Best Practices EXPO Maintenance Pavilion

Best Practices EXPO Hall

Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 21-22, 1:00-5:00 PM

New in 2025!

2:00-2:45 PM – TBD

3:00-3:45 PM - Refrigerated Dryers, Filters & Condensate Management. The Importance of Compressed Air Treatment Maintenance

Josh Borrego, Sr. Technical Service Specialist, BEKO Technologies

Compressed air is a critical utility in many industrial operations, and maintaining its treatment systems is essential for ensuring efficiency, reliability and product quality. Neglecting routine maintenance can allow contaminants like moisture, oil, and particulates compromise equipment performance and lead to downtime. Routine maintenance of air dryers, filtration, oil water separators, and condensate drains are essential to ensure air quality compliance and to prevent pressure drops, energy losses and costly repairs. This presentation explores the key components of compressed air treatment, the risks of neglect, and best practices for maintaining optimal system performance.

Josh Borrego is a seasoned technician with over two decades of experience in the refrigeration and HVAC industry. In 2012, he transitioned into the compressed air industry, bringing his technical expertise to a new domain. Since 2016, he has served as a Technical Service Specialist, providing advanced support and solutions for compressed air systems. His deep industry knowledge and hands-on experience make him a trusted resource in air treatment maintenance and system optimization.

4:00-4:45 PM - Cooling Towers & Fluid Coolers

TBD

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

1:00-1:45 - Oil-free Rotary Screw Air Compressors

Patrick Kraemer, Director – Oil Free Compression, ELGi Compressors USA

Patrick brings over 32 years of experience in rotating equipment, including more than two decades in the compressed air and gas industry. His expertise lies in compressed air systems, with a strong strategic emphasis on the Oil Free sector. Passionate about educating others in the industry, Patrick is dedicated to helping others understand the nuances of Oil Free Compression and driving a deeper comprehension to support sustainable growth. Throughout his career, he has held leadership positions across sales management, product development, and portfolio strategy. Patrick holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and an MBA.

2:00-2:45 PM - Heated Purge, Blower Purge and HOC Dryers
Aaron Duke, Technical Support Manager, Mikropor
Allan Hoerner, Area Manager, Mikropor

Proper maintenance of desiccant dryers is essential for ensuring stable dewpoint, process integrity and prolonged equipment life. This session will cover key maintenance practices for heatless, heated purge, blower purge, and heat-of-compression (HOC) dryers, helping factory maintenance personnel identify common issues and optimize system reliability. Attendees will gain practical insights on troubleshooting, servicing schedules, and best practices to prevent costly downtime.

Aaron Duke is the Technical Support Manager at Mikropor, bringing over a decade of expertise in compressed air treatment solutions. With extensive experience in technical support, product training, and field service, he has played a key role in developing quality-focused support teams and training programs across North and South America. His deep knowledge spans refrigerated and desiccant air dryers, compressed air filters, nitrogen generators, and integrated dryer packages. Aaron's commitment to optimizing compressed air systems makes him a valuable resource in the industry.

Allan has been an Area Manager at Mikropor for three years. Prior to that he acquired extensive industry experience from his days at Parker. In addition to managing the Midwest, Allan has taken on responsibilities in other areas as required. His deep and broad relationship base means that no matter where you are, he probably has a good friend that works with you (or has worked with you), and these relationships serve him and his customers well.

3:00-3:45 PM - TBD

4:00-4:45 PM - Air-cooled and Water-cooled Chillers

Mike Crabtree, LEED AP, President, EMCOR Services Fagan

In this session, Mike Crabtree will explore best practices for maintaining both air- and water-cooled chillers to ensure long-term performance, energy efficiency, and system reliability. Attendees will gain insights into common maintenance pitfalls, key service intervals, and how proper upkeep can reduce costly downtime and extend equipment life.

Mike Crabtree, LEED AP, is the President and CEO of EMCOR Services Fagan Company, where he leads strategic growth, operations, and client partnerships for the Kansas City-based mechanical contractor. With over 30 years of industry experience, Mike’s background spans safety management, project leadership, and sustainable building practices. He is a Certified Safety Professional, licensed master mechanic, and a graduate of the University of Central Missouri’s Safety Management program.

For Technology Pavilion Sponsorship Opportunities contact Erik Klingerman, [email protected] or Bill Smith, [email protected].