Mechanical and Structural Engineering Solutions
Industrial Piping, Pressure Vessels, Industrial Equipment Layout, HVAC, and Florida Residential Structures – Delivered with ASME, FBC, and Real-World Expertise.
Our Services
"At Ernst Consulting Services, we deliver practical, code-compliant mechanical and structural engineering solutions tailored to industrial, commercial, and residential clients. With extensive experience in heavy industrial chemical processing plants, such as pulp/paper and power generation facilities, we help you build safer, more efficient, and cost-effective projects."
-
Pump sizing and selection with system curve analysis
Piping layout, specifications, and orthographic/isometric drawings
Troubleshooting and field assessments for existing systems
Compliance with ASME B31.3, B31.1, and other relevant codes
Energy-efficient designs that reduce operating expenses
-
New vessel design per ASME VIII Div. 1 (or Div. 2 when applicable)
Assistance with modification/repair packages
Specification drawings, calculations, and required engineering documentation for vessel revisions
Assistance with stamping, inspection coordination, and regulatory submittals
-
2D/3D GA drawings and equipment layouts
Component and assembly detailing
Construction scopes of work and bid package development
Bill of materials and fabrication packages
Collaboration with fabricators for seamless execution
-
Structural calculations and stamped drawings
Platform and catwalk design
Pipe rack/bridge and support detailing
Foundation and anchorage for equipment/vessels
Assessments and retrofits for existing structures
-
Detailed load calculations (Manual J/N reports)
Equipment selection and placement
Duct sizing/layout and airflow distribution
Ventilation and indoor air quality strategies
Energy-efficient recommendations (SEER, HSPF, etc.)
-
Wind load calculations and exposure category determination
Foundation plans with soil considerations
Framing and connection details
Engineered plans for permitting and construction
Retrofits/upgrades for existing homes (e.g., strap additions)
"What sets ECS apart is our real-world understanding of field construction and installation. Having worked closely with fabricators, erectors, and site teams throughout our career, we communicate with exceptional clarity and technical precision—ensuring designs translate into the field, issues are anticipated and resolved early, every project is installed successfully, safely, and to the highest standards. "
About our company
Billy Ernst, PE Founder & Principal Engineer, Ernst Consulting Services
I’m Billy Ernst, a Marine Corps veteran and a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) based in Perry, Florida, passionate about delivering practical, code-compliant mechanical and structural engineering solutions that solve real problems efficiently and safely. With a career spanning consulting at top engineering firms, project management in large-scale industrial operations, and hands-on production engineering, I founded Ernst Consulting Services (ECS) to bring direct, responsive expertise to clients in manufacturing, process industries, and residential applications.
My professional journey started working at established engineering firms, including Yates Engineers and Wood/Amec Foster Wheeler. In these roles, I contributed to multidisciplinary projects in process industries, providing detailed mechanical designs, piping layouts, pressure vessel analyses, and structural support solutions for manufacturing and energy clients. This consulting foundation strengthened my expertise in code-driven engineering (ASME, B31/B31.3 piping, Section VIII vessels) and collaborating effectively with client teams.
I then transitioned to operational leadership at Georgia-Pacific, where as Project Manager I directed capital improvement projects and coordinated maintenance outages for critical assets like recovery boilers and batch digesters in large-scale pulp and paper facilities. This experience sharpened my skills in system optimization, shutdown planning, safety & environmental compliance, and minimizing production downtime—directly informing the practical, results-focused approach I bring to ECS.
Then, as Production Engineer at St. Marks Powder (General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems), I applied this accumulated knowledge to day-to-day operations in a high-precision manufacturing environment, further deepening my understanding of industrial systems and reliability. Here I was able to implement several projects improving process efficiency, enhancing operator ergonomics and safety, and providing annual savings.
Complementing my Florida State University education, this diverse background enables me to specialize in:
Industrial piping design (chemical, steam, hydraulics, pump sizing, troubleshooting, stress analysis)
ASME pressure vessel design and modification
Industrial mechanical & structural design
Project development and maintenance outage management/planning
HVAC load calculations and design for residential/small commercial
Florida-specific residential building engineering (plumbing, wind loads, structures, foundations per FBC/ASCE 7)
Whether optimizing process systems to reduce costs and downtime, ensuring ASME-compliant modifications, or engineering resilient structures for Florida's challenging conditions, my priority is safety, efficiency, and clear, client-centered communication.
Living and working in North Florida gives me firsthand insight into our region's industrial landscape and environmental demands. ECS is built on straightforward service, technical precision, and proven results—values refined across consulting, project management, and production roles.
Ready to tackle your next project? Let's connect—no obligation. Whether you need a full design package, stamped documents for permitting, or expert troubleshooting, I'm here to help. Contact me today.
