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University of Portharcourt
Nigeria liquefied natural gas company (NLNG)
Student industrial work experience scheme
(SIWES)
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UNIVERSITY OF PORTHRACOURT
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
A STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME
(SIWES) REPORT
AT
NIGERIA LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS PLANT (NLNG)
BONNY ISLAND, RIVERS STATE
SUBMITTED BY
AMADI SAMUEL
U2007/3025219
TO
THE SIWES CO-ORDINATOR, DEPARTMENT OF
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY
OF PORTHARCOURT
IN PARTIAL FUFILMENT
FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREEOF BACHELOR OF
ENGINEERING. (B.ENG), IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
JANUARY, 2012
DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to the Almighty God, for his grace of favor, mercies and
uncommon strength to successfully complete this program.
My family, Mr. and Mrs. Nze VC Amadi, for being both my moral, financial and
social pillar, for their undying support throughout my life.
To all the NLNG staffs, contractors (OTS and others), without whom there would not
be a report in the first place, for there expertise, professionalism and technical know how
in sustaining a world-class company.
Finally, my fellow SIWES students that I worked with and shared varying work
experiences with.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express immense gratitude and appreciation to all those that have
made my industrial training and on the broader scale my Academic achievements up to
this level.
To my parents once more Mr. and Mrs. Nze VC Amadi, and my family for
understanding the importance of education and striving even with lean resources to
ensure my academic continuity, you always hold a special place in my heart.
To Nigeria liquefied natural gas company,(NLNG),for providing indeed a world-
class environment of both locals and multinationals that work together with a common
goal of succeeding and being among the best. Granting us an unlimited supervised access
to its state of the art facilities and equipment, indeed with this company Nigeria has a
great future.
To Mr. Azunda Woga, of the NLNG OSB Port Harcourt base, for his special
support role he played, in helping me settle seamlessly in the program.
The NLNG SIWES set of 2011; indeed they made the experience both social and
industrial as we had a lot of fun together as trainees and colleagues.
To the department of mechanical engineering and the university of Port Harcourt in
general, for giving me such valuable knowledge that I have now come to understand and
appreciate. To all my lecturers,i pray that the lord blesses such good works you do by
teaching us all students.
Finally to God almighty, for making this programs a huge success. I can’t thank him
enough.
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ABSTRACT
Funded by the industrial training fund(ITF),based on decree 47 of 1972 in which the
ITF was established, the student industrial work experience scheme(SIWES) has one of
its major objectives as exposing students to the norms, code and general standards of the
industry.
Training at the NLNG has no doubt increased my technical knowhow, in the area of
maintenance of some mechanical equipment used in the natural gas processing and
liquefaction sector. Familiarizing me with the basic units needed for the successful
purification and liquefaction of natural gas.
The mechanical workshop, the expertise with which the machinist handled their jobs
could also be observed and lessons learnt from it. The use of simple measuring tools and
precision tools for carrying out day to day tasks and activities.
Assisting experienced technicians in the repairs of different array of pumps, including
the cryogenic pumps, whose submersible design fascinated me. The compressors, gear
boxes, valve testing and repairs, crane checks at breath taking heights, just to mention a
few were the workshop experiences.
Out in the fields, working in the gas trains, were natural gas was processed mainly,
carryout mechanical seals change outs, etc, for massive equipment that can’t be brought
to the workshop.
Also with the utilities, the water treatment, cooling towers, condensate loading and
storage, assisting the in troubleshooting the LNG loading arms, at breathtaking heights,
were the key points of the training which made the whole both interesting and educative,
as I came in contact with some really sophisticated equipments and interacted with the
live plant, running 24/7.
Indeed this was one experience I will not forget in a hurry.
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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Some experts are of the opinion that there is a yearning gap between the learning
acquired by Nigerian graduates of the Nigerian universities and the skills application
required in the workplace. Clearly, academic learning and theoretical knowledge alone
would not usually prepare an educated person for the world of work. Consequently, a
worker must not only bring knowledge, but must also be versatile in the application of
skills required to perform defined jobs and work. This requirement is particularly crucial
for graduates of science, engineering, agriculture and technology disciplines. This need
for practical knowhow gave birth to the SIWES program.
1.1 STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES)
This is a training program wholly organized, funded and directed by the itf for students
undergoing studies in some technical disciplines such as the engineering, sciences,
technology, architecture and a number of related courses in the institutions of higher
learning across the country.
