Process Engineering Trainee
Frito Lay North America
Total years of experience :2 years, 2 Months
• Investigated the process layout and the operating conditions of the major production lines at the Frito Lay plant, and documented the findings by creating a Process Flow Diagram (PFD)
• Created a Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID) to describe the existing control structure of the main furnace and fryer used at the plant, as well as that of the heat recovery system
• Employed plant data to study the mass and energy balances of the major equipment, and to create computer models and simulations which emulate the operation of the plant
• Utilized ProSensus Multivariate Software to statistically analyze data from the plant and to identify the potential sources of any losses of efficiency along the production line
• Applied chemical engineering and process control knowledge to propose several solutions to the major issues found along the production line, including:
An improved control structure on the main furnace and fryer which utilized feedforward control methodology
Replacement of oil level control valves with proportional valves to allow for higher stability during operation
A revised control scheme for the exhaust oxygen trim controller, which included installing a dead-band on the controller
Installation of insulation on major equipment, especially the heat recovery system, in order to reduce the heat loss along the production line
• Performed economical analysis in order to evaluate the proposed projects and to determine their feasibility
• Further improved knowledge about HYSYS and HX-NET through guiding students in their computer simulation assignments and projects
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills through working with the professor, other teaching assistants, as well as the students
• Provided help to the professor by taking part in the project grading process and the subsequent grading discussion with the students
• Assisted in the teaching process by providing help to students during the computer laboratory classes and at other times throughout the work period
• Developed time management skills by keeping up with the numerous job responsibilities
• Held a leading position by interviewing students for their term project
- Developed computer software skills by troubleshooting several computers on campus
- Offered assistance to students during regular computer laboratory hours by arranging printing jobs, fixing computers, and providing information when needed
- Aided professors and teaching assistants in setting up projectors and SMART Boards during class hours
Graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.59, and acquired proficiency in several topics by studying the following subjects: • Process Design and Control for Operability: Designed and documented a control strategy on a distillation column of an Iso-Octane production plant, by creating User Requirement Specification (URS) and Functional Requirement Specification (FRS) documents • Process Design and Integration for Minimal Environmental Impact: Implemented an improved heat recovery scheme on an existing heat exchanger network by performing a pinch analysis on the system • Process Modeling and Optimization: Carried out a detailed study on a heat exchanger network and a distillation column to predict their output conditions by utilizing the methods of data reconciliation and hybrid modeling • Sustainable Energy: Explored the field of sustainable energy by performing a thorough study on the technology implemented in electrical vehicles • Project Management: Utilized Microsoft Project to plan and manage the establishment of a production plant • Leadership and Management Development: Interviewed a manager and performed an analysis to identify the personal and interpersonal traits that are required in leadership and management positions • Reliability and Risk Management: Expanded decision-making skills by developing a logical framework for risk assessment
• Graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.23, received Dean’s Honours List recognition for the school year 2005 - 2006 and awarded life-time membership in the Golden Key International Honour Society • Thesis project: Developed advanced knowledge of Process Systems Design and Process Control through designing a mobile Biodiesel Plant that produces the fuel using Canola Seeds • Established strong understanding of optimization by modifying the control parameters of a system of heated tanks on which several control methods were applied such as feedback, feedforward and cascade control loops