Mohanraj Karuppannan, 36, began his career in the pump industry 15 years ago and has worked extensively with pumps and pump-related products ever since. “I began my career at a reputed pump manufacturer, where I learned that pumps are the heartbeat of process plants, and mechanical seals are vital to their reliability.” Today, Karuppannan’s work focuses primarily on enhancing equipment reliability through mechanical seals and their support systems, allowing him to help end users keep their operations running smoothly.
When talking to Karuppannan about what he finds most rewarding about his work, he mentioned the importance of being able to see the impact he could make in real time. “The most rewarding part is seeing the tangible impact of my work, enhancing reliability, reducing downtime and ensuring safe, efficient operations. Solving real-world problems through analytical thinking and practical engineering is deeply satisfying, especially when it prevents disruptions or costly failures.” Additionally, Karuppannan spoke about the pride he feels in building enduring connections with those he helps. “Moments like these, where our expertise directly safeguards operations and earns lasting trust, are far more rewarding than any formal recognition. They’re what truly motivate me.”
Karuppannan also discussed the future of the industry and the growing relevance of predictive maintenance technology. “The integration of digitalization and predictive maintenance is transforming traditional rotating equipment. Real-time seal health monitoring using acoustic and condition-sensing technologies enables early issue detection, reduces unplanned downtime and extends asset life.”
On the advice he’d give to the next generation of pump professionals, Karuppannan talked about the importance of learning the fundamentals. “My advice to anyone starting out in this field is to start by building a solid foundation in fluid mechanics and core engineering principles, then focus on applying them to real-world systems. Theory is essential, but understanding how to interpret and adapt specifications to field conditions is equally critical.” Karuppannan finished by speaking on how critical it is to keep an open mind with your work. “Finally, stay curious and empathetic. Seeing challenges from the customer’s perspective leads to solutions that are both technically sound and practically effective.”
Have you had a mentor(s) who influenced your career development?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to receive guidance from several senior colleagues who’ve played a pivotal role in shaping my development. Early in my career, Mr. Krishna, Vijayakumar and Rajkumar helped me build a solid technical foundation in pumps and mechanical seals. Later, at John Crane, I gained valuable insights into reliability engineering, customer engagement and complex rotating equipment from my mentor Antony George, as well as from senior colleagues Raouf Rojubally, Mark Savage, Juan Ramirez and Bhushan, among others. Their support not only strengthened my technical expertise but also deepened my understanding of customer needs and the importance of delivering practical, impactful solutions.
How do you typically spend your time outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, staying active through regular workouts and exploring personal interests including learning new languages. I also follow topics like artificial intelligence, wellness and global affairs, which spark fresh ideas and broaden my perspective.
What do you do to make sure you’re continuing your education/training?
I stay up to date by combining formal training through workshops, seminars and internal training sessions with continuous on-the-job learning. Regularly conducting training and supporting colleagues across sales, field service, operations and customers keeps me engaged with real-world challenges and reinforces my technical understanding.
These interactions inspire practical solutions and fuel my curiosity to continually improve reliability and performance. I also review technical papers, standards and manufacturer guidance to broaden my perspective and identify innovative approaches for real-world applications.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
Few people know that I once prepared for a highly competitive civil service exam while working full-time. While I ultimately chose to focus on my engineering career, the experience taught me lasting lessons in discipline, time management and strategic thinking—skills I continue to apply in both my professional and personal life.
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