Idhaya – Engineering & Technology Blog, Industrial & Mechanical Engineering Information

Without engineers, everything in the world would not operate as smoothly as it does. Engineers are responsible for creating clever solutions to man different problems, simply by applying an arsenal of precise knowledge coupled with mathematics and scientific methods. In fact the word “engineer” has Latin roots meaning “cleverness.” Since we live in a technologically advanced world that changes more and more every day, engineers will never be out of a job because they are the ones helping the world advance further and further from where it was previously. Without the aid of engineers, we would not have all the absolutely amazing machines that we do today.

The term “engineer”  is a pretty broad topic; meaning that there are many different types of engineers. There is not just one type of engineer, although engineers all pretty much have the same job which is to come up with practical ways to solve different problems. However, most engineers work with one specific category meaning that some engineers may be genetic engineers while others may be aerospace engineers or chemical engineers. The list of different types of engineers goes on and on, with different types including industrial, topographic, civil, environmental, systems, materials, electrical, mechanical, structural and more.

Usually, a specific type of engineer will obtain schooling for the one specific type of engineering that they will be doing; for example, an electrical engineer will go to school strictly to learn the tricks and trades of electrical engineering. There are so many different types of engineers merely because it would be almost impossible to obtain all the engineering knowledge needed to work all the different types of engineering. Mechanical engineers strictly work with mechanical engineering, electrical engineers work with electrical engineering and so on and so forth; this is the most practical way to go about engineering.

Engineering is an extremely professional job that requires accuracy and precision; naturally, this means quite a bit of schooling. Engineers have to put up with grueling years of hard work, studying and tests before they can graduate with the title of engineer. The hopeful people pursuing the title of engineer, typically already know the type of engineering they want to get involved with before they even reach college; but if they do not know, they will have to decide on a type eventually. There are even types of engineering that do not require a degree from a college or university, rather they are trade certifications.

Engineers will always be in high demand because as long as the world is changing, engineers will need to be present to help it change practically, efficiently and economically. While it does take quite a bit of schooling to obtain the title of engineer, the rewards may be worth it afterwards because you will have a rewarding job that is always in demand, and will most likely yield a pretty great paycheck. If you think that becoming an engineer is something you would like to do, then more research can be done online to find out more about the different types of engineering, the best engineering programs and so on and so forth.

In Pharmaceutical engineering, Pharmaceutical engineers have huge job opportunities where they can show their proficiency. Various drug designing centers, pharmaceutical industries, biomedical industries, R&D labs and other sectors are inviting young and dynamic talents to join them and become a pat of their organization. They can practically implement the subjects they have studied under their course.

Pharmaceutical engineering is a branch of chemical engineering that has a wide range of applications in numerous sectors. It has contributed a lot to medical science by developing medicines for many fatal diseases. These medicines have the potential to fight the deadliest and life-taking diseases. It is a combination of biology, chemistry, physics and biochemistry. It uses the concepts of all these branches to develop effective medicines.

Because of newly emergence of Pharmaceutical Engineering and large requirements of working personnel in biomedical industry and other sectors, graduates are taken into contemplation. Pharmaceutical engineers must be updated with latest ideas and techniques as they have to develop remedies for those diseases whose solutions are not present till now.

They have to discover future medicines also. Their skills and knowledge in numerous subjects can provide them job opportunities in various sectors like nanotechnology, cosmetic, biomedical, nutrition and other work fields. All these are some of the emerging technologies that determine the scope of pharmaceutical engineering. Professionals are highly demanded in numerous fields where they can prove their worth. Hence we can say this branch of science has created wonders in various sectors. The future of this stream is very bright and its success is never ending.

Consulting engineer insurance is an exclusive insurance policy in the field of software engineering in order to protect the interests of consulting engineers. Consulting engineers are a kind of consulting software engineer who takes care of the customer’s interests in a team actually building a software system, application or software product.

The role of consulting engineers is pivotal in the long-established field of civil engineering, which term denotes a person who represents the client’s interests with the architects, builders and other suppliers engaged on a construction project.

These expert people generally monitor or overview the working patterns of the construction team. They also ensure the software under development most closely meets the needs of the customer. Consulting software engineers generally get paid by the customer, thus encouraging them to represent the customers’ interests.

Consulting engineers serve people on the basis of their needs and requirements. You can hire them for privately and publicly as you please them to be. Decide about the brief consultations or go for complete design and coordination of a project and bring efficiency into the work. They are often the technical liaison between architects, process specialists, contractors, suppliers and the client.

These people’s specialty include a broad spectrum of software engineering technologies and skills such as design and redesigns in software process; proper analysis; measurement; project and programme management; coding; testing; configuration management; etc.

You may seek general consultation, seek special reports, create reviews of design, estimation of costs, studies of prevailing rates, project monitoring and oversight, patent assistance and preparation of business impact statements.

