So Much Has Happened
June 10, 2014 10:23 am Leave your thoughts
Hello everyone, this is only my second blog post, but it seems like so much has happened since my last entry. The last two weeks I have been learning how to use a program named MOPS as well as experimenting with pivot tables in Microsoft Excel. After spending only a couple of hours with both tools, I was struck by how significantly computational power has affected the capability of engineers to efficiently monitor and control chemical processes. For example, the MOPS program collects staggering amounts of data on all aspects of the pulping process, including but far from limited to: liquid tank levels, temperature, pressures, flow rate, steam generation and electricity production. The user is able to manipulate this data and plot trends over the previous hours, days, months, and even years, enabling the operators to investigate trouble areas before they become business-halting problems. I am looking forward to familiarizing myself further with the MOPS program pending the upcoming mill shutdown.
DMI halts production of pulp every year for approximately 2 weeks in order to clean and inspect the various tanks and other equipment that have the potential for wear. Since no pulp is being made, process engineers in training, like me, end up helping with safety related jobs that are crucial to reducing the risk of a hazardous work environment. I completed my training in the following areas: gas testing, man watch, and fire watch, which certifies me to allow other contractors and other employees to enter confined spaces where safety risks exist. My favorite part of this job is being able to look inside vessels and explore the mill in ways that wouldn’t be possible at any other time of the year. I will be sure to keep everyone updated as I continue my learning experience here at DMI.