By Izabela Gajewska AMEI MICorr, ICorr NW Branch Vice Chair and YICorr Committee Member
Unveiling the YEP 2024 Case Study
The long-awaited reveal of the Young Engineer Programme (YEP) 2024-2025 case study took place on 30th May, during the fifth session of the programme at the Wood Thilsted office in London. The meeting’s content remained as topical as ever, with Dr. Roger Francis, Director at RF Materials, presenting an intriguing and challenging case study to the six participating groups. This presentation provided plenty of food for thought ahead of their final presentations in November 2024.
Dr. Francis, the esteemed recipient of the 2023 Paul McIntyre Award from the Institute of Corrosion (ICorr) for his long-term work in standards and education, has been a corrosion engineer for over 45 years. His extensive experience spans marine corrosion, desalination, sour oil and gas corrosion, mineral processing, and the chemical and process industries.
A Glimpse into the 2024 Case Study
The 2024 YEP case study is based around a series of failures at a power station in Australia, which experienced multiple stainless-steel dump condenser head failures. The young engineers, whose specialties include mechanical, structural, corrosion and materials engineering, welding, and more, were put to the test as they delved into these failures. The fossil-fuelled power station in question operated on a two-shifting schedule, necessitating shutdowns every 16 hours. This standard practice involved quenching high-pressure superheated steam with high-purity water in a series of dump condensers, so the water could be reused as boiler feed water upon restart.
Rising to the Challenge
The YEP 2024-2025 committee members and organisers, Izabela Gajewska and Danny Burkle, were genuinely impressed with the participants and their early approach when divided into their teams. “It is clear that we are going to have an exciting and competitive year, with some great insights and presentations later in November!” said Danny. The initial discussions showcased the engineers’ analytical skills and collaborative spirit, promising a series of insightful findings and innovative solutions.
Enhancing Presentation Skills
In the second part of the meeting, Danny provided valuable tips to improve presentation skills and create effective presentations. This guidance is set to be instrumental as the young engineers prepare to present their findings at the YEP finale in November.
YEP 2024-2025 Lecture 6: Coatings and Linings
The sixth session of the Young Engineer Programme (YEP) 2024-2025, held online via Zoom on 27th May, featured a highly engaging and insightful lecture on coatings and linings by David Mobbs, Technical Director at Corrosion Integrity Management Ltd.
David, an esteemed practitioner in the field of Corrosion and Protective Coatings, brings nearly 45 years of industry experience, having worked on corrosion and coating failures worldwide. His vast experience has given him a unique perspective on the best and worst practices within the Corrosion Control industry.
One of David’s key observations is the shift in workforce dynamics: there are fewer dedicated Corrosion Specialists in engineering roles, an increase in multi-skilled operatives on-site, and a reduction in technical supervision staff among paint manufacturers. David firmly believes that “the training we offer needs to be even better, and specifications need to be extremely robust to narrow down poor workmanship.”
David’s commitment to advancing industry standards is evident through his significant involvement in developing new training programmes for the Institute of Corrosion. As one of the founding members of the Young Engineer Programme, his dedication to nurturing the next generation of engineers is unwavering.
During the two-hour lecture, David provided a comprehensive overview of coatings and linings, highlighting common applications and the intricacies of coating system selection based on the new update of ISO 12944, the industry standard for corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems, originally released in 1998. He covered essential topics such as the qualification of systems, surface preparation, application processes, and adherence to specifications, also delving into potential pitfalls in coating application. His expertise and engaging delivery made the session both informative and memorable, sparking a flurry of questions from the enthusiastic YEP participants. David’s lecture reinforced the importance of rigorous training and robust specifications in achieving excellence in corrosion control.
Looking Forward
As the YEP 2024-2025 progresses, the young engineers will continue to investigate and address the complexities of the case study supported by their mentors, applying their diverse expertise to develop robust solutions. Their journey epitomises the spirit of innovation and collaboration that the Young Engineer Programme aims to foster, ensuring the next generation of engineers is well-equipped to tackle future challenges in the field of Corrosion and Materials Engineering as well as in Energy Sector.
Stay tuned for updates as these talented young professionals bring their unique perspectives to the forefront, culminating in what promises to be an engaging and competitive finale on 21st November 2024.
Upcoming Event
We are excited to announce that the next session will be held on the 22nd August and will feature the presentation by Andy Czainski, Global Category Manager – Hydrocarbon Fire at Jotun (an ICorr Corporate sponsor), on Corrosion Under Insulation and Fire Protection.
Join the Young ICorr Committee
Young ICorr is currently looking for new committee members and a new chairperson for the 2024-205 session. This is a fantastic opportunity for early career engineers, scientists, and researchers in the field of corrosion to get involved, gain experience, and make valuable connections. If you are interested and need more information, please do not hesitate to contact Izabela or Danny from the Young ICorr Committee at icorryep@gmail.com
Dr. Danny Burkle Delivering His Lecture to Improve Presentation Skills and
Create Effective Presentations.
David Mobbs of Corrosion Integrity Management Ltd.
A Few Slides from David Mobbs Presentation.