Need for Consulting Engineer’s Insurance

Insurance coverage is the best thing for your daily operation of the service. As a responsible consulting engineer, in case if you have to face any unpleasant situation, financial assurance from insurance companies will help you to recover your pains. Find out the most economical insurance provider and get the bets deal very soon.

Mechanical engineering is that domain of engineering science which is basic to all and is gradually becoming popular amongst the students. It involves the basic principles of physics, laws of sciences to develop, design, and maintain the mechanical systems. This branch of engineering is sub divided into many other parts based upon kinematics and dynamics of physical objects.

Nature of Work

The main job of a mechanical engineer is in the design, and fabrication of mechanical systems. The various fields I which mechanical engineers work are automated manufacturing, computers, nuclear power, transportation and environmental control etc. it is one of the oldest trails of engineering and calls for perfection and precision. These work with their single indeed concentration and creative streak to develop high end devices to make our life more and more comfortable.

Courses and Programs

There are many universities which offer regular 4 year degree program as well as online degree programs for the students to take on. The diploma courses in mechanical engineering are a short term program which will help you to understand and learn the work of a mechanical engineer in two year duration only. This is more beneficial for those students who want to get into job field at earliest. An online program helps to adjust the study into your schedule without disturbing it.

Scope of Mechanical Engineers

The work of mechanical engineers is far ahead of anyone’s imagination. In the present world, almost each and every thing is controlled by some sort of machines and of course someone expert is needed to take care of them and maintain their performance rate. Mechanical engineers get employment in all possible domains be it energy conservation sector or environment protection drive. They work in the computers as well as electronic departments where any machine going wrong means a biog disaster. Miami University-Hamilton takes on specially designed course for the mechanical engineering.

Mechanical engineers have a flourishing job market to explore. They can get very good jobs with handsome salary if they are well skilled and have a penchant for newer technologies. Miami University-Hamilton takes on limited number of students for its every year course.

Aeronautical Engineering is focused only on Aircrafts that do not leave the Earth’s atmosphere whereas Astronautical Engineering is focused on Aircrafts that are able to leave the Earth’s atmosphere.   Initially this industry was focused on Aeroplanes and flight technology but it has expanded to also run the operation of outer space aircrafts.  Some of the issues that Aerospace Engineers have to deal with include temperature change and control, atmospheric pressure and flight planning.  They deal with these issues by using technologies such as aerodynamics, avionics, propulsion and material science.

Wernher von Braun

Wernher von Braun made a significant impact in the development and advancement of rocket technology in America and Germany.  However, some found his work very controversial because he did some work on a Nazi rocket programme and there was even a song written about him!  Wernher had an interest in space and astronomy from a very early age and his mother supported his interest by buying him a telescope.

Wernher went to the Berlin Institute of Technology where he became a prominent member of the Spaceflight Society.  A few years later he earned a doctorate in physics and received a research grant to work on a rocket test site.

Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineers work to combine both Chemistry and Engineering in an intelligent way in order to closely study the production of chemicals.

Henry Bessemer

Bessemer was an English Engineer born in 1813.  He is best known for his division of the Bessemer process which was used in the manufacture of steel.  This was a very well known process that was implemented worldwide and was very important to the industry at the time.  It resulted in steel dropping significantly in price and being used for a huge variety of things for the first time.  Bessemer invented another very important process, the decarbonisation of cast iron.  He also invented a great deal of other things and coming up with revolutionary ideas was his passion.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering is centred around the study of electricity.  However, what many people don’t realise is that it covers a variety of subjects and industries such as electromagnetism, control systems, telecommunications and power.

Thomas Edison

Thomas Edison was an American businessman who also spent a great deal of his time attempting to come up with new inventions.  Consequently he invented a wide range of useful ideas and devices.  He was most famous for using the principles of mass production to enhance the process of invention.  Thomas Edison came up with so many ideas that he ended up obtaining 1,093 patents for his vast array of inventions.

I received an email from a fresh engineer 7 days ago. After reading his email, I thought of answering his question inside my blog (off course for the benefit of other young engineers and those who’ll be graduating soon).

The email message was something like the this:
“I’m Fahmi. I know you from your chem-eng blog. I want to ask for your advice. I just started working as a production engineer in an oleochemical plant in Klang. As a fresh graduate, I am a bit lost on what should I learn as an engineer. If possible, I want to know how you learn when you are a process engineer.”

Well, the email stops there and after reading his email, I thought of responding immediately. However, due to certain constraint, I delayed responding to his email. Now, I’m going to share some of my experiences when I started working as a process engineer. Some of them might be OK for you to follow, while some others might not. Judge and justify them yourself.

