issuemohandis_mag_47_en.pdf · 2015. 12. 19. · mr. jameel alalawi director of conferences mr....

د�سملهن

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AL-MOHA

NDIS Ba

hrain Soci

ety of Eng

ineers

AUGUST 2008

47issue

PROFILEArchitect Effat Redha Hussain

ISA TOWN GATE INTERCHANGE

GPIC ADOPTS INNOVATIVE DESIGN

EDITORIAL

We were putting our final touches on the layout of this issue when the shocking news on the demise of our colleague Mr. Hisham Alshehabi reached us. It is a big loss to BSE and to the engineering profession nationally & internationally. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Our profile of this issue is our colleague Ms. Effat Redha Hussain. She will take us through her professional and personal journey.

A big thanks to our colleague Mr. Esam Khalaf, The Assistanant Undersecretary for Roads in The Ministry of Works for his department’s contribution in this issue.

Tried to cover a vast range of BSE activities, hope you will enjoy reading this issue, waiting for your constructive comments.

Shahraban Sharif

AL-MOHANDIS Bahrain Society of Engineersاملهند�س

Registration No. SBSE 181 at the Ministry of Information

Eng. Effat Redha

Dr. Osama Al.Baharna

Dr. Isa Qambar

Dr. Fawzi Al.Jowder

Eng. Wafeek Ajoor

Committee Members

Mr. A. Majeed Al-Qasaab

President

Mr. Abdulla A. Janahi

Vice President

Mr. Mohamed Alkhozaae

Executive Secretary

Mr. Isa Mahfodh

Treasurer

Mr. Jameel Alalawi

Director of Conferences

Mr. Younis Ali

Director of Activities

Ms. Deena Seyadi

Director of Membership Affairs

Ms. Huda Sultan Faraj

Director of Training

Ms. Shahraban Sharif

Director of Information

The Board of Directors

املهند�سAL-MOHANDIS Bahrain Society of Engineers

BSE Board of Directors convey its heartfelt condolences

to

Alshehabi Family, Friends and Colleagues

on the sad demise of

Mr. Hisham A. Malik Mohammed Alshehabi

BSE Ex President

who passed away on

25th September 2008

God Bless his Soul

In the name Allah the most Graceful and Merciful

املهند�سAL-MOHANDIS Bahrain Society of Engineers

THE COVER

د�سملهن

ا

AL-MOHA

NDIS Ba

hrain Soci

ety of Eng

ineers

AUGUST 2008

47issue

INVESTMENT IN HIGHER ENGINEERING STUDIES PROFILE: EFFAT REDHA HUSSAINPROJECT: ISA TOWN GATE

5

The Bahrain Society of Engineers

جـمـعية املهندسني البحــرينيـة

P.O. Box: 835, Manama, Kingdom of BahrainTel: +973 17 727100, Fax: +973 17 729819

E-mail:

[email protected]

Website:

www.mohandis.org

Designed & Printed by:

• The Bahrain Society of Engineers in not responsible for opinions published in “Al Mohandis”.

• Please send your articles to the Bahrain Society of Engineers.

• For your ads please call Bahrain Society of Engineers.

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5

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12

GPIC Adopts Innovative Design

BSE Activities

Value Engineering:

Profile: Architect Effat Redha Hussain

From the Desk of the President

Isa Town Gate Interchange

Assessment in Engineering Education

It has been a little over five months since I joined the Board of Directors of BSE as President. During this time, it has been both my intention and my pleasure to execute fully, my activities and responsibilities, and to also endeavor to promote values for the BSE membership.

By the time you read this message, the Board will have met more that 10 times since the last election in March 2008. I am confidant in saying that we are trying our best to work for you, the BSE members, and improve our group as a whole. We have also held two conferences, and eight workshops, during same period. As of today, we have achieved 100% of the KPI target in conferences and workshops which we set ourselves at the start of the year. This is an excellent achievement and is a demonstration of the loyalty and dedication of many of you, for making it all happen.

There is no doubt that our performance look good, and sounds excellent. If we continue at this rate until the next elections in March 2009, we will far exceed the targets and objectives we set ourselves. But, no matter how well we perform, the key to a successful society is a healthy and active membership. We need to continue to attract new and energetic members to assist us as we drive the Society forward. Hence we need to ask ourselves a key question: Are we really on target as far as value for membership is concerned?

Building on this foundation of excellence has necessitated an ongoing evaluation of the value and effectiveness of BSE activities together with an extensive study on the role that members currently play, and will continue to play, in

the Society activities. The net results is that the Board has established three new committees and I sincerely hope these committees will deliver their objectives; mainly:

Establishment of a detailed member’s incentive scheme before the year end.

“Strategic to concept” path forward for BSE vision and values.

Attraction of investment to execute the feasibility for members and the Society partnership in a joint venture complex.

The past five months have been exciting ones, for me personally, and I hope for the rest of the Board members. We have accomplished much, and by so doing we lay the groundwork for even greater improvements and efficiencies in the future. As for those members who keep the BSE activities going, I thank you earnestly for your continued support, and look forward to sharing additional accomplishments with you in the future.

Mr. A. Majeed Al–GassabPresident

AL-MOHANDIS Bahrain Society of EngineersIssue 47 March 2008املهند�س Page 4 Page 5

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT

In this issue, we are delighted to shed light on the achievements of a highly admirable personality that has succeeded in leaving noticeable imprints in various areas related to the field of Engineering, including her dedicated voluntary work at the Bahrain Society of Engineers. She has actively participated in a number of committees, amongst which she occupied the position of Editor-in-Chief of ”Al Mohandis” Magazine.

Our guest today is the Architect Effat Redha, Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Services at the Ministry of Works. She will share with us the most important periods of her life - so let us travel through those interesting and prosperous glimpses of Effat’s journey.

CHILDHOOD AND BEGINNINGS:

I was born in 1954 in Manama I lived and grew up in the alleys of a neighborhood called “Almkhargah”, “Abu Sarra” and “Al-Hamam”. This shaped the warm triangle in which I spent my childhood - travelling between our own house, that of my late grandfather (Al Beit Al Oud) and my school. Genuinely, it was an unforgettable childhood, which I can only describe as simple, spontaneous full of content and happy moments. I remember how I spent it with the children, playing and wandering through those lovable alleys of our neighborhood, where every house would leave its door open - welcoming children and adults with no exception!

We used to roam the nearby markets, passing by my father’s shop, Souq Al Maqasees, the blacksmithing and Vegetables markets via Sheikh Abdullah Road which was then considered the heart of the commercial activity in Manama.

I also remember how we used to pass by Bahrain Bookshop and the New Generation Bookshop, close to “Al-Mihza Mosque” everyday! We would simply stare hungrily at the titles of various books and stories, eager to possess if only a few of them! Yet, that was not possible due to the financial conditions at that time. It was such a blessing to live in those friendly alleys, whose

priceless legacy contributed to my intense fondness of traditional buildings. This passion led to my deep concern for the preservation of these buildings, and the quest later in my career to capture and document every single architectural detail of those traditional buildings.

PROFILEArchitect Effat Redha Hussain

I started my primary education at Fatima Al-Zahra School, then joined Hoora Intermediate School for two years and finally went to Manama Secondary School where I completed my Secondary Education. I graduated in 1971 as one of the outstanding students, which entitled me to obtain a scholarship from the Ministry of Education to study Science in Kuwait University. However, I turned down the scholarship as I was determined to study Medicine. Thanks to my elder brother Hussain Redha who supported and encouraged me all the way through and paid for my university study, despite all his other family commitments. Thus, who and what I am now would not have been achievable without him.

