CPE I case studies
CPE I · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Certified Professional in Engineering (CPE I) is an entry-level engineering credential aimed at engineers in their first years of practice, recent graduates moving into applied roles, and technical staff who want independent evidence that they can reason across the whole engineering workflow rather than only inside one specialty. It is not a licence to practise; it signals breadth. The CPE I case studies are 5 cases and about 3,785 words.
1Cavitation Margin at a Water Treatment Works
A 132 kW centrifugal pump at a water treatment works lifts clarified water at 62 °C from an open sump to a deaerator. The pump centreline is 3.6 m below the minimum sump level.
823 words, about 4 min2Fatigue Reassessment of a Vibrating Screen Bracket
An existing 6061-T6 aluminium bracket supports a vibrating screen motor. The load cycles between 0.4 and 5.8 kN at 340 mm from the wall for a design life of 2.1 million cycles.
748 words, about 4 min3Switchgear Delay in a Fixed Outage Window
A utility has a fixed 16-week outage window to replace 11 kV switchgear. The approved schedule starts switchgear procurement (8 weeks) and civil foundations (3 weeks) on day 1.
736 words, about 4 min4Static Ignition During Toluene Drumming
At a solvents warehouse, an operator transfers 1,000 L of toluene from an intermediate bulk container into 200 L drums. Site procedure requires bonding and grounding with a resistance of 10 Ω or less; the supervisor's check sheet records 45 Ω, and the transfer proceeds.
726 words, about 4 min5Pressure to Certify a Deteriorated Car Park
You are a junior structural engineer at a consultancy. A partner asks you to issue a one-page letter confirming that a 1972 open-deck car park is structurally adequate, so the client can close a property sale on Friday.
752 words, about 4 min