Paul Schmitz – Director’s Bio (Chartered Mechanical Engineering Consultant)
Director of Mechanical Engineering Consultants. Our consultancy delivers practical, proven solutions in vibration, noise and mechanical design across industrial, energy, construction, telecommunications and aerospace sectors.
Early Foundations in Engineering
Engineering has been part of my life since the age of 13, when I began holiday work at H&F Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Manufacturing Ltd. in Bellville, Cape Town — the company founded by my father and uncle. There I learned the fundamentals of mechanical manufacturing, machining and electrical systems, working on diesel–electric generators for demanding applications, including the South African research base in Antarctica and the national Public Works Department.
Those early, hands-on years shaped my approach — and our consultancy’s ethos: to solve a problem, one must first understand the problem.
29 Years as a Mechanical Engineering Consultant
Over nearly three decades as a Chartered Mechanical Engineering Consultant (CEng MIMechE, MIOA), I direct projects at Mechanical Engineering Consultants that span vibration measurement, noise control, structural dynamics and mechanical design. Every engagement begins with precise measurement and clear diagnosis, then moves through analysis, design and on-site validation to deliver outcomes that work in practice.
Professional memberships: IMechE, Institute of Acoustics. Standards worked to include API and relevant ISO vibration evaluation guidance.
Case Study – Vibration Isolation at Residentie 21, Belgium
Identifying Structure-Borne Noise in a High-Rise Building
The penthouse was affected by structure-borne vibration noise caused by rooftop telecommunications equipment. Vibration travelled through a steel walkway grid and supporting walls, radiating into the children’s bedroom below.
Designing a Bespoke Isolation and Safety-Catch System
The project required a solution within a tight original installation envelope and a safety-catch mechanism capable of supporting £80,000 of equipment, limiting any drop to 10 mm if a mount failed. Under my direction, Mechanical Engineering Consultants designed, manufactured and installed a bespoke isolation system.
Delivering Proven Results and Long-Term Reliability
On-site tests in the presence of the client confirmed the outcome: vibration peaks were eliminated, the walkway grid was stable underfoot and structure-borne sound no longer radiated into the rooms. Beyond comfort, reduced structural stress improved reliability and simplified maintenance.
Case Study – Achieving API 619 Compliance at a Gas Pumping Station, Wales
Investigating Resonance and Frame Dynamics
Over £500,000 of compressor equipment was failing to meet vibration limits set by API 619. Temporary wooden blocks reduced vibration only slightly; resonance persisted. We measured the blower pulsation at 47.2 Hz and traced the issue to a frame natural frequency near that excitation.
Using FEA and Modal Testing to Confirm Root Cause
Through detailed vibration analysis, modal testing and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) in Ansys, we confirmed the resonance and refined the model via model updating — a key stage of our Our Process.
Frame Stiffening Solution and API 619 Compliance
We designed and implemented a frame stiffening solution to shift the natural frequency away from excitation. Post-installation testing verified the result — vibration levels were reduced significantly to within API 619 limits.
Reduced Vibration, Extended MTBF and Maintenance Benefits
By lowering dynamic loads on bearings, the solution increased Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), extended equipment service life and enabled longer maintenance intervals. The modified structure was validated with updated analytical models, providing traceable evidence from test to design — consistent with Our Process.
Industries and Experience
- Consultancy – specialist advice and analysis in vibration and noise.
- Industrial & Manufacturing – solving plant and process vibration challenges.
- Automotive – design, testing and troubleshooting of vehicles and components.
- Aerospace – vibration solutions for high-precision environments.
- Construction & Civil Engineering – structure-borne noise and vibration control in buildings and infrastructure.
- Energy & Utilities – compliance and asset protection in critical facilities.
- Telecommunications – isolation for rooftop and tower-mounted equipment.
- Research & Development – supporting vibration-sensitive facilities and experiments.