University Study: A journey towards a wider horizon

I applied to study Medicine at the University of Aleppo in Syria and the University of Baghdad at the same time, but this dream was not realized due to the lack of seats allocated to Arab students to study medicine.

Even though I attended the Faculty of Medicine for some time, fate had a different scenario in store for me! I was accepted at the college of Engineering - Architecture Department, at the University of Aleppo. Thus, I suddenly found myself facing only two options, either to accept or go back to Bahrain! However, I preferred to go through the experience despite knowing that most of the courses assigned to Engineering Colleges in Syria were in general difficult ones. To my utmost satisfaction, the whole experience turned out to be just wonderful!

That particular stage of my life was truly spectacular, for it has greatly contributed to the shaping of my personality, as well as teaching me how to be independent. I have to say that the seventies was a period full of student activities, under the umbrella of the National Union of Bahraini Students. The Union - itself an independent school

- engraved inside us the values of voluntary and team work, generosity and how to give our very best to the community and our country. Aside from all this, I also formed many solid friendships at that time which have remained so until the present time, and of which I am very proud.

CAREER LIFE -

Opportunities & Challenges

In 1978, I graduated from the College of Engineering with a BSc. degree in Architectural Engineering. I started working with the Ministry of Works, Electricity and Water in January 13th, 1979, and worked as a trainee engineer in, one of the architects groups in the Construction Department. I was the first Bahraini architect amongst a large number of expatriate engineers, which was quite challenging and presented me with the opportunity to prove myself and gain experience.

In 1983, I had the opportunity to study in the United Kingdom where I obtained my Masters Degree in Building Science from the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. Following my return in 1984, I was promoted to Senior Architect and then to Head of Building Design and Supervision Department, where I stayed until 1991. That period was of high importance to my career, as I had the opportunity to prove my skills and abilities, especially with my key involvement in the designs of a number of large governmental projects.

The first project I designed and supervised was the construction of an additional building at Jidhafs Maternity Hospital, which was met with high compliments from officials at the Ministry of Health, given the complexity of the required job, and the need to effectively link the existing and new buildings.


In 2000 I was promoted to the Director of Quantity Survey and Materials Testing. This particular stage was the most difficult one in my career, as I found myself facing a challenging decision, that of accepting the new Managerial position and moving to a field completely different from my specialization. In other words, it was hard to move away from architecture design and go through a new experience in the Management field.

From that point onwards, I began my journey in Management and Leadership. I believe the real challenge was in my success, as a woman, to manage two directorates that provide services to all other directorates at the Ministry.

I remained in that position until 2004, where the two directorates were separated and I became the Director of Cost Engineering Directorate. In 2005, I was promoted and appointed as Assistant Undersecretary for Technical Services, and have been occupying this position since then. Working in this management position opened new horizons for me, where I have learned to face challenges and serve my country in every way possible.

I am not at all regretful for parting with my major specialization, which is architecture, because by doing that I have learned that the first key to success for any leading director is to invest in improving his staff through training and development. It is vital for any leader not to dwell on daily problems that may occur at work, but to possess a clear vision of the future, strive to achieve strategic objectives, measure and stimulate outstanding performance.

Thus, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere thanks to HE the Minister of Works Mr. Fahmi Al-Jowder for his conviction in the competency of Bahraini women, and paving the way for them to undertake technical and managerial positions. Furthermore, I would like to thank him for promoting these women to occupy posts that require decision making at the Ministry, without any discrimination. I want to commend every female engineer who has proven that a woman can be as competent as any man in the field of Management and leadership. I am sincerely proud to witness the increasing numbers of female engineers holding top Management positions and managing their projects professionally with high-levels of performance. I hope competent females at other ministries are given similar opportunities.

MANAGEMENT & THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE

Moreover, I designed and supervised the construction of the Children Psychiatric building at the Psychiatric Hospital, followed by designing and supervising the Central Warehouse Building at Salmaniya Medical Complex.

However, the project that presented a real challenge in my career took place in 1988, when I was entrusted with the task of designing the Ministry of Finance building. That was the first time for the Building Design & Supervision Department to be asked to design a multi-storey governmental building, as projects exceeding more than one million Bahrain Dinars were usually transferred to the Special Projects Department.

That project was the dream project that I had waited for. For one thing, I wanted to prove my professional abilities and competence amongst the expatriate engineers at the Ministry. Furthermore, I was determined to prove to those who had looked at me with doubtful eyes that the Bahraini female engineer was actually capable of facing the challenge, proving herself and succeeding in her career.

This project contributed to forming strong relationships between myself and the team with which I worked, both in the field of design and supervision. Mr. Khalil Assad and I worked together in the implementation of the project. The project was full of challenges and involved laborious work. However, we managed to prove that Bahraini engineers were capable of managing projects successfully without any financial claims or the need to extend the time stipulated in the project contract. That was one of the most wonderful stages in my career, especially in the field of architecture and dealing with different construction materials. It was

essential for the materials to be studied meticulously to minimise constant future maintenance, while being sufficiently cost effective. Since then, the Ministry of Finance Building Project remains a source of pride for me for its practical and aesthetic attributes.

In 1991, I was promoted to Head of the Building Design Department, where design was separated from supervision.


What is the message you want to deliver to BSE, and what do you think are the roles required from the board?

BSE is gracious on all levels and I am truly proud to belong to it. However, I think it should search for new means and methods to attract new members to join in, especially university students. This can only be achieved through strengthening and enhancing BSE’s role professionally; launching new programmes that appeal to the new generation and could arouse their creative energies; providing the necessary facilities at the Society such as a sports club; providing health insurance and subscription to electronic engineering libraries and suggesting new training and social programmes to attract the new generation of engineers. This way, the young generation could become aware of the social and professional value of joining the Society. We should sharpen such skills through encouraging teamwork and continuously motivating people to serve their society and the engineering profession.

I would like to emphasize that the current and future boards should put a strategy to the Society that clearly determines its objectives and future vision in order to further improve its performance both professionally and socially. BSE should take the lead in the future in tackling cases that reflect on our community such as town planning, housing, roads, public transport and protecting the environment against all kinds of violations.

PERSONAL LIFE & INTERESTS

Away from the pressure of your career life, tell us more about yourself and your other interests or hobbies.

Well, it is hard for me to part with engineering and management issues because I am among seven brothers and sisters all specializing in either Engineering or Management. Therefore, Engineering is always the subject that captures our interest most. In addition to that, I am married to a civil engineer, Adel Mohammed Al-Sada! Which, believe me, makes it very hard not to go into engineering at home, even though we honestly try to avoid that! The Truth is, I always find myself obliged to discuss that one way or another! Apparently, engineering refuses to leave my side at all times!

As for my hobbies, I come from a family who adores traveling, reading and literature. Naturally, I have taken after both my parents, God bless their souls, when it comes to these interests. However, I happen to love photography as well, especially traditional and ancient buildings. In this regard, I recall a very beautiful experience I shared with my colleague Ghazi Al-Saleh, where we started taking photos of old buildings in Manama, Awadiya and Muharraq since 1980, long before all those buildings were forgotten! We are hoping to publish a book covering this soon.

