 2-year degree and continuing education over the years.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I love the variety of tasks and challenges we encounter and the satisfaction of completing a project to its full aesthetic potential. Also attention to detail is key in this industry. 

If someone is interested in becoming a welder, what is one piece of advice you’d give them?

Pay attention to the “old timers.” They’re usually right. Absorb every ounce of knowledge you can. Bring your work ethic with you. Never be afraid to learn or TRY. People notice your effort and will “take you under their wing” if they see that you’re trying. Lastly, remember to have fun!

For more information, visit our website:  www.mgnewell.com and www.newellautomation.com.

Heat Exchanger

Flow patterns are a critical design factor in any shell and tube heat exchanger, directly impacting heat transfer efficiency, thermal stress, and overall system performance. Engineers can select from three primary flow patterns—parallel flow, counter flow, and crossflow—but in many cases, combining these patterns leads to optimal results.
Parallel Flow (Cocurrent Flow)

In parallel flow, both the shell side and tube side fluids flow in the same direction. This pattern is commonly found in double-pipe heat exchangers and can be applied to shell and tube configurations as well.

Pros:

  • Ensures more uniform wall temperatures, reducing thermal stress.
  • Ideal when a moderate temperature difference between fluids is sufficient.

Cons:

  • Less thermally efficient compared to counter flow, as the maximum temperature difference occurs only at the inlet.
  • Risk of thermal stress from dramatic inlet temperature differentials.
CrossFlow

In crossflow heat exchangers, fluids flow perpendicularly to each other. This pattern is commonly used in steam condensers and other applications involving phase changes.

Pros:

  • Effective in applications involving gas-liquid heat transfer or condensation processes.
  • Can be customized with baffles and tubes to optimize turbulence and heat transfer.

Cons:

  • Less thermally efficient than counter flow but often ideal for specialized applications like condensation.
Counter Flow (Countercurrent Flow)

  • Counter flow heat exchangers are designed for the tube side fluid to enter from the opposite end of the shell side fluid. This flow pattern is the most thermally efficient and is preferred in many applications where maximizing heat transfer is critical.

    Pros:

    • Delivers the highest temperature change between fluids, enhancing heat transfer efficiency.
    • More consistent temperature differences across the exchanger reduce hotspots and thermal stress.

    Cons:

    • Can be more complex to design when used in conjunction with multipass configurations.
Key Considerations for Optimal Flow Pattern Selection

  • Counter flow heat exchangers are designed for the tube side fluid to enter from the opposite end of the shell side fluid. This flow pattern is the most thermally efficient and is preferred in many applications where maximizing heat transfer is critical.

    Pros:

    • Delivers the highest temperature change between fluids, enhancing heat transfer efficiency.
    • More consistent temperature differences across the exchanger reduce hotspots and thermal stress.

    Cons:

    • Can be more complex to design when used in conjunction with multipass configurations.

Why Combining Flow Patterns is Often Used

In real-world applications, shell and tube heat exchangers often combine multiple flow patterns to meet complex process demands. A common combination is counter flow and parallel flow, especially in multipass systems. This hybrid approach maximizes thermal efficiency while mitigating risks such as excessive thermal stress or fouling.

For more information, visit our website:  www.mgnewell.com and www.newellautomation.com.