1.2 PURPOSE OF SIWES
As contained in the federal military government decree 47 of 1972 which established the
ITF.the purpose of the SIWES program is to expose students to practical and technical
know how on the job experiences in industries and firms and related allied concerns,
which obviously cannot be acquired within the limited infrastructural capacities of the
Nigerian universities and polytechnics. SIWES therefore prepares the Nigerian students
to fit in readily to employment opportunities in the mainstream of the country’s socio
economic sector. this is so because during g the course of this program, students come
face to face with real life processes ,situations, problems and corresponding solutions
which reflect in back to the theoretical aspects of lectures in the classroom.
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In recognition of the above foregoing, the Nigerian university commission(NUC)and the
board of technical education(NBTE)concurred that the SIWES program is of tremendous
importance to the student and the nation as a whole, thus it should be made compulsory
and as part of the curriculum of relevant departments of students studying is such
fields .consequent to this, it became the duty of the student to ensure that he/she acquired
sufficient practical experience through direct participation as this scheme invariably
forms part of his/her assessment for the award of degrees in their respective fields.
During the period of attachment, attached students are expected to record their day to day
activities at work in a log book, which will be submitted for assessment by lecturers at
the end of their programs. In addition to this, students are required to put up a
comprehensive report of the SIWES program as they individually experienced in their
various places of attachments.
1.3 DURATION OF SIWES
SIWES, scheduled into academic calendar year, differs from institution to institution. In
some universities across the country, this program runs nonstop for six months. Some
universities split this 6 months period into two equal parts of 3 months each. The program
also runs for a period of one year in some polytechnics and colleges.
However, in the faculty of engineering, university of Port Harcourt, SIWES runs for a
period of 3 and 9 months, at the 200 and 400 levels respectively. For the purposes of this
report, it focuses on the 6 months industrial training period of my 400l.
I had this industrial training at the Nigeria liquefied natural gas company, at the plant
complex in bonny island, Rivers State.
1.4 HISTORY OF THE FIRM
Nigeria LNG Limited - The Company NLNG Limited is jointly owned by Nigerian
National Petroleum Corporation - NNPC (49%), Shell (25.6%), Total (15%) and Agip
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(10.4%). Incorporated as a limited liability company on May 17, 1989 to harness
Nigeria’s natural gas resources and produce LNG for export.
The NLNG plant is located on Bonny Island, Rivers State, Nigeria.
NLNG does not explore for gas. Gas is supplied to NLNG via a dedicated pipeline
supplied from different supply points. The LNG plant consists of six liquefaction units
(trains) producing 22 million metric tonnes per annum (mmtpa).
In addition to the process complex, a separate residential area is provided. This area
includes houses, recreational facilities, and community facilities such as a hospital,
school, shopping mall etc.
The LNG is shipped to customers in Europe, America and Asia in LNG ships provided
by Bonny Gas Transport, a subsidiary of NLNG.
1.5 ACTIVITIES
The activities of the NLNG indeed are vast, and at such, an entire chapter will be
dedicated for this purpose, the next chapter will serve to describe the entire processes,
activities and units of the NLNG production cycle.
1.6 VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS AND THEIR FUNCTIONS.
The NLNG is made up of various divisions; divisions are made up of departments. The
production division (PD) is made up of the following departments brief outline of their
function will also be highlighted.
Production operations (PO):
The Operations department is committed to constantly and consistently upholding the
company’s policy of producing LNG in a safe and profitable way within the industry best
practices. The department is generally responsible for the total assets management of the
Production Division of the company.
Production engineering (PE)
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The Engineering Department is a large department with enthusiastic and professional
technical people supporting the NLNG Industrial and Residential Areas. In order to
effectively and efficiently deliver the support, they work closely with colleagues in
Operations and Technology. Furthermore, via a yearly benchmarking with other LNG
sites, they learn what is going on outside the NLNG Company and make sure that they
stay competitive.
Technical department (PT)
Provides expert technical advice and services in order to maximize the overall plants
safety,reliability,efficiceny and capacity utilization in a cost effective manner, in so
doing protect the health of the people and conserve the environment.
Contracts, procurement and materials (CPM): made up of a multiple channel member
In the supply chain business, poised to design, implement, and manage seamless value
added processes to meet the real needs of our end users. Our goal is to demonstrate sound
contracting and procurement competences, using appropriate tools and techniques under
specific circumstances, aimed at achieving customer delight to deliver corporate
objectives.