I do have other hobbies such as practicing “Yoga” and “Reiki”. I am also very much interested in the science of Feng Shui, which introduces us to ways of obtaining positive energy to the home and to the work place. Yoga, Reiki and Feng Shui all bring union to our bodies, mind and emotional state and liberate us from what has bound us, as well reducing stress and tension and boost self-esteem. Therefore, I advise you to make time for relaxation and get away from stress! Genuinely, Yoga is an excellent means of teaching one how to relax and give way for true meditation.

In conclusion, Mrs. Effat Redha expressed her thanks to AlMohandis Magazine for giving her the opportunity to speak openly about her visions and views on various aspects. She also extends her gratitude to BSE for its continuous support to all its members and the community in general.

I applied for membership in BSE as soon as I graduated from university and I gained it in 23/5/1997. I took part in many committees including Social and Conferences Committees, the Al-Mohandis Magazine Committee and the Committee of Re-Drafting the Internal Procedures for the Society. I also headed the Library Committee for two years and held the position of Editor-in-Chief of Al-Mohandis Magazine for 3 years.

However, I could not participate in the BSE boards because I was already a member in the Bahrain Young Ladies Association board for many years. Therefore, my priority at that time was to support the womens’ movement, defend women’s rights and contribute to change the pattern of charitable work that women participated in to involve them more in development schemes.

Now please, tell us more about voluntary work- unconditional generosity- as you refer to it. Do you think voluntary work is coming to its end? If so, what is the way to prevent this from happening?

Voluntary work, in my opinion, is to work at building the belief in the importance of values like social duty, social responsibility and unconditional generosity. Actually, voluntary work is a chance to give and strengthen social relationships through team work and creativity beyond the boundaries of official working hours.

I believe that the success of voluntary work depends on a number of factors, amongst which are the awareness of the concept of voluntary work and duty towards the Society. Unfortunately, when irresponsibility and selfishness prevail, voluntary

work will indeed be in danger! Also, the success of any voluntary work is also affected by a number of additional factors that surround civil institutions in the society such as political, economic and social circumstances. The revival of the voluntary movement in Bahrain has been very much affected by these factors, where the stimulus behind its revival in the seventies and eighties was a group of university graduates who believed in the values of social duty and contributed in spreading those values and enhancing people’s responsibility towards social work in various activities, vocational and civil societies, including BSE.

Thanks to those early pioneers, who devoted themselves to laborious work and did not stop participating in the society, it has become what it is now and gained its present honorable reputation.

I believe that voluntary work is strongly linked to the factors I mentioned above. However, I have to admit that the endless responsibilities in life are bound to affect the activeness of some members. Nevertheless, I am optimistic that no matter what the circumstances are, everybody, whether new or old members, is willing to extend a helping hand whenever needed. This I am confident about.

VOLUNTARY WORK - Unconditional Generosity


-

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

The purpose of the project is to relieve the considerable traffic congestion currently prevalent in Isa Town Gate roundabout, where Shaikh Salman Highway is intercepted by Al Estiqlal Highway and Baghdad Avenue at Isa Town Gate roundabout. Execution of the project will modify the existing Isa Town Gate roundabout into a 3 level grade separated interchange.

Existing Layout:

The existing roundabout has 5 legs with 2 primary highways plus access for Zayad town and Isa Town Gate via Baghdad Avenue.

At peak hours waiting times are in excess of 20minutes and manual traffic control by the

Authorities is required to ensure movement of long queues.

The current situation is not sustainable and forecast future traffic flows show the situation deteriorating. The resident of Isa Town require better access and the key through movements on Shk. Salman HWY and Estegal HWY require free flow without delay at the roundabout.

• The basic composition of the new interchange will comprise of :-

* A flyover taking the Estiqlal HWY/Shk Salman HWY route

* A underpass taking the Shk Salman north / south

* An at grade junction.

Existing Layout

ISA TOWN GATE INTERCHANGEAn Innovative Soluton to

Eliminate Traffic Bottle NecksBy Road Special Projects Section - Ministry of Works

Proposed Final Layout

This will serve the resident of Isa Town and will improve the overall flow of traffic in the area both now and in the future.

New Layout:

Following the Bahrain Traffic Model Update and Strategic Roads Masterplan Study (BTM2003), it was recommended that the existing roundabout be upgraded into a grade separated junction. The key movements of Shk Salman HWY North/South would be a depressed underpass and the Estigal HWY/Shk Salman HWY connection would be a flyover.

Numerous options were considered in the redesign of the existing roundabout. No land take,

designs to ensure traffic safety and aesthetics were the key considerations in the final choice of the layout to be adopted. The important Isa Town Gate Monument had to be preserved.

Options including large gyratory roundabouts were discarded due to excessive land take. The flyover radius of 550m was chosen to maintain a safe design speed for the Estiqlal HWY/Shk Salman HWY. The final choice for the at grade junction was a split traffic signalized junction to permit all movements currently allowed for in the existing roundabout.

The final layout selected is as shown below.

Bridge Work:

An elevated viaduct will carry the Al Estiqlal Highway as a dual 2 lane carriageway over both Shaikh Salman Highway and Baghdad Avenue.

The Viaduct comprises two separate structurally similar structures in parallel, one carrying the northbound carriageway of Shaikh Salman Highway and the other carrying the southbound carriageway.

The eastern side of the Viaduct comprises a 17 span bridge of overall length 885m containing spans of varying lengths ranging from a maximum of 70 m to a minimum of 35 m. The western part of the flyover comprises an 18 span bridge of overall length

905m containing spans of varying length ranging from a maximum of 70m to a minimum of 25m.

The bridge decks comprises a series of precast, reinforced concrete twin-cell box segments, post-tensioned together in-situ employing a balanced cantilever method of erection facilitated by a purpose made launching girder. The precast method of construction has advantages in both durability and the majority of the preparation works can take place “off site.” With the existing traffic congestion at the Isa Town Gate Roundabout, there are intrinsic advantages in “off site” precast segmental construction to avoid extensive obstructions at the roundabout.


The entire deck will contain 733 precast segments typically of 15.6m overall width and 2.5 deep. This will be manufactured in a purpose made precast facility with moulds for the segments.

The overhead gantry method of construction was chosen to avoid large scale staging at ground level that would obstruct the traffic flows below. The gantry will operate over the piers and would allow the bridge to be built end to end without any interference on the ground.

The substructure consists of in situ reinforced concrete abutments and intermediate piers on bored, cast in-situ concrete piles.

The north/south underpass carries Shaikh Salman Highway in a dual 3 lane carriageway under the Isa Town Gate Junction.

The Underpass takes the basic form of an open ‘U’ shaped reinforced concrete box approximately 630m long with an effective width of 26.4 m.

Diaphragm walls will form the walls of the Underpass which will extend continuously as a sub foundation below the underside of the Underpass base slab. The Underpass base slab is predominantly 2m thick. The diaphragm wall varies in both depth and thickness to maximum of approximately 28m and 1.2m, respectively at the deepest section of the Underpass where the height extending above the surface of the base slab will be approximately to 8.8m and the depth continuing below the underside of the base slab will be approximately 17.3m. The construction of the diaphragm walls will precede and will facilitate the construction of the Underpass base slab.

An overbridge spanning in an east/west direction over the Underpass and carrying a dual 3 lane carriageway interconnects the roads on the eastern side of the underpass with Baghdad Avenue leading to Isa Town Gate on the western side.

The bridge deck will consist of 32 precast post tensioned concrete “I” beams integral with a cast in situ reinforced concrete deck slab. The bridge deck will be simply supported on the underpass walls.

