Behind every fired heater that makes its way from an engineering concept to the fabrication shop is a team of people focused on getting the details right.
In the latest Tulsa Heaters Midstream video, we're introducing you to Josh Smith, one of our talented designers and draftsmen, to talk about what it takes to turn engineering ideas into detailed drawings that can ultimately be fabricated and built.
What Makes a Great Designer?
Design and drafting require much more than knowing how to use CAD software.
For Josh, one of the most important skills is having an exceptional eye for detail.
Fired heater design can involve countless specifications, dimensions, components, and details. A designer has to take information from engineers and transform it into clear, accurate drawings that a fabrication team can use.
That means paying attention to the smallest details and constantly looking for ways to improve.
One part of the process Josh values is receiving checked prints back. Rather than simply correcting a mark, he looks for patterns in what may have been missed and uses that feedback to become a better designer on the next project.
That continuous improvement mindset is an important part of the engineering and design culture at Tulsa Heaters Midstream.
Turning Engineering Concepts Into Something You Can Build
One of the unique challenges of industrial drafting is taking an idea and turning it into something tangible.
An engineer may provide calculations, specifications, concepts, or even a basic sketch. The designer then has to translate that information into a detailed model and drawing package that can move into fabrication.
For fired heaters and midstream equipment, the transition from engineering to design is critical.
The final drawings have to communicate exactly what needs to be manufactured and how the pieces of the equipment fit together.
That's why talented industrial designers and draftsmen are such an important part of the Tulsa Heaters Midstream team.
Will AI Replace Industrial Drafting?
With artificial intelligence changing industries around the world, there's an obvious question: What role will AI play in engineering design and drafting?
Josh believes AI will likely become another tool available to designers rather than completely replacing them.
Artificial intelligence may eventually help automate repetitive drafting tasks, modify existing designs, or serve as an intermediate step between modeling and final drawings.
Where human designers continue to bring tremendous value is in creating something new.
Research and development, new equipment concepts, unusual applications, and custom-fired heater designs require people who can understand an engineering idea, identify potential issues, and determine how to turn that idea into something that can actually be manufactured.
AI may change the workflow, but technical knowledge, creativity, judgment, and attention to detail remain essential.
Meet the People Behind Tulsa Heaters Midstream
Josh has been part of Tulsa Heaters Midstream for about a year and a half, but there's more to him than his work as a designer.
Outside the office, Josh is also a competitive shooter who has placed at the national level in IDPA competitions.
Competitive shooting requires a combination of speed, accuracy, concentration, and attention to detail—which, interestingly enough, aren't too far removed from some of the qualities that make a great designer.
He's also recently purchased a home with his wife, his longtime sweetheart, whom he's known since middle school.
Great Equipment Starts With Great People
Engineering calculations and technology are essential to fired heater design, but ultimately, great equipment depends on great people.
From engineering and industrial drafting to fabrication, project management, field service, and aftermarket support, every person plays a role in delivering reliable midstream equipment.
We're glad to have Josh as part of the Tulsa Heaters Midstream team and look forward to seeing what he continues to accomplish.
Watch our latest video to meet Josh and get a behind-the-scenes look at the people helping bring Tulsa Heaters Midstream designs to life.