Human resources and personnel (HRP): are a group of professionals saddled with the
responsibility of providing high quality HR and allied services for the Production
Division of NLNG in Bonny Island.
Finance and planning (FNP): They provide world class financial services to our
customers through continuous process improvements in line with NLNG's core objectives
Community relations (ERC): works with NLNG host communities to foster good
relationship, and also to create and sustain a conducive environment for company
operations.
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Corporate medical services (CMO): provides excellent primary and secondary health
care services to all clients in a caring and professional environment.
Health safety environment quality (HSEQ): health safety and environment quality are
in charge of ensuring that the company produces LNG with minimum damage to the
environment and the best safety practices.
Integrated scheduling and planning (ISP): to optimize the planning and scheduling of
NLNG activities and assets in the feed/production chain, i.e.: BUY GAS->
TRANSPORT GAS-> PRODUCE LNG/NGLs -> STORE AND LOAD SHIP->
SHIP TO CUSTOMER. This is done with multi-disciplinary teams located in one
centre and in close coordination with other NLNG stakeholders. They also measure and
report on the collective performance as a supporting activity.
Corporate security services (CSS)
Since the establishment of CSS department, our core mission, to ensure the security of
and manage threats to company assets - people, property, information and image, has
essentially remained unchanged.
Shipping department terminal(SDT): Department is primarily focused on providing
safe, accessible and operationally available marine terminal in Bonny for loading LNG,
LPG and Condensate tankers in a sustainable and efficient manner as well as managing
NLNG marine assets and activities in Bonny and Port Harcourt.
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1.7 ORGANOGRAM
Fig. 1.1 organogram of the production division
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CHAPTER 2
2.1 LIQUEFACTION OF NATURAL GAS
Liquefied natural gas is composed primarily of methane. As such LNG is made up of
95% methane. This composition of natural gas and LNG is illustrated using in a pie chart
below.
Fig. 2.1: Composition of Natural gas compare to Liquefied Natural gas
Fig. 2.2: Natural Gas Value Chain
Natural gas processing begins at the well head. The composition of the raw natural gas
extracted from producing wells depends on the type, depth, and location of the
underground deposit and the geology of the area. Oil and natural gas are often found
together in the same reservoir. The natural gas produced from oil wells is generally
classified as “associated-dissolved,” meaning that the natural gas is associated with or
dissolved in crude oil. Natural gas production, absent any association with crude oil is
classified as “non-associated gas” (NAG). Fluids are separated in the field and the oil
sent by pipeline to the main centre for export or processing. Separated water will be
drained away to disposal pits. The gas from each field (AG and NAG) is then dehydrated
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and, depending on the H2S content, is put through a sweetening process before
compressed into a main pipeline to the processing (LNG) plant.
While some of the needed processing can be accomplished at or near the wellhead (field
processing), the complete processing of natural gas takes place at a processing plant.
Fig. 2.3: Constituents of LPG, NGL’s and
LNG
LPG - Liquefied Petroleum Gas
NGL - Natural Gas Liquids
LNG - Liquefied Natural Gas
Fig. 2.4: Different sectors in Natural
gas production
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Gas processing is necessary for reasons of Sales gas specifications, pipeline transport,
NGL recovery, LNG and GTL (Gas to Liquid) feedstock specifications. The actual
practice of processing natural gas to pipeline dry gas quality levels is quite complex, but
usually involves four main processes to remove the various impurities:
• Oil and Condensate Removal
• Water Removal
• Separation of Natural Gas Liquids
• Sulfur and Carbon Dioxide Removal
Throughout processing, the gas pressure is controlled at the desired level.On arrival, due
to friction and retrograde condensation of heavy components, the pressure decreases
during the journey and gas condensate and water are formed. In order to sweep these
liquids along to the processing plant, the pipeline will be 'Sphered' or 'Pigged'.
2.2 NLNG PRODUCTION PROCESSES
The Nigeria LNG Plant at Bonny Island, River State, Nigeria processes natural gas from
both onshore and offshore gas fields after initial dehydration treatment of the feed gas for
pipeline delivery into her six production trains, with a total capacity of 2.9 mtpa where it
undergoes treatment to remove impurities. These impurities are CO2, water, Mercury and
heavy hydrocarbons which would freeze out or attack the aluminum used in the
Cryogenic sections of the plant if they were not removed. Liquefaction of the natural gas
(which is mostly methane), is then achieved in two stages by (1) initial cooling against
propane (at four pressure levels) and (2) by further cooling against a mixed refrigerant
stream to minus 161oC.