The diaphragm walls will be substituted by ‘L’ shaped reinforced concrete walls of varying height reducing to a maximum of about 2m, adjacent to the roadway approaching the Underpass.

Ancillary bridge elements will include stainless steel bearings, proprietary types of bridge deck movement joints, aluminum vehicle containment parapets and reinforced concrete vehicle crash barriers. Associated works will include road lighting, bridge deck and underpass surface waterproofing and waterproofing of the buried surfaces of the underpass.

As an aesthetic and cosmetic feature, the exposed faces of the diaphragm walls which form the underpass walls are to be faced with vitreous enamel cladding. The exact colour and patterns are flexible and will be chosen later.

Flyover Pier AppearanceOverhead Gantry for Erecting the Bridge Segments – A13,UK

Underpass Form

Drainage

A storm water pumping station is to be designed and built to facilitate drainage of the Underpass. The design will be carried out by a designer nominated by the Contractor.

A foul sewage pumping station, located in the same vicinity as the storm water pumping station is also to be designed and built by the Contractor engaging the assistance of a nominated design consultant. This pumping station is necessary to enable the diversions of an existing, at grade, major sewer line which crosses the line of the proposed underpass and will consequently have to be abandoned and replaced.

Road Works

Necessary modifications and improvements of the existing, at grade, roads will include the installation of traffic signals to control the movements of at grade traffic at junctions in the roads with and crossing the new over bridge across the underpass, in replacement of the existing roundabout system.

Associated Works include road lighting, extensive road signing and marking, the provision of a surface water drainage system, the installation of vehicle containment barriers and pedestrian containment fences, and the installation of various ducts for the future convenience of the several service authorities.

The road ways approaching and around the

structures will be of flexible payment construction

consisting of asphaltic concrete surfacing on

aggregate road base founded on selected imported

soil filling.

Asphaltic concrete surfacing will be laid directly

on the trafficked concrete surfaces of the underpass

and the flyover.

Service Works

The Electrical and Water Authority will undertake

independently all the works required for the

diversions of existing electrical cables, including inter

alia, the major diversion of an existing 220kv cable

and a 60kv cable in the southern area of the site.

Isa Town Gate Monument

The Isa Town Gate Monument is close to the

existing roundabout and the new junction layout

increases the number of approach lanes. Therefore

the monument needs to be relocated. A monument

of enhanced appearance will be built at a location

further up Baghdad Avenue and then the existing

monument will be removed.



BSE ElectionThe meeting of the Ordinary General Assembly held on Tuesday March 18, 2008 resulted in the election of

the following engineers for the membership of the Board of Directors:

Mr. A. Majeed Al-Qasaab

Mr. Abdulla A. Janahi

Ms. Shahraban Sharif

Ms. Huda Sultan Faraj

Mr. Younis Ali

Ms. Ghada Almarzooq (Reserve)

اجتماع اجلمعية العمومية

عقدت اجلمعية العمومية يوم الثالثاء املوافق 18 مار�س 2008 و بعد مناق�شة التقرير االأدبي و املايل مت ت�شكيل جلنة االنتخابات

ومت انتخاب رئي�س واأربعة اأع�شاء جدد. وقد فاز الزمالء بع�شوية جمل�س االإدارة:-

املهند�س عبد املجيد الق�صاب

املهند�س عبداهلل جناحي

املهند�صة �صهربان �صريف

املهند�س يون�س علي

املهند�صة غادة املرزوق )ع�صو احتياط(

NEW BSE BOARD OF DIRECTORS The Board of Directors held its first meeting on March 23, 2008 & the positions were distributed as follows:-

Mr. A. Majeed Al-Qasaab President

Mr. Abdulla A. Janahi Vice President

Mr. Mohamed Alkhozaae Executive Secretary

Mr. Isa Mahfodh Treasurer

Mr. Jameel Alalawi Director of Conferences

Mr. Younis Ali Director of Activities

Ms. Deena Seyadi Director of Membership Affairs

Ms. Huda Sultan Faraj Director of Training

Ms. Shahraban Sharif Director of Information

تــوزيــع املـنا�صب يف جــمـعيــة

املـهنـد�صني البحــرينيــة

عقد جمل�س الإدارة اجتماعها الأول يف 23 مار�س 2008 و قد مت توزيع املنا�صب الإدارية كالتايل:-

الرئي�س املهند�سعبداملجيدالق�صاب

نائب الرئي�س املهند�سعبداهللجناحي

اأمني ال�شر املهند�سحممداخلزاعي

االأمني املايل املهند�سعي�صىحمفوظ

مدير املوؤمترات املهند�سجميلالعلوي

مدير االأن�شطة العامة املهند�سيون�سعلي

مدير �شوؤون االأع�شاء واملهنة املهند�صةدينا�صيادي

مدير التدريب املهند�صةهدى�صلطان

مدير االأعالم املهند�صة�صهربان�رشيف

BSE Activities ن�صاطات اجلمعية

TECHNICAL REPORT WRITING

The Training Committee conducted a training course on “Technical Report Writing” between the period March 16-19, 2008 in Crown Plaza Hotel under the supervision of Dr. Tariq Rasheed.

Dr. Rasheed received his Phd in Design Engineering from Jordan University, he is a lecturere in both Al Esraa University and Jordan University. He

has supervised many projects and has conducted many training courses related to engineering & management fields.

By the end of the course the participants were familiarized with the necessary tools required for technical report writing in addition to the skills needed for effective communications with others.

بنجاح البحرينية املهند�شني بجمعية التدريب جلنة اأنهت

16 بني الفرتة يف اأنعقدت التي و الفنية التقارير كتابة دورة

اإىل 19 مار�س 2008 يف فندق الكراون بالزا باأ�شراف املحا�شر

الدكتور طارق ر�شيد.

هند�شه يف الدكتوراه على حائز ر�شيد طارق الدكتور و

الت�شميم من جامعه االأردن، و هو حما�شر بجامعة االإ�شراء و

جامعة االأردن و لقد ا�شرف على العديد من امل�شاريع الهند�شية

و�شبق له تقدمي العديد من الدورات التدريبية يف التخ�ش�شات

الهند�شية واالداريه .

و لقد مت تزويد امل�شاركني باالأدوات واملهارات الالزمة لكتابه

التقارير الفنية، و مهارات التوا�شل والتحاور بني االأفراد.

دورة “كـتـابـة التـقـاريـر الفـنيـة”


EFFECTIVE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURE WRITING

The Training Committee in the Bahrain Society of Engineers conducted a training course on “Effective Maintenace Procedure Writing “ during the period July 27-30, 2008 in Crown Plaza Hotel under the supervision of Dr. Deeb Abu Fara.

Dr. Abu Fara holds a PhD degree in Chemical Engineeering from McGill University and he is currently working as an associate professor at the University of Jordan.

Ms. Huda Faraj, The Training Director stated that maintenance management has a direct quantitative and qualitative effect on the productivity output of the business entity. Activities designed to optimize the effective maintenance of buildings, equipments, grounds, etc. will maintain and increase asset value and productivity.And contrary, ineffective maintennace management of assets will result in reduced output and productivity.

دورة حول ال�صيانة الفعالة

دورة البحرينية املهند�شني بجمعية التدريب اقامت جلنة

حول ال�شيانة الفعالة و يف الفرتة بني 27 اىل 30 يوليو 2008 يف

فندق الكراون بالزا باإ�شراف املحا�شر الدكتور ديب اأبو فرا.

