Personal Statement: The Construction of a Processing Line

CE 3.1

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This project involved the construction of an additional Aquatic Feeds Processing Line. In this project, I was responsible for leading the project team to draw the electrical process design, setting standards for equipment engineering, manufacturing and design, and installing the electrical and automation system and testing and commissioning of the project. In this career episode, I highlight the main the experience I gained from the project.

Background

CE 3.2

This project was contracted by ACES Agri- Manufacturing Corporation in the Philippines. Due to the increasing demand for feeds in the fish industry, a decision was made to construct an additional line for fish feed processing. A previous contractor for this project (CHIA TUNG) had estimated the cost at 10 Million pesos (280,000 Australian dollars). The project owners (ACES Agri- Manufacturing Corporation) were not satisfied with the high quotation given by CHIA TUNG. Accordingly, our company was asked to review the project scope and give better estimates regarding the project cost and duration. After taking various factors into account including manpower needs and projected date of completion, our company estimated that the project would cost six million pesos (roughly 170, 000 Australian dollars).

CE 3.3

This project was highly complicated because it required a detailed computation of the size of the cables and the rated capacity of the protective devices. Some aspects of the project required pneumatic fabrication of sensors and cable trays. The first task in this process was the drawing of the electrical process plan. The next task was the engineering, manufacturing, delivery and installation of key equipment. This was followed by the design and installation of electrical and automation systems for the project.

Project Activities

CE 3.4

Under my leadership, the project team held a meeting with the management of the contracting company and other stakeholders to agree on modalities for project deliverables. Among other important issues that were discussed during this meeting included project budget, the timeframe for key milestones, supervision, and assessment of the project. The meeting was a great opportunity for me to explain the scope of the project to the managers with the expectation that they could be involved in the project right from the beginning till the end.

CE 3.5

A great deal of time was spent in drawing the electrical process design for the various components of the entire system. As could be expected, it was necessary to get everything right at this stage because any shortcomings could be detrimental to the project. Considering that my project team was working under severe time constraints and a tight budget, I took it upon myself to ensure that the design was very accurate and that completion of the project could involve minimum tools and equipment.

CE 3.6

I guided the team in preparing the documentations necessary to maintain the electrical controls of the process skid. This included loop diagrams, schematic drawings for the various electrical processes, component part numbers, control panel layout, and specification spreadsheets to give the project team more convenient system upkeep.

CE 3.6

Using my authority as the project team leader, I suggested that the custom electrical engineering design approach be used in this project. The good thing about this approach is that it is capable of using decentralized and centralized power distributions to give optimal loads with greater efficiency. The electrical design process was prepared by our companys engineers and it followed the national electric code standards of the Philippines. The signal integrity of the instruments was maintained through appropriate separation of power, communication, and control wiring. I incorporated custom parameters, purged electrical cabinets, isolation barriers, fittings and explosion proof enclosures into the process control system.

CE 3.7

I led the project team in conducting a comprehensive assessment of the feeds process lines control systems. Information gained from the assessment was used in evaluating, prioritizing and planning the integration and automation of the control system. During the assessment, the project highlighted various risks and strategies for overcoming them. I made recommendations for obtaining system documentation, software and installer base. I also delivered a report detailing the recommended solutions for increased reliability, risk reduction, and investment protection.

CE 3.8

Regarding the issue of Equipment Engineering, Manufacturing, Delivery and Installation, I commissioned the project team to work on ways of developing a system that could enable the process lines electrical system to integrate seamlessly and expand as the capacity increases. The team provided helpful solutions that went beyond the immediate needs of the project and improved on building of intelligent functions. Based on the teams findings, I identified fundamental flaws in the existing control system. To overcome these flaws, I insisted on the need for the team to retrofit the systems control systems. This resulted in significant energy conservation, reduced costs, and improved operational efficiency.

CE 3.9

The project was completed successfully to the satisfaction of key stakeholders. My project team was very pleased not just for completing the project in a timely manner and within budget, but because everybody had learned a lot from the project. In order to give team members morale, I requested the company to issue certificates of recognition. This request was readily accepted. I am glad that I delivered on key performance indicators and that I learned crucial skills which I will continue to apply in my future endeavors. Inevitably, I build fruitful professional and personal relationships with any stakeholders. I believe that through these relationships, I will be able to gain contracts in related projects.

Summary

CE 3.10

The project was completed in mid-November 2007. The project team that I was leading was applauded for the stellar performance and for being able to deliver everything as originally planned. Through my role in this project, I gained valuable experience in the supervision and execution of a major project. The recognition I gained from this project gave me the motivation to set my eyes on bigger projects.