The volume of natural gas is reduced in the liquefaction process by a factor of 600 which
makes transportation of the gas to the users an economic proposition when compared to
transportation through pipelines. The LNG is transported to customers in insulated
tankers which minimize the vaporization which results from heat ingress.
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Fig 2.5: LNG production Process flow chart
The following description provides a brief overview of the process units, which are
included in the Liquefaction Complex. Utilities, Storage / Loading, and some general
facilities are included.
2.2.1 Trunk line Terminal
This unit receives the natural gas feedstock to the complex from the gas collection areas.
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Fig. 2.6: NLNG Trunk line Terminal Unit (A) b) plant pressure control station
2.2.2 Plant Pressure Control Station (PPCS)
This unit reduces and controls the gas pressure to 55.3 Bara (Train1-3) and 65 bar (train
4-6) so that the LNG trains are fed at a constant pressure independently of any trunk line
pressure fluctuation.
2.2.3 Acid Gas Removal Unit
This unit removes CO2 from the natural gas fed to the liquefaction unit to prevent it
from freezing out at low temperature.
2.2.4 Dehydration Unit
The Dehydration Unit removes water from the feed gas leaving the Acid Removal Unit.
Drying is required to prevent ice formation in the Liquefaction Unit, which would cause
blockage of lines and equipment.
2.2.5 Mercury Removal Unit
The dehydrated natural gas from the dehydration unit passes through the mercury
removal unit which removes trace quantities of mercury present in the feed to the
Liquefaction Unit.
2.2.6 Liquefaction Unit
The Liquefaction Unit produces liquefied natural gas (LNG) at a temperature adequate
for storage under atmospheric pressure. The temperature is -161 degrees Celsius and
atmospheric pressure.
2.2.8 UTILITY OPERATIONS:
For successful operation of the Liquefied Natural Gas Plants a certain number of
ancillary services OR UTILITIES are required. Although these are not directly involved
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in the conversion and treatment of natural gas to LNG, they are important to operation of
the complex. They are listed below according to the Unit. (Refer to the block diagram
above where they fit into the process):
• Well Water System
• Electricity Generation and Distribution
• Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) System
• Cooling Water (CW) System
• Water Treatment (WTP) System
• Fuel Gas (FG) System
• Drinking Water (DW) and Service Water (SW) Systems
• Demineralised Water System
• Instrument and Tool Air System
• Inert Gas System
An overview of some of the utilities directly involved in the conversion and treatment of
Natural Gas to LNG are discussed below.
I. INSTRUMENT AND TOOL AIR SYSTEM
The Instrument and Tool Air System provides dried compressed air for use as instrument
air, flare pilot ignition air, and feed to the Nitrogen production plant.
II. INERT GAS SYSTEM (NITROGEN SYSTEM)
The Inert Gas System supplies nitrogen gas to the Liquefaction Complex following users
as follows:
• To dry out the systems prior to initial start up
• To purge plants on start up and shutdown
• As make up to the LNG trains MCR circuit
• To maintain inert atmospheres in appropriate sections of the LNG trains and process
services
• To purge miscellaneous analytical equipment
• To purge tanker loading arms before and after use and
• To purge the flare header and stacks
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III. FUEL GAS SYSTEM UNIT
Each of the LNG trains is provided with the following process services as dedicated
units:
• Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) System
• Cooling Water (CW) or Air fin Cooling System
• Fuel Gas (FG) system consisting within each LNG train of a HP header to supply the
process gas turbines and a LP header to feed the HTF furnace and the regeneration gas
heater, while the rest of the Unit is located in the Common Facilities Area.
The High Pressure (HP) Fuel Gas System supplies the gas turbine drivers of the
refrigerant compressors and the electrical generators.
IV. HEAT TRANSFER FLUID (HTF) SYSTEM UNIT
HTF is used as the heat transfer medium for the LNG trains and process heaters. The
HTF system is based on the use of Shell Thermia Oil B.
V. LNG Storage and Loading
LNG storage tanks receive product run down from the production trains. Each tank has a
gross volume of 84,200 m3 and is maintained under a very slight positive pressure, at -
161oC to minimize vaporization of the LNG.