و الدكتور اأبو فرا حائز على الدكتوراه يف الهند�شه الكيميائية

يف م�شاعد كاأ�شتاذ حاليا يعمل و كندا‘ يف مغيل جامعة من جامعة االأردن.

التدريب مديرة �شلطان، هدى املهند�شة اأكدت قد و

باجلمعية، على اأهمية اإدارة ال�شيانة الفعالة و بينت باأن لها تاأثري

ايجابي على االأنتاجية ب�شكال عام و اأدوات االأنتاج ب�شكل خا�س و

العك�س �شحيح.

BAPCO’S SAFETY PERCEPTION SEMINAR AT BSEThe Director of Activities Mr. Younis Ali stated that

the importance of safety management stems from the fact that it manages safety acts in any industrial setting. The perception of safety management is a new process that is applied in larger companies in the Kingdom; Bapco and Alba are examples of such companies, added Mr. Ali

Believing in such perception, the Bahrain Society of Engineers in coordination with Bapco’s Fire, Health and Safety Department are organized a seminar on “Safety Perception Survey: Uncovering Employees Views about Safety” on 1 July, 2008. The seminar was conducted by both the champion of Behavioral Based Safety; Mr. Ismail Mohamed Ahmed and the

Manager of the Fire, Health and Safety Department; Mr. Ahmed Khalil, both from Bapco.

Mr. Ahmed who has over 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering, educational training, health and safety, explored the ways to engage employees in measuring the effectiveness of health and safety management systems in the industrial setting.

On the other hand, Mr. Khalil emphasized on the fact that perception surveys are reality tests, and on the ways they have significantly contributed to the measurement and further enhancement of Bapco’s safety culture.

Mr. Haitham Al-Sayegh from the electrical engineering and electronics engineering faculty at the University of Bahrain was ranked first in the competition scientific innovations of the 6th cultural and scientific week of the universities and higher education institutions in the Gulf Cooperation Council, held at the University of United Arab Emirates in UAE, during the period from 11 to 15 November 2007. The event was held under the patronage of the Secretariat of the Council of cooperation and the participation of nearly 500 students representing 21 Gulf Universities. Mr. Al-Sayegh was able, under the

supervision of Dr. Fawzi A. Rahman AL-Jowder and the assistance of Mr. Khalid Al-Dosari the technician of electrical machinery laboratory to develop a control and protection system of a three-phase induction motor using Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The control and protection developed will reduce the cost of control and protection of the motor. The project won the admiration of the participants and the competition’s arbitrators and it is expected that Bahrain Aluminum Company, where Mr. Al-Sayegh works, to put the project in implementation.

BEST INNOVATIVE PROJECT

حصل مشروع الطالب هيثم الصايغ من قسم الهندسة الكهربائية

في األول املركز على البحرين بجامعة الهندسة بكلية وااللكترونية

مسابقة املبتكرات العلمية السادس جلامعات ومؤسسات التعليم العالي

الفترة خالل وذلك اإلمارات جامعة في عقد الذي التعاون مجلس بدول

التعاون جمللس العامة األمانة رعاية حتت 2007 نوفمبر 15 إلى 11 من ومبشاركة قرابة 500 طالب ميثلون 21 جامعة خليجية.

واستطاع الصايغ حتت إشراف مشرف املشروع الدكتور فوزي عبدالرحمن

اجلودر ومبعاونة السيد خالد الدوسري فني مختبر اآلالت الكهربائية بقسم

للمحرك وحماية حتكم نظام بابتكار وااللكترونية الكهربائية الهندسة

الكهربائي من خالل مجموعة من الدوائر املبرمجة ملراقبة وحتليل اإلشارات

الكهربائية وعمل لتعديل أوضاع احملرك والذي من شأنه أن يخفض تكلفة

املشاركني اعجاب على املشروع حاز ولقد الكهربائية. احلركات حماية واحملكمني للمسابقة ومن املتوقع ان تقوم شركة البحرين لأللومينوم (ألبا) الشركة، في لتطبيقه املشروع متهيداً بتجربة الصايغ لديها يعمل التي

اآلالت مختبر في املبتكر النظام الختيار العلمية التجارب أجريت وقد

الكهربائية بقسم الهندسة وااللكترونية بكلية الهندسة وقد ساهمت

شركة البحرين ألملونيوم ألبا بتوفير جزء من املكونات األساسية للمشروع.

املركز مما يشكل له وقد عبر الصايغ عن سعادته باحلصول على هذا

حافزاً ملزيد من العطاء، وتقدم بجزيل الشكر وعظيم االمتنان الى مشرف

الدعم على الدوسري خالد السيد والى اجلودر فوزي الدكتور املشروع

ألبا ولشركة املشروع على عمله فترة طوال به حظي الذي الالمحدود

لدعمها للمشروع، وعبر الدكتور فوزي اجلودر عن سعادته بحصول الصليغ

على هذا املركز مشيداً بإمكانياته ومهارته متمنياً له بالتوفيق والنجاح في

بأن هذا املشروع جاء نتاج لعمل جماعي حياته العملية. كما صرح أيضاً وتقدم اجلائزة هذه عليه يستحق طيباً مجهوداً فيه الصايغ بذل منظم

الدكتور فوزي اجلودر بجزيل الشكر إلى كلية الهندسة متمثلة في عميدها

الدكتور حسني املدني والى عمادة شؤون الطلبة متمثلة في الدكتور هدى

اخلاجة على رعايتهم ودعمهم للطلبة للمشاركة في جميع احملافل.

اأف�صل م�رشوع ابتكاري من كلية الهند�صة بجامعة البحرين


2nd Career Expo

معر�ض املهن الهند�صية الثاين

املهند�شني جمعية اأقامت التوايل، على الثاين للعام

25-24 بني الثاين” ما الهند�شية املهن “معر�س البحرينية هذا يهدف وم�شائية. �شباحية فرتتني على 2008 فرباير

الثانوية املدار�س لطلبة الهند�شية مهنة ت�شويق اإىل الربنامج

مهند�شون به قام الهند�شية للتخ�ش�شات مف�شل �شرح عرب

متخ�ش�شون.

وكيل خليفة اآل العزيز عبد بن ه�شام ال�شيخ قام وقد

وزارة الرتبية والتعليم بافتتاح املعر�س مبديًا اإعجابه بح�شن

يف املدار�س طلبة من ح�شودًا املعر�س ا�شتقبل وقد التنظيم.

طاولة كانت كما اأمورهم واأولياء مدر�شيهم برفقة الفرتتني

وقامت املدار�س طالب لتجمع حمور االأكادميي” “املر�شد بالرد على اأ�شئلتهم.

ويف نهاية املعر�س قام جمل�س االإدارة بتكرمي اأف�شل م�شاريع

التخرج من جامعة البحرين خلريجي يناير 2008.

تو�شياتها برفع املعر�س على امل�شرفة اللجنة قامت وقد

القادم. للعام املعر�س فكرة تطوير الأجل االإدارة جمل�س اإىل

املجتمع خدمة يف اجلمعية من م�شاهمة املعر�س هذا ويعترب

التخ�ش�شات اختيار يف اأمورهم واأولياء الطلبة م�شاعدة ويف

الهند�شية املنا�شبة.


BSE organized the 2nd Career Expo during the period February 24-25, 2008. The Expo aims to introduce the Engineering profession and its different specializations as well as their career opportunities. The event, mainly, targets the secondary school students who are at the stage of selecting their future profession.

