31st YEAR ANNIVERSARY

History of SPED

The Society of Piping Engineers and Designers (SPED) started 31 years ago to serve the needs of “pipers”, piping designers and engineers, and piping profession. At that time, no such organization existed.

A four year (BS) engineering technology program in Process and Piping Design was started in the Fall of 1977 at the University of Houston –Downtown. An industrial advisory committee for the program was constituted consisting of piping managers from several companies such as Dow Chemical, Bechtel, Lummus, etc. During the discussions in the committee, a need for a forum or organization for piping designers and engineers, and piping profession was felt.

SPED came into existence in 1980. It was formally incorporated on December 2, 1980 and soon after tax exempt status from the IRS was obtained. SPED generated a lot of interest and was greeted by pipers with enthusiasm.

Thirty years have passed. SPED is still going strong and will continue to serve piping professionals and the piping profession for years to come.

By

Dr. Haku Israni

revised by Rachel Nichols

“A Word from Our President”

Jack Belden, President of SPED

(2003 – Present)

I am very proud of SPED’s heritage and their contributions of the last 30 years. Their contributions towards quality and support in piping design through education and training programs have improved the quality of piping designers and enhanced piping design standards in our industry. SPED is looking forward to continue these types of educational programs and promoting quality in preparing piping designers for global emerging markets.