There are two distinct modes in the normal operation of the LNG Storage and Loading
Facilities: Holding mode and Loading mode.
In the Holding mode (period between cargo transfers), LNG rundown is circulated
through the loading lines to keep them at cryogenic temperature.
In the Loading mode (when a ship is moored at the jetty), LNG rundown from the
liquefaction plants is routed directly to the LNG storage tanks. Submerged LNG
Loading Pumps located inside the LNG storage tanks, are used to transfer LNG to
moored LNG ships via the loading lines and (normally two liquid loading arms with one
vapor return arm).
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2.3 The production engineering maintenance (PEM) section
This department was where I was attached specifically. Here we undertook general plant
maintenance both preventive, corrective and breakdown maintenance on units and
machines in the plant process area. Also what was done during the industrial training
period, were jobs which were mainly on mechanical maintenance in the gas process
areas, utilities, offsite, etc. industrial safety, permit to work system, work procedure
which is key in this type of sensitive industry, was also part of the experience gained.
Though this might not be associated with much importance, being able to work with/and
in a multinational ethnic diversified environment, working with foreign nationals and
locals, being able to relate well with them was also part of the experience gained.
Industrial safety;
An industrial safety system is a countermeasure crucial in any hazardous plants
such as oil and gas plants and nuclear plants. They are used to protect human, plant, and
environment in case the process goes beyond the control margins. As the name suggests,
these systems are not intended for controlling the process itself but rather protection.
Process control is performed by means of process control systems (PCS) and is
interlocked by the safety systems so that immediate actions are taken should the process
control systems fail.safety at work in nlng was largely emphasized on and strictly
complied with.
Maintenance;
Maintenance can be seen as the continual monitoring, failure prediction modes and
ways to minimize/eliminate them if possible, with the sole aim of improving the service
life of a piece of equipment, at the optimal service conditions and minimum cost.
The main category of maintenance carried out by our team in the NLNG, are listed
below, they range from about a 30minutes session to days of maintenance work.
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Breakdown maintenance
It means that people waits until equipment fails and repair it
Preventive maintenance
It is a daily maintenance (cleaning, inspection, oiling and re-tightening), design to retain
the healthy condition of equipment and prevent failure through the prevention of
deterioration, periodic inspection or equipment condition diagnosis, to measure
deterioration. It is further divided into periodic maintenance and predictive maintenance.
Just like human life is extended by preventive medicine, the equipment service life can be
prolonged by doing preventive maintenance.
Predictive maintenance
This is a method in which the service life of important part is predicted based on
inspection or diagnosis, in order to use the parts to the limit of their service life.
Corrective maintenance
it improves equipment and its components so that preventive maintenance can be carried
out reliably. Equipment with design weakness must be redesigned to improve reliability
or improving maintainability.
Mechanical workshop
A period of two months was spent in the mechanical workshop. A lot of repair activities
and maintenance was carried out in the workshop. Major overhaul of equipments such as
those that can’t be repaired in the field was done in the workshop.
The mechanical workshop activities can be divided into four major sections viz;
Valve testing and certification: here, valves were tested in a test laboratory that has a
test rig. Initially, valves in the plant operate at set pressures corresponding to the capacity
of the vessel they are relieving pressures from. From time to time, valves in the field are
tested routinely to ascertain its level of reliability to avoid failures during service. A
safety valve is said to have failed if it doesn’t relieve pressure at the set value. If a safety
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valve fails, it is overhauled, critical parts like the nozzle and seat, cleaned to remove
debris and dirt. The valve is retested and certified.
Machining sections: the fabrication of small parts that can be used in equipments to
enhance or correct some faults are mainly done here. As part of the company’s safety
policy, trainees are not expected to engage directly in machining, but can watch and
observe as experts handle jobs on machining. The lathe machine, boring, grinding
machines, etc were mainly found in this section.
Dynamic balancing: here, equipments involved in high speed rotation, like the rotor of
the electric motor, impellers, etc are balanced in order to avoid excessive vibrations that
can cause damage to the equipment and its parts. This is done using a computerized test
rig machine, the schenk series, and must be done with the best possible minimal error.
Equipment overhaul and repairs: here, faulty equipment is repaired to design
specifications, mainly by cleaning, use of available spare parts, and machining of some
simple corrective parts. Equipments here can range from pumps of different types, shapes
and sizes, compressors, gear boxes, actuators, loading arms etc. in fact, just about any
mechanical equipment found in the field can be repaired in this section. Repair manuals
are followed stepwise to achieve the clearances and tolerances permissible. In
collaboration with some other departments within the PE, repairs and overhauls are
carried out successfully.