Sh. Hisham Bin A.Aziz Al Khalifa, the Under-secretary of Ministry of Education opened the

Expo. Big groups of high school students visited the Expo accompanied by their instructors during the morning session & by their parents during the evening session. Engineers from more than 11 specializations were available to answer the audience queries along side with the academic advisors.

At the end of the Expo BSE president presented a gift to the best graduation projects of UOB graduates.

كتيب “ التخ�ص�صات الهند�صية”الثاين”، الهند�صية املهن “معر�س تنظيم مع تزامناً “التخ�ص�صات جمعية املهند�صني البحرينية كتيب اأ�صدرت الهند�صية، دليل لطلبة الثانوية العامة “ باللغتني العربية والإجنليزية يحوي الكتيب على �صرح لأحد ع�صر تخ�ص�صاً

�صرح عرب منهم واحد لكل مف�صل وتعريف هند�صياً

تخ�ص�س. لكل التوظيف وفر�س الأكادميية للمتطلبات

الكتب من ن�صخ اقتناء على املعر�س مرتادو حر�س وقد

التعريفي ليكون مرجعاً لهم ير�صدهم اإىل اختيار التخ�ص�س

املنا�صب لهم.

BSE published a booklet titled “ Engineering Majors : A Guide to High School Students”. The booklet illustrates the academic requirements & the job opportunities of different engineering

disciplines. The booklet was distributed during the 2nd career Expo to High School Students who considered it as a very good reference to help them select their profession.

Booklet on Engineering Majors

Amira earns PMPProject Management Professional Credential

اأحالم حت�صل على املاج�صتري

اأمرية حت�صل على �صهادة االحرتاف يف اأدارة امل�صاريع

Ahlam Gets Her MSc

ح�شلت الزميلة اأحالم حممد زينل على �شهادة املاج�شتري يف العمارة

2008 من جامعة هارفارد. وقد قامت يونيو العمراين يف الت�شميم و

املتحدة الواليات يف بو�شنت مبدينة معمارية م�شاريع بت�شميم اأحالم

مناهجها �شمن من اأ�شبانيا و املك�شيك باملغرب، فا�س ، االأمريكية

الدرا�شي. كما ان�شمت اإىل برنامج تدريب �شيفي يف �شركة �شكيدمور

اأووينغ و مريل يف �شيكاغو. و للعلم فالزميلة اأحالم خريجة الهند�شة

املعمارية من جامعة البحرين دفعة 2004. مربوك اأحالم!!

�شهادة على موؤخرا حممد اأمرية املهند�شة ح�شلت

معهد فاأمرية ع�شو يف للعلم و امل�شاريع. اأدارة االحرتاف يف

اأدارة امل�شاريع فرع اخلليج العربي و تعمل كمهند�شة معمارية

ب�شهادة تخرجها بعد 2005 منذ العقاري االإمناء بيت يف

بكالوريو�س يف الهند�شة املعمارية من جامعة البحرين.

مربوك اأمرية!!

Ahlam Mohammed Zainal has graduated in June 2008 from Harvard University Graduate School of Design, with a Masters degree in Architecture and Urban Design.

During her studies at Harvard, Ahlam explored planning and designing in Boston, Fez city in Morocco, Spain and Mexico. She has also participated in a summer internship program at Skidmore Owings and Merrill in Chicago.

Ahlam has received her Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering from the University of Bahrain in 2004. Well done Ahlam!!

Amira M. Mohammed has earned the Project Management Institute’s most recognized and respected global credential -- the Project Management Professional or PMP.

Ms. Mohammed is a member of the Arabian Gulf Chapter of PMI, and is employed as Architect in Al Enma’a House for Real Estate - Construction & Projects department in 2005 after graduating with B.S.c in Architectural Engineering from University of Bahrain. Well done Amira!!


دورات ال�صيف يف “املهند�صني”

BSE Summer Activities

اأختتمت جلنة االأن�شطة العامة بجمعية املهند�شني البحرينية

فن و اجلميلة الفنون يف االأع�شاء الأبناء ال�شيفية الدورة

اخلطابة باللغة االأجنليزية و الذي اأقيم خالل الفرتة 5 اىل 16

يوليو 2008 للفئة العمرية 7-9 �شنوات و 10-12 �شنة.

و قد مت اأدارة دورة الفنون اجلميلة من قبل االأ�شتاذة جناح

املدين و هي اأ�شتاذة متخ�ش�شة يف الفن، اأما دورة فن اخلطابة

اأ�شتاذة هي و تيل برناديت االأ�شتاذة قبل من اأدارتها مت فقد

متخ�ش�شة يف تدري�س و تدريب معلمي اللغة االأجنليزية.

امل�شاركني اأنتاج بعر�س العامة االأن�شطة جلنة قامت قد و

يف دورة الفن يف معر�س يوم ال�شبت املوافق 19 يوليو 2008 يف

متام ال�شاعة الرابعة و الن�شف م�شاء يف مقر جمعية املهند�شني

البحرينية.

BSE conducted its summer classes in Fine Arts & the Public Speaking during the period July 5-16, 2008 for the age groups 7-9 years and 10-12 years.

The Fine Arts class was conducted by Ms. Najah Almadani; Arts Instructor at Ministry of Education , and on the other hand the Public Speaking class was conducted by Ms. Bernandit Tell; English Instructor.

On July 19, 2008, the students’ art works were displayed in an exhibition at BSE H.Q.


Formative Assessment is simply to assess the student’s marks, with no graded marks counted to his final grade. It is not summative, but formative. Formative Assessment makes the students learning aligned to the teaching process (constructive alignment). In other words, students attend lectures in the class to learn, and not only to get the grade. Formative Assessment is done solely for the purpose of feedback to students to enhance their learning. To grasp the idea of being formative in your assessment is to give quizzes to the students. The students are always worried about their grades, and hate quizzes because of the grade. However, if you inform then that this quiz is going to be assessed, but not counted to the final grade, the students would think “them, why should he be assessed”. In other words, you are informing the students that learning is your concern, and not the grade.

Formative assessment is not against summative assessment, as to replace it, because you need to sum up marks to identify the grades. But, both types when combined help students to understand better.

Formative assessment loses its flavor when no feedback is present. Feedback is a must. Without feedback, the students still do not know where they have gone wrong. Students would have not learned something new or at least from their mistakes. However, another issue rises here, “I do not have time to correct all these quizzes, just for formative assessment. Summative assessment already takes

too much time”. This is absolutely right, assessment takes a lot of time to correct, especially that you want to provide feedback to students to gain the most out of their learning process in solving the quiz. However, there is another method of assessment that supports the formative assessment. It is the so called “peer assessment”. Each student corrects his/her peer work. This method is very fast, but it also works well enhancing the learning process.

“Positive feedback brings few problems to students or to staff giving it. However, it is the feedback on unsuccessful work which causes most heartache to staff and students alike”,

(Phil Race, Making Feedback happen)

Students are provided with the answer sheet, so they are introduced to the criteria for high-quality work. Students will therefore see how clear models of work meet the standards and get the feel to the comparison between the problem solved by them and the answer sheet.

Students would understand the process of getting to the standard. Students know their position for the task compared to where they have been, where they are now, and where they need to be at the end of the task. Students are introduced to the progressive levels and the performance, rather than receiving a mark for the sake of the mark.

Students provide feedback to each other, which is very useful, because

students know their level of learning and as well for their peers. This indeed will provide feedback that suits and fits their peer’s understanding. This also can leave in the class, or after classes, a peer conferencing and reflective thinking process.

