Conducts research, process analysis, and contributes to projects using tools from more than one of TRCs capabilities (custom modeling and process simulation, data analysis, process control); uses and develops protocols for data collection, model validation, and data visualization; and identifies potential risks associated with technology solution and engages to appropriately mitigate those risks
Responsibilities
Assists supervisor(s) in conducting studies and evaluating new technologies in process modelling & simulation systems to facilitate optimization of refinery performance
Liaises with local and global research institutions (Institutes, Universities) software manufacturers and engineering companies in order to conduct investigations, research and development activities on innovative process modelling & simulation techniques to support optimization of refinery operations in line with TRC strategy
Contributes to develop presentations and organizes seminars for potential technology partners in order to create awareness of TRC requirements and thereby facilitate accurate vendor selection to support the process modelling & simulation functions
Contributes towards the advancement of process modeling techniques related to refining and environmental protection in line with TRC strategy and targets
Assists in applying newly developed techniques to refineries and TRC in liaison with engineers
Assists supervisor(s) in the selection of best fitting, state of the art modelling & simulation technology; apply process design, modelling & simulation, and other tools to facilitate optimum process design and configuration of systems, while coordinating with the operating units for process and to support optimal system design
Provides technical expertise for process modelling to rationalize and optimize refinery units and operations
Witnesses pilot plant performance tests/acceptance tests of new process systems at Licensors facilities or at other recognized laboratories to ensure adherence to defined standards and guidelines
Assists in troubleshooting plant problems related to process and utility interfaces whilst recommending solutions and following up on implementation to facilitate achievement of desired results
Provides guidance in troubleshooting, with simulation study in collaboration with Process engineers, to refineries as required in order to support smooth operations
Comments on, reviews and approves data sheets, technical documents, Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) to support effective project implementation in line with ADNOC standards and requirements
Conducts studies and provides recommendations on process and utility interfaces based on results of simulations in order to support accurate implementation of operating procedures
Develops reaction and reactor models which are not readily available for optimization of reaction conditions and for effective catalyst evaluation
Conducts periodic visits to refineries and assists in the resolution of technical issues that may arise at start up, during normal operation and during shut down in order to ensure uninterrupted operations
Participates in HAZOP activities of process and utility systems to ensure adherence to defined guidelines
Investigates, develops, and applies new computing techniques for process and reactor evaluation
Develops kinetics of candidate catalysts, and feeds in the validated reactor model to assess reactor performance with the candidate catalysts
Takes part, as required, in new pilot plant units acceptance tests conducted in TRC or at vendor facilities or at other recognized laboratories
Participates in vendor pre qualification process for process modelling & Simulation Services vendors together with supervisor(s), to ensure that all product requirements and services are provided cost efficiently in agreement with defined standards and procedures ensuring optimum protection of TRCs interests
Presents techno-economic feasibility reports on new technologies to Project Steering Committee to facilitate adoption of state-of-the-art technologies to support performance optimization of refineries
Provides technical expertise in developing RFPs and RFQs relevant to the process modelling & simulation functions; participates in the preparation of all commercial enquiries and invitation to tender and monitors all contractual operations related to the section to ensure cost effective and quality services are obtained
Provides expertise and guidance in the preparation of scope of work to perform design, detailed engineering, and procurement services by using process simulation software while reviewing the scopes of work developed by third party service providers and process packages of licensors for lump sum turnkey engineering, procurement & EPC contracts in adherence to TRC guidelines
Proactively networks with industry specialists globally and locally in order to ascertain the prevailing process modeling trends and strategies and provides input to realistic research & development strategies and plans
Prepares research reports timely and accurately to meet and department requirements, policies, and standards
Submits and presents technical papers to various conferences and scientific societies to support the optimization of refinery performance
Participates in seminars and exhibitions in chemical engineering, refining, modelling, and simulation fields
Requirements
Bachelors Degree in petroleum or Reservoir Engineering or equivalent
At least 10 years experience in research environment and model development, simulation, and optimization in refining and petrochemical industries with related hands-on experience in industry using a custom modelling software like Aspen Custom Modeler, GPROMS, Fortran or MATLAB
Experience in Aspen Custom Modeler or GPROMS to model industrial reactors would be highly valued
Experience in managing large data sets, database management; sound skills in using simulation packages and custom modeling software
Extensive experience in numerical prediction and experimental validation with regards to reaction engineering problems is expected
A theoretical as well as a practical understanding of mass and heat transfer limitations of reactions, and experience in overcoming these limitations in industrial reactors, is highly desired
Experience in generation and evaluation of lab scale kinetic data, scale-up to pilot plants and commercial facilities, and the application of the knowledge gained to the specification of effective large scale reactor designs is a significant plus
A working knowledge of the methods for the generation and application of data for the safe design and operation of reactive systems is desired
Demonstrated ability to solve relevant technical problems in the field of study with appropriate use of experimental design and statistical analysis
Experience with Statistical analysis tools, Process simulation software and Design of Experiment approach a plus