Some equipment like tank cranes, ship mooring systems, etc that cannot be repaired in
house, due to their large sizes will mean sending out a team of workshop personnel to go
out there and get them done.
Some other sections like the tool shop, the mechanical lay down yard for storage of
mechanical parts sensitive to corrosion, are stored in cocoons under nitrogen until when
needed.
2.4 Some photos of the repairs and general photos
Photo gallery
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Fin fan shafts
Gear box repair
Safety valves
Pump repairs
Gate valve
Cryogenic pumps
The plant complex
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air compressor section of the train
Central control room amine pump repair
Residential area mechanical workshop
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Chapter 3
3.1 Problems encountered during the SIWES program
The SIWES program with the Nigeria NLNG, I would honestly say, presented very
minimal challenges for me as the program was quite seamless, but I will use this chapter
to however highlight some of the general problems encountered by the majority of the
SIWES students.
Limited space for attachment:
This has been a major challenge faced by most SIWES student trainees. The requirement
that most students of courses with technical and engineering background undergo the
SIWES program is not only attainable for universities. Polytechnics and colleges also
enroll their students for the program. This implies a large number of students looking for
placements in the very few available positions of attachments. Students find it hard to
secure spaces in most industries as most industries cannot cope with the extra burden
(mainly financial) of having an extra workforce.
Welfare and allowances:
This wasn’t applicable to my place of training as we were taken care of, welfare wise.
However, a lot of willing students and industries find it hard to come to terms with the
acceptable allowance due their trainees. cases of no pay is a frequent problem, as students
have to carter for the expenses they accrue as a result of them undergoing such
training.transportation, feeding becomes a major problem for them. Also as a result of the
space found being entirely in a new geographical location, some students are even forced
to rent new apartments, for a period of just 6 months (as the case for university trainees)
and this is usually no mean feat.
Relevance problem:
I choose to call this a relevance problem because a trainee will only encounter this when
he has settled properly in his place of attachments. as a mechanical engineering student,
25
attached to the maintenance section, which mainly dealt on jobs of mechanical origin, I
will say I didn’t really experience this.however, most of the other trainees in some other
industries can be attached to departments that is of little or no relevance to there course of
study and this posses a big problem, because at this point the student is left with no other
option than to continue the program or quit.
Relocation:
This was a problem, going to an entirely new environment with little knowledge of the
place. Some students have even fallen ill because of this single factor.
3.2 Relevance of the industrial training
The relevance of the SIWES program is something that a student will largely not
understand until he/she has undergone such a program. it is a pivotal stage in the students
learning process. At the NLNG, the manner in which work was done, the exposure to
some state of the art facilities, safety and the environment, working with both local and
international colleagues imbibed in me, some memories that are indelible from my
subconscious. It was engineering at work, as all the normal routine class work activities
and cores learning activities were better appreciated.
The following sections will seek to summarize a tip of the iceberg of the relevance of
the program
Appreciation of theoretical concepts: during the program, when I saw a pump, impeller
or rotor of turbines, I quickly recalled my fluid mechanics in class, when I see any vessel
for storage of any fluid, I quickly recalled the strength of materials(pressure vessels),the
refrigeration cycle used for the liquefaction of natural gas was all based on
thermosdynamics,engineering drawings,etc.i was proud of my lecturers as every question
directed to me found its roots in one or more of the subjects studied in class, the only
difference was seeing them a little bigger.
In essence, the program helped me better appreciate engineering, the course I was made
to take in class, and better correlate them to field facilities. in one sentence, I came to
26
realize that the design of most complex systems are born out of very simple theories like
pressure laws(in the case of the loading arms),heat transfer laws(for exchangers) etc.
Work procedure: planning is key, this an experience gained. Jobs to be executed must
be planned and they must be time framed, reason being that every facility is critical and
must be available for production to go on. The manner in which the operations
department emphasized on standard jobs, with minimal error and good housekeeping was
important and I consider this an experience gained.
Time management:
Time is money as the popular saying goes. Time management is a valuable skill the
average trainee gains during the SIWES duration. A better understanding of why reports
have to be submitted on time, why some other necessary documents have to be processed
quickly, etc.this helped me understand and improve on my time management skills.