Students solve the quiz twice that is how the learning process is reassured and supported. The students will solve the quiz, and then compare it with the answer sheet paper, and they grade it.

Students grade the quiz, which may enhance their deep learning rather than surface learning. The students may need to go deeper into the problem fetching out the reason for the wrong the answer, even though the methodology of solution was correct.

Students also discover the common mistakes that are done by several students. This will reduce the number of errors that they might fall in other assessments.

Concluding, formative assessment works on developing the learning process for the students. Formative assessment must be integrated with the instant feedback to gain its benefit. However, to get out of correcting headache and waste of time, peer assessment is integrated with formative assessment, which also increases the benefit from the formative assessment process.

Formative Assessment Supported by Feedback and Peer Assessment in

Engineering EducationDr. Bassam Alhamad

The construction material scarcity has reached a “crisis level” as one local newspaper put it. Now that we are in the heart of this crisis, what can we, as engineers, do to minimize its impact and help lessen its consequences in the future? One of the very powerful and more effective tools categorized as good engineering practice is known as Value Engineering.

Value Engineering can be described as one of the most effective techniques known to identify and eliminate unnecessary material use and costs in product design, testing, manufacturing, construction, operations, maintenance, data, procedures and practices.

Value Engineering therefore, is a tool and a process to optimize engineering solutions. In other words, to add value without the addition of cost. For instance, one can enhance structural durability by using techniques such as increasing concrete cover instead of using chemicals that would result in increase in project cost, or by using similar materials to achieve the same purpose at a lower cost.

Currently, by direct involvement, we knew, even before the media made it a headline, about the crisis that the construction industry is facing: scarcity of basic construction materials such as sand, cement, steel etc., not to mention the high demand for projects involving the use of such materials during this period of booming construction market.

Engineers can play a role, especially those involved in the design of all types of structures, in lessening the impact of the scarcity of construction material crisis by streamlining their design process and by identifying areas requiring more engineering attention for the purpose of design optimization. This can be accomplished either by reducing member sizes that are needlessly oversized and having overcapacity or by completely eliminating a member or two by restructuring the framing layout.

In order for this tool to be effective, Value Engineering exercise must start during the early phases of projects when key issues and difficulties arise around a vast number of conflicting pressures regarding engineering, operations, cost, safety, schedule, reliability, environmental issues, etc.

We have also to approach project design with totally different mindset. A mindset that says: Value Engineering is predicated on the fact that people spend their money to accomplish functions rather than simply to obtain ownership. With today’s well-established concern for our environment, energy, and rising costs, the functional needs of safe and efficient accommodation of users must be carefully and independently analyzed, so that we may obtain these functions in the most economical manner and with minimal disturbance to the environment. The value engineering process involves the following steps:

• An organized review to improve value by using multi-disciplined teams of specialists knowing various aspects of the problem being studied.

• A function oriented approach to identify the essential functions of the system, product, or service being studied, and the cost associated with those functions.

• Creative thinking using recognized techniques to explore alternative ways of performing the functions at a lower cost, or to otherwise improve the design.

Although value Engineering has benefits, it does not come without a cost in engineering efforts that have to be expended in order to arrive at any savings.

Engineers have the ethical responsibility not just to produce a safe, well functioning system, but a system that is efficient, economical and one that has minimal impact on the environment in which we all need to preserve collectively.

VALUE ENGINEERING: A much needed engineering tool at time of scarce

construction materials. By: Dr. Alee A. Sleymann, Ph.D., P.E.,

GPIC adopts Innovative Design to Combat Corrosion in Urea Stripper

IntroductionIn Urea Plant, extreme conditions of corrosion

exist in the HP Urea Stripper due to the presence of Ammonia and Carbon Dioxide at a pressure of 145 bar and a temperature greater than 204 deg C. High Alloy Steel is used to counter the corrosion. At Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company, Bahrain (GPIC), the Urea Stripper that has been installed is designed with material capable of withstanding highly corrosive conditions.

However, lately the Urea Stripper is showing signs of corrosion. As a proactive measure, GPIC adopted an innovative design for the Urea Stripper employing highly corrosive resistant bimetallic tube material. The new Urea Stripper will be installed in Turnaround 2009. This is an outstanding improvement and is expected to be the ultimate answer to the corrosion problems in HP Urea Stripper throughout the world.

This article describes the problems faced in Snamprogetti Urea Strippers in plants of Snamprogetti design and how it shall be successfully addressed in GPIC.

Brief About GPICGulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC)

was established in December 1979 as a joint venture company for the manufacture of fertilizers and

petrochemicals. The joint venture is equally owned by the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Petrochemical Industries Company, Kuwait. GPIC operates a complex comprising of single stream Ammonia & Methanol Plants each of capacity 1200 MTPD and a single stream Urea Plant (Granulation route) of design capacity 1700 MTPD with associated utilities, off-site and material handling units. Raw material for Ammonia and Methanol Plant is Natural Gas. The raw material for Urea Plant viz. Ammonia and Carbon Dioxide is sourced from the Ammonia Plant in the complex. The Ammonia and Methanol Plants are in operation since 1985 while the Urea Plant was commissioned in January 1998 and is in operation since then.

GPIC has been in the business of manufacturing of Petrochemicals for almost two decades. Its achievement in terms of plant reliability is spectacular and proven by many benchmarking studies with similar plants throughout the world. Continuous operation of Urea Plant for 941 days is a testimony of the reliability of GPIC Plants.

The process licensor for GPIC Urea Plant is Snamprogetti S.p.A. Snamprogetti, is an Engineering, Licensing and Construction Company of Saipem group operating as an international main contractor in the design and implementation of large-scale projects in the field of petrochemicals plants and refi†ies.


A Brief Outline of the Snamprogetti Urea Process:

Urea is one of the most important nitrogenous fertilizers and is most widely used as inorganic fertilizer. It is stable, safe and easy to transport. It is sold in the form of prills or in the form of granules. The difference lies in the method by which the Urea melt is crystallized.

The urea synthesis reactions are as below:

2NH3 + CO2 = NH2COONH4 (1)

NH2COONH4 = NH2CONH2 + 2H2O (2)

Ammonia and Carbon Dioxide are combined in the Urea Synthesis Reactor. A part of the Ammonia and Carbon Dioxide is converted to Urea. The Urea is concentrated by decomposing the unconverted Ammonium Carbamate by letting down the pressure and heating with steam in three stages of pressure viz 145 bar, 18 bar & 3.5 bar. The solution from the reactor is first heated in the HP Urea Stripper, then in the Medium Pressure Decomposer and lastly in the Low Pressure Decomposer. The Urea solution is further concentrated by applying vacuum in the vacuum section. The urea melt is converted to granules in the granulation section.

HP Urea Stripper:Product of reaction (1) above known as

Ammonium Carbamate is highly corrosive at high temperatures and pressures. Corrosive condition exists in the HP Urea Stripper demanding a more resilient material of construction.

In Snamprogetti Process an excess of ammonia is introduced in the synthesis section which is used as a stripping medium in the HP Stripper.

The HP Urea Stripper is a vertical falling film steam heater for decomposing the unconverted ammonium carbamate that comes out of the urea synthesis reactor. Owing to the high temperature (205 deg C) required in the stripper corrosive operating conditions exist.

