Drive and Pump Systems
ETM2317C — DRIVE AND PUMP SYSTEMS
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Course Description
ETM 2317C Drive and Pump Systems is a hands-on course in the machinery that moves fluids and transmits power in an industrial plant: pumps, valves, heat exchangers and the drives that turn them. The statewide description reads: "Fluid mechanics and machine design are explored in detail using basic load theories with various component support systems."
⚠ One institution in Florida teaches it: Florida State College at Jacksonville, at 3 credits. FSCJ's course outline shows the practical emphasis, with equal weight on how equipment works and how it is maintained:
| FSCJ unit | Weight |
|---|
| Pump principles | 10 |
| Pump maintenance | 10 |
| Valve principles | 10 |
| Valve maintenance | 10 |
| Heat exchangers | 10 |
| Hands-on testing and written testing | — |
⚠ The statewide description sounds more theoretical ("machine design… load theories") than FSCJ's maintenance-focused outline. FSCJ is the only carrier, so its outline describes what is actually taught.
At FSCJ it sits beside ETM 2315C, which FSCJ titles Mechanical Devices and Systems (mechanical basics, measurement devices, fluid power, pumps and valves, lubricants). Together the two courses cover the mechanical side of plant equipment.
Learning Outcomes
Required Outcomes
- Explain the operating principles of centrifugal and positive-displacement pumps, and read a pump performance curve.
- Perform routine pump maintenance: seals and packing, bearings, alignment, and troubleshooting common faults such as cavitation, vibration and leakage.
- Explain how the main valve types (gate, globe, ball, butterfly, check, control and relief) work and where each is used.
- Maintain and repair valves: packing, seats, actuators.
- Explain how heat exchangers work, and how fouling and leaks are found and corrected.
- Apply basic load theory to drive components: shafts, couplings, belts and gears.
- Work safely: lockout/tagout, stored pressure, hot surfaces and rotating equipment.
Optional Outcomes
- Perform shaft alignment with dial indicators or a laser tool.
- Use vibration readings to spot a failing bearing.
Major Topics
Required Topics
- Pump principles and pump curves
- Pump maintenance and troubleshooting
- Valve principles
- Valve maintenance
- Heat exchangers
- Drives: couplings, belts, gears and shafts
- Safety around rotating and pressurised equipment
Optional Topics
- Precision alignment
- Predictive maintenance (vibration, thermography)
Resources & Tools
- FSCJ lists no required text; manufacturers' pump and valve manuals are the working references.
- Pump and valve training rigs, alignment tools and basic mechanics' tools.
- Hydraulic Institute guidance on pump selection and operation.
Career Pathways
- Industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance technicians (SOC 49-9041). Pumps, valves and drives are the core of plant mechanical maintenance. See this site's Industrial Maintenance Technician path.
- Millwrights (SOC 49-9044), who install and align heavy machinery.
- Water and wastewater treatment plant operators (SOC 51-8031), who run pumping and treatment equipment.
- Process and plant operators in chemicals, power generation and food processing, around Jacksonville's port and industrial base.
Special Information
Offering Notes
| Institution | Its title | Credits | Note |
|---|
| Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) | Drive and Pump Systems | 3 | Maintenance-focused outline: pumps, valves, heat exchangers, hands-on testing. |
The only carrier is FSCJ, at 3 credits. The guide records 60 contact hours, the Florida convention for a three-credit C course.
Prerequisites
The statewide record lists MAT 1033 Intermediate Algebra and EST 1521. ⚠ EST 1521 is not an active course number in Florida's current course file, so check FSCJ's current catalog for the prerequisite it actually enforces.