Safety and environment:
Safety first. Working in a gas plant and knowing the disastrous effect a possible gas
explosion can be as a result of something wrongly done, help buttress the fact that safety
is important. In every job done, safety was made to be part of us, as trainees and staffs. A
better sense of responsibility to the environment was also developed. The high point of
this was in the way NLNG plant carefully collects waste oil in drains, from all points of
the plant to the waste oil treatment facility, as opposed to just letting them runoff to the
nearby sea, the cooling water was never discharged into the sea to prevent it from
affecting fishes.
All these factors helped me further appreciate safety and the environment.
Human relations:
As a trainee, obviously I expected a little hassle from the staffs and senior colleagues, but
I was impressed by the mutual respect that was shown to me by all staffs, no matter their
position, nationality or age. I was sometimes flattered to be a better engineer than they
are. All these made me understand that as humans we should have mutual respect for one
27
another despite our status. The exposure to such a culture of team spirit and care has no
doubt made me a better individual today.
We were made to work in pairs as these helped foster good team spirit and cooperation
with each other.
This will not serve in entirety to share all I consider as relevance to the program, as
the list is almost inexhaustible, but just to highlight a few highpoints of the SIWES
program. No doubt the program is relevant to the entire student life as he/she is been
transformed to a better person after the program, better than the way he/she started.
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Chapter 4
4.1 General appraisal of the industrial training program.
This section will be entirely from my point of view as most SIWES students might
disagree due to their condition of service during their training. NLNG as a professional
and world-class company, with seasoned professionals afforded me what is arguably the
best industrial training I have attained so far in my academic pursuit.
However, the entire training would have made no sense if I hadn’t been taught the
basic core engineering courses. The classroom work indeed is a stepping stone in
achieving greater heights in academics. At every point in time even most staffs
reminisced their own individual experiences as trainees in times past, this made me
understand, that indeed I am on the right path.
The program provided me such rare opportunity to experience engineering at work. The
program, to me achieved its objectives as I can say I have gained useful industrial
experience. As a graduate, just theoretical knowledge would mean your employer will
have to entirely retrain you on some engineering fundamentals, but with the SIWES
program, some basics in the engineering practice has been entirely clarified. I hope to
someday graduate a better person with all these experience gained, e.g. design, failure
modes, decision making, time management, etc in a typical industrial setting, some of
which cannot be gotten from normal classroom studies.
Also the program affords students the opportunity to gain first hand employee
employer relationship, such things no matter how deeply taught in classroom cant be
understood except experienced. a sense of responsibility to execute assigned task, added
self confidence, psychological boosted which students might have felt as a result of
feeling inferior, but when they perform alongside other trainees, from both local and
international colleagues,etc makes the student better mentally.
In conclusion, the SIWES training process to me should be highly recommended in
the university system, although most times the program might not be perfect and smooth
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for the trainee, but the intents and objectives of the program are entirely brilliant, most
students now have an edge over others that may not have undergone such training. Also
employment opportunities, from place of attachment in the future are also plausible.
Therefore the program was indeed enlightening, interesting educative and informative,
and should be encouraged in the system.
4.2 ways of improving the program
Nothing is perfect, and every system that is functional can be improved for better
performance. At such the SIWES program can be improved to such high levels of
efficiency to make it better. The federal government, the school systems, coporate bodies
and the students all have roles to play to improve the SIWES program.
The government:
Should make laws that will encourage firms to accept more trainees, either by supporting
them, financially or by reducing the tax payable by such firms that accept trainees. Also
the welfare of student trainee should be looked into on a more national platform.
Generalized laws can be passed to enable the industries operating in the nation
acknowledge the SIWES program, this no doubt will mean more students training ,which
translates to better graduates for nation building.
The university:
Should assist students in securing spaces for attachment, as this has been a major problem
for the students. They can hold meetings through the state ministry of education with
industries in the state to accept a minimum number of trainees at all times in their
workforce. This is indeed a good practice as students will find it a little less stressful
securing spaces of attachment.
The students:
a lot of firms have shut the door to further SIWES students intake due to ill conduct of
the previous sets that have undergone such programs with them, this is indeed sad. Some
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firms however have high regards for SIWES students and at such are open to further
intakes due to the previous sets good conduct as was the case in NLNG where one of my
SIWES colleague solved a burning issue of amine loss, which has been a 13year old
problem for the trains. It becomes obvious that students themselves can help improve the
program by being of good conduct as this would mean better years ahead for the
subsequent sets of trainees.
