Process Industries Division

Since founding in 1934, PID is a stimulating division of ASME with focus on a practical approach for mechanical engineering applications in diverse and new technologies addressing all phases of design, fabrication, installation, operations, and maintenance - including safety and environmental considerations.

About

Process Industries Division's (PID) position within the ASME's Technical groups and divisions is unique. Since its organization in 1934, it has fostered new technologies that have developed into larger ASME divisions. Our members are industry-based engineers who share general interests in applications, chemical and hands-on type presentations. They have interests in management, plant engineering and maintenance, pressure vessels and piping, design engineering, power and heat transfer. The wide diversity of new technologies plus a practical approach for mechanical engineering applications make the PID a stimulating division of ASME.

MISSION
To serve mechanical engineers in the process industries by:

  • Enhancing the technical knowledge of division members and other engineers.
  • Providing a forum to share ideas and experience among division members and the international technical community.
  • Encouraging research and development of new technology.
  • Providing an ASME structure and support for emerging technical areas.

The Process Industries community consists of all the enterprises involved in design and manufacturing of products of enhanced value. By definition, process industries are those industries where the primary production processes are either continuous, or occur on a batch of materials that is indistinguishable. PID will focus on the practical application of technology. This may address all phases of design, fabrication, installation, operations and maintenance - including safety and environmental considerations. PID main branches include, but are not limited to: petrochemical, biochemical, energy (with focus on green energy), water processing, utilities and transportation, ceramics and plastics, food and pharmaceuticals. The PID will focus on the practical application of technology, which may address all phases of design, fabrication, installation, operation and maintenance - including safety and environmental considerations. The PID continues to grow. New members are encouraged to contact the Division and actively participate. Division association increases professional development by meeting new colleagues and providing opportunities for exchanging ideas.

Four Technical Areas within the PID contribute to the development and exchange of new ideas in a congenial forum : Water Technology and SustainabilityCompressor ApplicationsHeat and Mass Transfer Systems, and Engineering Education.

Events

Complimentary Virtual Seminar
Engineering Leadership: Insights and Pathways to Success
October 25, 2024
5:00 - 6:00 PM Eastern Time

Speakers

Mary Koutras, R&D Manager
Duro-Last, Holcim Solutions and Products US LLC
Bradley Sizelove, Executive Director North American Engineering
Nexteer Automotive
Mitch Gilbert, Director of R&D
Duro-Last Roofing

In the rapidly evolving field of mechanical engineering, transitioning from technical roles to leadership positions requires a unique blend of skills, strategic thinking, and personal development. This seminar, "Engineering Leadership: Insights and Pathways to Success," is designed to empower aspiring leaders (mechanical engineering students, interns, and co-ops) by providing them with valuable insights from distinguished industry leaders.
Join us for an engaging and interactive session where three leaders from diverse companies share their personal leadership journeys, discuss essential skills for career advancement, and offer practical advice on navigating workplace dynamics. Our moderator will facilitate a dynamic conversation, covering topics such as overcoming challenges, building strong professional relationships, maintaining work-life balance, and preparing for future industry trends.
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in live Q&A sessions and interact through real-time polls and surveys. This seminar aims to inspire and equip the next generation of engineering leaders with the knowledge and confidence to climb the leadership ladder and make a meaningful impact in their careers.
Don't miss this chance to gain invaluable wisdom and network with peers and industry experts. Register now and take the first step towards becoming a future leader in mechanical engineering.

Mary Koutras, R&D Manager
Duro-Last, Holcim Solutions and Products US LLC
Mary Koutras is Manager of Research and Development at Duro-Last, a division of Holcim Solutions and Products US LLC, and holds a Master in Polymer Science and Engineering and is a SSGB.  Prior to Duro-Last, she was at Dow Chemical working in Core R&D.  As Manager of R&D, she is responsible for team development, new product development, manufacturing and purchasing support.  Mary is involved in several industry boards and has participated in podcasts and interviews on the importance of internships.  Mary is a results-oriented leader supporting her team through emotional intelligence, accountability, and creating learning opportunities while still maintaining to be an introvert at heart.


Bradley Sizelove, Executive Director North American Engineering
Nexteer Automotive

Bradley Sizelove is a positive attitude, passionate, engaged leader in the automotive industry.  He has a strong, “be part of the solution” philosophy, and demonstrates problem solving skills.  He leads by example, coaching, mentoring, and helping people understand the why to gain alignment and support. 

Mr. Sizelove has worked for GM/Delphi/Nexteer Automotive for the last 32 years holding both global and regional roles in engineering, global supply management, and new business development.  He is currently the North American Engineering Executive Director.
He holds an MSE from Purdue University. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in Material Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan.  He has been an adjunct professor at SVSU, facilitator in Investment in Excellence training, and very active in team development activities at Nexteer.
Mr. Sizelove has been part of and led several industry/technical boards, as well as community boards such as the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance Board.  He has a proven track record of building professional partnerships across the automotive industry and community to deliver growth and business results.

Mitch Gilbert, Director of R&D
Duro-Last Roofing

Mitch is a Mechanical Engineer and a Six Sigma Black Belt with 25+ years working in the commercial roofing industry. 
He also works as an Adjunct Instructor in the mechanical engineering department at Saginaw Valley State University mentoring engineers who are beginning their careers. As the Director of R&D for Duro-Last Roofing, Mitch and his team have driven company sustainability initiatives ranging from raw material selection and energy usage during manufacturing, to proper use and processing of both post-industrial and post-consumer recycled materials. Mitch has worked with the Michigan Recycling Coalition to enhance Duro-Last's long-standing commitment to developing end use products that can be made from post-consumer materials as well as new recycling methods.
Mitch is a graduate of Saginaw Valley State University with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering. He is also a Six Sigma Black Belt and Lean Champion from Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center.

Honors & Awards

Two prestigious awards are sponsored by PID for distinguished service, the James Harry Potter Gold Medal and the Henry R. Worthington Medal.

The James Harry Potter Gold Medal, established in 1980, is awarded in recognition of eminent achievement or distinguished service in the appreciation of the science of thermodynamics in mechanical engineering. The basis of the award shall include contributions involving the teaching, appreciation or utilization of thermodynamic principles in research, development and design in mechanical engineering. Past Potter Award recipients.

The Henry R. Worthington Medal, established in 1980 by Worthington Pump, Inc., is bestowed for eminent achievement in the field of pumping machinery. Such achievement may be in the areas of research, development, design, innovation, management, education or literature. Past Worthington Award recipients.

DIVISION AWARDS

The Process Industries Division Best Paper Award

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Important Award Information For Recipients of Monetary Awards

Please note that honorariums cannot be distributed without receipt of applicable tax forms. If you are a recipient of a monetary award, you will be contacted by ASME staff regarding tax forms you will need to complete, as well as how to submit them to us.

Leadership

Subha Kumpaty
Past Chair 

Aneesha Gogineni
Chair | June 2025

N. Subaschandar
Secretary Chair | June 2025

Tiruvadi Ravigururajan
Member | June 2025

Arun Muley
Member | June 2025

Riyaz Papar
Member | June 2025

Laura Herrera
Staff Contact | May 2021 - OPEN

Elizabeth Webb
Staff Contact | July 2019 - OPEN

Links

Links to helpful online resources related to the division are below. If you have suggestions for other resources, please contact the division chair or ASME staff.

ASME Landmarks Program
Landmarks, sites and collections of historic importance to mechanical engineering are designated by ASME through its History and Heritage Landmarks Program.

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