Albert (Al) Woelfel Best Mechanical Engineering Achievement (BMEA) Award at OTC
Al Woelfel
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This award seeks quality applicants with significant experience and contributions to the field of mechanical engineering. Patents are a good indication of said contributions. One recipient per year is chosen and he/she must be a mechanical engineer.
The namesake of this award, Al Woelfel, first graduated from Rice University in 1947 with a BS, and returned in 1974 as a classmate of his younger son to earn an MS in mechanical engineering. Al made a lasting impression with five innovative patents still in use today. He was a Life Fellow of the ASME, served on the society's National Board of Governors, and chaired the Offshore Technology Conference in 1976.
Download the application for the BMEA Award competition: Download Application
| ASME Unit: | Petroleum Division |
| Date Established: | 1982 |
| Achievement: | To a company or organization for outstanding petroleum mechanical achievement displayed at the Offshore Technology Conference. |
| Limitations: | Must be an exhibitor at the current Offshore Technology Conference |
| Nomination Deadline: | 3/1 |
| Form of Award: | Plaque |
| Frequency of Award: | Annual |
| Administrative: | Petroleum Division |
| Level of Award: | Division |
| Selected By: | The Petroleum Division Judging Panel which is comprised of past and present Petroleum Division Executive Committee Members. The panel is always an odd number of members to assure no ties. |
| Selecting Process: | OTC Exhibitors are informed of the award and given an opportunity to submit an application regarding mechanical engineering technology presented at OTC. The submitted technologies are reviewed by the Committee of Judges. The top 4 technologies are selected for a preliminary review or presentation of the technology to the Judging Panel at OTC. The judges select the top technology for an award at the Best Mechanical Engineering Achievement Awards Banquet where they will be awarded a plaque. All finalists' technologies are celebrated with a video and award. |
| Funding: | Petroleum Division |
| Date Created: | 11/8/2000 |
| Date Modified: | 3/28/2001 |
| Contact Name: | Jamie Hart |
| Contact Email: | Hartje@asme.org |
| Contact Phone: | 281-810-5453 |
Al Woelfel Best Mechanical Engineering Achievement (BMEA) Award Recipients
| 2024 | Bardex Corporation - Off Vessel Tensioning (OVT) BarLatch™ mooring system |
| 2023 | 2023 BMEA Winner - Rampart Products - Rotary Fit Connector System featuring RamTacTM |
| 2022 | DarkVision Technologies Inc., DarkVision HADES-F™ |
| 2021 | No award |
| 2020 | No award |
| 2019 | AFGlobal Corporation DuraStim® Pump |
| 2018 | Baker Hughes, a GE Company– Kymera™ Mach 4 Hybrid Drill Bit |
| 2017 | Frank’s International – Frank’s International Combination Drillpipe/Casing Spider & Elevator |
| 2016 | Aker Solutions - CL4 Subsea electric actuator, EL-Drive® |
| 2015 | Versabar - Versacutter |
| 2014 | Baker Hughes for Harpoon Cut and Pull |
| 2013 | Managed Pressure Operations, part of Aker Solutions for Riser Safety System - RSS |
| 2012 | Baker Hughes for the MaxCOR Large-Diameter Rotary Sidewall Coring Service |
| 2011 | Aker Solutions for VCS, Vertical Connection System |
| 2010 | Nautilus Rigging for Nautilus Hooks |
| 2009 | Offshore Solutions, BV for Offshore Access System (OAS) |
| 2008 | INNOVATION award Only |
| 2007 | INNOVATION award Only |
| 2006 | INNOVATION award Only |
| 2005 | INNOVATION award Only |
| 2004 | INNOVATION award Only |
| 2003 | Shell International Exploration |
| 2002 | Superior Manufacturing & Hydraulics Clincher Division and Kwick Konnect Tubular Handling Services |
| 2001 | Maersk Contractors |
| 2000 | Stolt Offshore |
| 1999 | ABB Offshore Systems AS |
| 1998 | McDermott ETPM |
| 1997 | Apollo Services |
| 1996 | Maritime Hydraulics |
| 1995 | Cameo Products & Services |
| 1994 | No Award |
| 1993 | Camco |
| 1992 | The Western Company |
| 1991 | Bilco Tools, Inc. |
| 1990 | Bilco Tools, Inc. |
| 1989 | FMC Corporation |
| 1988 | FMC Corporation |
| 1987 | FMC Corporation |
| 1986 | Daniel Industries, Inc. |
| 1985 | Power Tork Hydraulics, Inc. |
| 1984 | No Award |
| 1983 | Hydril Company |