The employers:
The success of the average SIWES program depends largely on the employers of labor,
the industries and corporate bodies, as they have to show willingness on their parts to
work with the students. Also by giving orientation to their workforce to assist the student
in explanations as required by the student becomes an important factor in improving the
program in general. Also supervised access to the company facilities and accessing the
trainee should be encouraged. Improved welfare for attached trainees is also good for the
program as this will encourage students to commit to the program.
The industrial training fund (itf):
In collaboration with the appropriate ministries and government parastatals, they can
better improve the manner in which the program is being run. Better allowances for the
students, working closely with the industries, organizing seminars etc, can go along way
to improve the program. Also orientation on expected conduct by trainees can also help
the program in general.
4.3 Advice to future participants
The intents and objectives of the SIWES program has been largely misunderstood by
some students, I once saw it as just another course and avenue to make good grades, but
with time I got to understand that it was beyond that. The program is entirely for the good
of the student, depending on how determined and eager the student wishes to be towards
learning. Thus the SIWES program should not be seen as an avenue or laxity, but a
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means of acquiring what to most students will be their first major industrial experience
before seeking their first job after graduation. It is imperative that subsequent trainees be
essentially of good conduct, have respect for both personnel and company policies.
Students should not engage on activities that will speak poorly of their background both
moral and academicals. students should even go as far as reviewing all they have learnt in
the number of years spent in the university system, as this will help them better
appreciate some engineering principles and other science theories as it applies to their
place of attachment.
The student is also advised to strictly pay attention to company policies especially
those that border on safety and the environment. The use of appropriate personal
protective equipments can go a long way to prevent unnecessary accidents and injury.
Where in doubt, we should ask questions. students should bear in mind that they are there
to learn, as most tasks executed by professionals might seem easy and simple and might
be tempting to the student to go ahead and operate such machineries or carryout such task
without being certified or properly trained. This is of great concern, because it can lead to
damage of company property and injury or even death to personnel. Always think safety
and whenever in doubt ask questions.
Theft is something that should be completely avoided as this can bring to distrust of
both the student and even their institution. Never take anything that doesn’t belong to you
and if anything is found, should be returned to appropriate authorities, no matter how
valuable it might seem. This helps build goodwill.
Always have respect for co workers no matter how uneducated they might seem, it is
an act most students carryout without knowing. be someone people can work with, be
willing to carryout tasks that are within your ability, otherwise, proper explanation should
be given to your supervisor as to why you cant carryout the task. Even when criticism is
necessary, you must avoid it were possible and make your points and opinion known in a
civilized manner.
Finally, during your stay, you must place priorities right, understand that you are there
to learn and not teach them; never fight anyone as this speaks badly of you. When it is
time to round up the program, leave peacefully; don’t be forced out as this can be
embarrassing.
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Finally as upcoming graduates, utilize this opportunity as SIWES trainees, be diligent,
committed hardworking smart devoted and focused during the training period.
4.4advice to SIWES managers
SIWES managers should endeavor to create an enabling environment for the program to
thrive. Better relationships should be fostered between the SIWES authorities and
appropriate government and industry parastatals. Seminars should be held from time to
time to create awareness on the importance of the program, so as to encourage active
participation of stakeholders. The issue of entitlements to beneficiaries should be duly
paid to avoid ill feelings amongst concerned parties. A comprehensive plan for the
program can be structured such that students undergoing the program will be given better
orientation on the possible challenges of the program.
4.5conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear to see that the program, its intent and objectives are born out
of brilliant ideas and at such should be highly recommended. Students should avail
their selves of this great opportunity as they can use the experience gained to secure
their first jobs. Everything that has been learnt ranging from industry experience and
social relationship in the workplace should become part and parcels of us, and
should not be forgotten in a hurry.
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References
The NLNG intranet system
Wikipedia
List of figures
Fig. 1.1 Organogram of the production engineering division
Fig.1.2 Organogram of the production engineering.
Fig 2.1 composition of natural gas components
Fig 2.2 natural gas value chain
Fig 2.trunkline terminal
Fig 3.1 roller bearing
Fig 3.2 cryogenic bearing
Fig 3.3 screw pump
Fig 3.4 piston/plunger pump
Fig 3.5 centrifugal pumps
Fig 3.6 root type pump
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