whynotchemeng : Graduate

I'm writing this blog around a week later than anticipated what with the frantic run to get work completed before year end. For the past while I have been busy with the detailed design stage of the subsea tie-back that I mentioned briefly at the end of my last entry. Largely this has involved simulation to determine the configuration of new topsides equipment and process conditions to size valves (FCVs, ESVs, etc.), design of HP-LP interface systems (studies of material specs, relief protection, start-up procedures), among a number of other tasks.

This has been a great learning experience for me and, to date, has been the closest work I have been involved in that mirrors the design projects completed as part of a chemical engineering degree. Obviously the level of detail that is acquired in this type of design work is an order of magnitude greater than that worked to an university, nonetheless one should not underestimate the value of the work completed in the university projects. For me personally the fundamental design skills I gained at university, albethey comparitively rudimentary, have provided me with a substantial foundation on which to rely on.

Other than the work side of the job the past 2 weeks have seen the start of Christmas celebrations in the office with 3 different lunches and/or evenings out. As I have now finished for the festive period (to take 3 lovely weeks off!) I can say that I might get a chance to fully recuperate before my feet hit the ground running again in the new year. Seasons greetings.......