1. Get to know everybody as soon as possible. When I first be a process engineer, I make sure I know all engineers, executives, supervisors, technicians, fitters, plant operators and event store clerk as soon as possible. Why? Simply because I’ll be dealing with them all the time throughout my daily job At least you know their name and create a common interest with them. This will ease and create good relationship with them. However, do not be too close with your down line manpower. There’s a reason for this which I’ll cover some other day (please remind me if I forgot).

2. Get to know the process of your plant. This is very important because you are a process engineer and you need to know the detail of the processes in your plant. First of all, you need to get the PID diagram of your plant. Identify and learn the lines, pumps, valves, heat exchangers, tanks and other important units in the PID diagram. Then, go to the plant and trace the lines and compare it with the PID diagram. If it is difficult for you to trace the lines (pipelines), ask a supervisor or plant operator to help and guide you. This is also the reason why I provide tips #1. The job will be easier if you know the right people to help you. As for me, I was assiged to traced each and every valve in my plants. In order to do that, I need not only to trace the lines but also identify all types of valves in the plant. There are basically hundreds of valves installed in the plant. It was tough but after the exercise, I was able to trace the lines, process and know all type of valves.

3. Learn everything as fast as possible. This is very important and is too much to elaborate. You need to be able to pick up everything you learn from your manager, other engineers and executives. Don’t be shy to ask from your supervisors, plant operators, technicians and fitters. They have the skill and knowledge that you don’t have when you first enter the plant. Learn from all of them. Integrate what they know with what you’ve learn during your degree. Create and maintain a log book to record everything that is important. Avoid remembering because you might forget. Another way of learning is by asking to the suppliers or vendors. They are the expert of the product or service that they are selling. Hence, don’t be shy to asked from them. They’ll provide technical information that is important for you. I’ve done this a lot of time and I appreciate their explanation and teachings. Some times, suppliers / vendors will offer in house training for you and your colleagues. At the end of the day, if you are able to perform your duty as a process engineer smoothly, effectively and efficiently, you’ll get good reward from your boss…

Being a process engineer, you need to be able to prepare and produce reports to be presented to your superiors. Understanding the report and preparing them is crucial. Normally, you have various types of reports to prepare such as daily report, monthly report, costing report, meeting minutes reports and others. So, make sure you prepare good report.

4. Understand the politics in your workplace. This is very important. You need to know how things are going on in your plant/factory. This is very subjective and not thought in any chemical engineering text book. You need to get the information and knowledge from various people in your organization. That’s why point #1 (above) is vital. Some companies have a culture which will blame somebody else for any errors occuring and this is not healthy. Some other cultures are professional and will accept responsibility of any problem.

5. Communicate properly. This is very important as a process engineer because you’ll receive instruction and also provide instruction to your supervisors and plant operators. You need to possess good communication skills to ensure all mesagges and directions are conveyed correctly. Delegate your jobs to your downline with clear cut informations. What we practice in our plant is to have an instruction recording book. Every shifts should refer and sign the book to acknowledged that they read the instruction. This is different from the quality and recording books. If they have problem comprehending the instruction, they should call us for further clarification. Failure to receive and provide correct instruction will lead to massive errors which will make your life misserable in later stage. So, please, ensure you communicate properly.

Conclusion

Those are just 5 tips for me to share for the time being. I never asked anybody for the tips. I figured them myself and I compile it (in this post) for the benefit of new process engineers. I’m glad that I managed to know everybody and learn lots of thing quickly. Being a successful engineer is critical for your career development. In later stage, you’ll get promoted as a senior engineer before becoming a manager. If you are lucky, somebody (head/job hunter) will search you because they know you are an engineer with such a great caliber and offer you better remuneration.

If you want to experience the magic of Google mobile operating system Android charm, but is reluctant to spend a few thousand dollars of money to buy expensive Android phones, and that the PC port version of Android may be a good choice.

You may recall that it was just released before the media, the success of the Internet in ASUS Android installed on this system for news, but for ordinary users, it was just an experimental product. To really installed, there are enormous difficulties and work.

However, the efforts of a number of Chinese software engineers, China’s users have been able to enjoy this truly the Internet can be installed on the use of Android, and this is the Sun Yi, Huang Zhiwei, and Corentin Chary and several other developers who are participating in an active The Android-x86 open source project. In addition, there are other developers, such as Kelly2.Blue, Wu Hai Gang, Swand ke and Wallace1 wang, they are from mainland China and Taiwan, the Chinese software engineers.

Sun Yi sent in the latest version of update statement, made it clear that: they have solved many technical problems, including the Chinese Pinyin input method of the bug amendment, Bluetooth support, wireless LAN support, SSL revisions of the bug, or even already be installed directly into the Internet in this, from the hard disk. With these problems, China’s PC users to use Android for work and study to become truly viable. The system is now available to download http://code.google.com/p/android-x86/downloads/list. 10 seconds or so start-up time and practical Internet access for many users, a trial should be a good reason.

According to reports, this project was originally a large number of Google’s engineers work is carried out by Dima Zavin and then there are a lot of people have contributed some code, such as VMware and VirtualBox’s support was provided by a man named Chen Yang (also a program in Beijing, China Clerk) completed. Sun Yi said, “on the basis of their work we have done a lot of improvement and modification before they can release now.”

Sun Yi believes that the significance of this project is that, first, it could serve as a starting point to go for the PC’s desktop environment to provide a complete solution for Android, and now the Android-x86 very suitable for UMPC or MID, but for a traditional desktop applications, Android have a lot of work to do. Second, it can provide developers with a fast low-cost development environment, I know, many people are using Andorid-x86 as their development tool. Thirdly, many people learn to use Android-x86 most Android tools.

It is understood that the open-source start of the project is fully internationalized. Sun Yi, said: “foreign to our attention, the project is still pretty good. From Google Analytics to see the foreign clients mainly from the United States, Italy, France and Britain. Generally speaking, our website visitors come from more than 120 different countries. our project web site traffic has continued to increase. ”

Of course, for this open source project and they put a lot of time. Sun Yi said: “I basically every night of time spent on this project.” Android engineers sometimes get some help.

In addition, when asked how they see the Chrome OS, the Sun Yi said, “I have not seen ChromeOS, does not it say so. According to Google’s blog, open source ChromeOS will be announced later this month, to the time when we may there will be some comparison. “

For UK chemical engineers, the worldwide market is predominantly focused on the oil and gas and petrochemical industries with comparative consistent demand for engineers with both on and offshore experience to work in areas such as the Middle East, Africa, Caspian Regions and Western Europe.

Other active industries for Expat engineers are in the pharmaceutical and life science sectors – but indications suggest that demand is from isolated areas such as Singapore, Scandinavia and the Benelux regions.

Overseas work for UK engineers is available on both a contract and permanent basis – and it is the nature of this work that is all covered within this rough guide.

How do I know I have the necessary skills?

From a professional perspective industry knowledge and experience – specifically in the Oil and Gas sector, is the most important skill requirement. Traditionally, UK engineers have been very highly respected for their qualifications and trusted by clients to complete a job efficiently and effectively.

Generally, previous overseas work is desirable (inducing a Catch 22 situation) but with solid, relevant UK experience a UK engineer will still be in demand for employment overseas.

Qualifications and industry experience are necessary traits for an Expat engineer, but language skills are not essential. Professional capability is only half of the picture, as it takes a particular type of person to fit into the lifestyle of work overseas. It is great to have a sense of adventure, but working abroad requires much more than this. You should think long and hard about whether this is the right move for you or not.

Benefits of working overseas

Apart from the raised profile of going to work overseas, there are some other very real benefits. For most engineers, the most significant is the opportunity to get involved in the operational side of things and get out of the design office. A good deal of overseas contract work, particularly in the oil and gas sector, requires site visits and a hands-on management approach that is often not possible working in the UK.

There is also the potential for significantly higher pay rates to be negotiated. Expatriate engineers can command a pay rate premium, which can also be further escalated if the project location is classed as a hardship area, such as Nigeria and Iraq, where there may be personal risk involved.

A final key benefit is that of the experience of the assignment itself. The ability to come into contact with different cultures and nationalities and broaden ones knowledge is a key determinant in attracting contractors to work overseas.

Pitfalls to look out for when considering overseas work

Generally, there is a misconception that all work overseas includes tax-free pay. In fact, there are only a handful of countries where pay is completely tax-free and very often there is a liability to local taxation. The majority of countries will enforce some kind of taxation structure, but this varies from country to country, and in the case of the USA from state to state.

As regards UK tax liability, the basic ruling is that UK Expatriates can only spend 90 days in the UK in any one tax year to preserve their status as “non-resident” for tax purposes.

There are other general considerations to working abroad that should be thought about as well – including: work place climate, hardship locations, and how being away from home will impact on family life. Adequate research through speaking to colleagues, consulting with a recruitment agency, and investigating yourself using online resources will all help to build a picture of whether an assignment or location is suitable for you.

Services an agency can offer

Securing work overseas is a more complicated process to finding a suitable contract in the UK. There are a number of reputable recruitment agencies in the UK that have active overseas recruitment teams and solid experience of providing international recruitment solutions to worldwide clients.

When you work through a recruitment agency on an overseas placement, additional services, such as insurances, healthcare and in-country orientation can be expected on top of the standard placement service.

Overseas employment can be an excellent experience for the well-prepared engineer. Having both a certain sense of adventure and conducting adequate research are prerequisites for experiencing an enjoyable and rewarding placement; and contacting a reputable agency to locate suitable opportunities is a good first step in achieving this.