A major challenge posed to designers has been the heat exchange tubes which influence the performance of the stripper to a great extent. There has been a lot of improvement in the material of construction of the heat exchange tubes. The tube metallurgy has changed from Titanium to Bi-metallic tubes of special grade of stainless steel (Cr 25%: Ni 22%: Mo: 2%) and Zirconium as an inner layer.

In Urea Strippers with Titanium Tubes, thinning of these tubes is observed in the top end of tubes due to erosion. Due to thinning of the top tube ends, a continuous film is not formed along the tube walls leading to incomplete decomposition of the Ammonium Carbamate and consequential shifting of decomposition load to the downstream sections. This results in load reduction of the plant. There is also a possibility of failure of tubes due to this.

However, no corrosion is noticed on the titanium tubes or on the titanium liner. This indicates that Titanium can withstand the corrosion but cannot withstand the erosion.

GPIC General Manager Mr. Abdul Rahman Jawahery signing the agreement with ATI Wah Chang

Samih Al-AlawiChief Engineer

Ahmed NuruddinPlants Operation Manager


In Urea Strippers with Bimetallic tubes, there is a problem of corrosion in the bottom end of the heat exchange tubes. At temperatures of 205 degC, Ammonium Carbamate is very corrosive and causes corrosion in the stainless steel outer layer of the Bi-metallic tubes. In order to maintain the passivation in the bottom channel, high pressure passivation air is introduced in the bottom channel of the stripper.

Despite the addition of air, dis-bonding between layers of Stainless Steel and Zirconium leading to crevice corrosion in the tubes and ultimately failure of tubes has been observed. Also, due to corrosion in tube to tubesheet joints failure in tube to tubesheet joints, which is made of stainless steel, has been observed. The weld overlay of the bottom channel is also vulnerable to corrosion. The life of a Bi-metallic stripper is expected to be 10-12 years.

Please refer to the Figure # 1 for a pictorial representation of the problems faced in Urea Strippers with Titanium tubes and Stainless Steel-Zirconium bi-metallic tubes.

However, in the Bimetallic tubes, it has been observed that the inner Zirconium layer is resistant to any corrosion/erosion attack from the Ammonium Carbamate at the operating temperatures and pressures. This led researchers to look for a material which could combine the advantages of both the titanium tubes and the Bi-metallic tubes.

In short it can be concluded that:

Zirconium is resilient to any corrosion/erosion attack but is difficult to fabricate as welding of Zirconium is difficult.

Titanium can withstand corrosion but cannot withstand erosion.

Stainless Steel cannot withstand corrosion in the bottom section.

Problems Faced With Existing Bi-metallic Stripper at GPIC:

GPIC High pressure stripper is bimetallic tube stripper with outer layer 25:22:2:: Cr:Ni:Mo austenitic steel of 2.0 mm thickness and inner layer of Zirconium of 0.7 mm thickness. Due to weldability issues, 20 mm of the inner Zirconium lining has been removed at the top and bottom ends of the tubes. The stripper has been in service since inception of the Urea plant and has been inspected several times during turnarounds since then.

Problems Faced With Existing Bi-metallic Stripper at GPIC:

GPIC High pressure stripper is bimetallic tube stripper with outer layer 25:22:2:: Cr:Ni:Mo austenitic steel of 2.0 mm thickness and inner layer of Zirconium of 0.7 mm thickness. Due to weldability issues, 20 mm of the inner Zirconium lining has been removed at the top and bottom ends of the tubes. The stripper has been in service since inception of the Urea plant and has been inspected several times during turnarounds since then.

GPIC Management team with representatives of ATI Wah Chang & Snamprogetti after signing of the contract

Following are the concerns faced in the existing Stripper:

Corrosion at the bottom head.

Corrosion of the bottom tube ends.

Dis-bonding between inner Zirconium and outer Stainless Steel layers at the bottom.

Etching and fragmentation of the bottom tubes to tube sheet welds.

Five tubes have so far been plugged due to defects in the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ).

Figure # 2: Sketch of Corrosion Areas in Urea Stripper at GPIC Urea Plant

Corrosion in tube to tube-sheet weld joints

Dis-bonding between Zirconium & Stainless Steel Bi-metallic tube

Figure # 3: Corrosion Observed in Urea Stripper in GPIC Urea Plant

As a proactive approach towards reliability, it is decided to replace the HP Urea Stripper after about 11 years of operation. It is planned to replace the Urea Stripper in Turnaround 2009.

During deliberations within GPIC and with Process Licensor on options for replacement of the present stripper, a prudent decision was taken to introduce a new technology. After extensive survey and inputs from past experiences, it was decided to adopt a stripper with Omega Bond Tubes.

Manufacture of a complete zirconium tube would have solved the problem of corrosion but would have posed problems during manufacture due to difficulties in welding zirconium tubes to other internals. Hence, a unique idea of Titanium-Zirconium Bi-metallic tube was conceived.

As a final answer to the corrosion and erosion concerns, the process licensor Snamprogetti, in association with ATI Wah Chang, USA, has developed a robust stripper design which will take care of the

shortcomings faced so far in stripper designs. In the new stripper, the heat exchange tubes are Bi-metallic of Titanium and Zirconium with the latter being the inner layer. Zirconium being the inner layer can withstand the corrosion/erosion attack and the outer titanium layer can address the issues of corrosion and weldability. The tubes are called OmegaBond tubes. The OmegaBond tubes are manufactured by a special extrusion bond process. Figure # 3 is a sample of the OmegaBond Tube.

NEW DEVELOPMENT IN STRIPPER TECHNOLOGYFigure # 1: Areas most susceptible to

Corrosion/Erosion in Urea Stripper

An agreement between GPIC and ATI Wah Chang was signed to supply OmegaBondTM advanced tubing for the new Urea Stripper. Snamprogetti (Italy) being the Urea Plant process licensor will provide

the technical support and engineering required for the construction of the first innovative unit. This innovative new design will make GPIC the first plant in the world to use this technology.

Combating corrosion problem of the highly aggressive Urea fluid requires innovative designs and well tested bimetallic tubes. In order to ensure reliability of the plant and before using new design and tube material, it is essential to carry out a thorough investigation of previous designs and tube materials used by Urea producers till date.

Discussions with Process Licensor (who has a wealth of plant experience with different strippers) and Speciality Alloys Supplier has resulted in adopting an innovative design for Urea Stripper. This design is expected to solve corrosion and erosion problems faced in Snamprogetti Urea Strippers.

Figure # 3: Sample of Titanium-Extrusion Bonded Tube

The internal lining of the stripper is of Titanium. Hence, the titanium outer layer of the tubes will be welded to the Titanium liner. Weldability of titanium is a well defined procedure, making manufacturing process easier.

This new stripper shall give the following advantages:

Corrosion-free operation due to use of Titanium and Zirconium, hence longer life of operation up to 25 years.

Due to increased temperature of the bottom of the Stripper from 204 to 212 °C, it shall be possible to have the flexibility to increase the load of the plant by an estimated 10 to 15%.

Increased energy efficiency due to lower solution recycled and increased steam generation in the HP loop.

Discontinuation of the use of high pressure passivation air, resulting into potential savings in operating and maintenance costs.

Increased plant availability.

A thorough investigation of the problems encountered in the Urea Strippers in operation was carried out. After weighing the pros and cons and thorough Technical Evaluation, GPIC management has taken a prudent decision to adopt the new technology stripper with OmegaBond tubes. This will be the first ever such stripper in operation and it will be a watershed in the stripper design development.

Conclusion


issuemohandis_mag_47_en.pdf · 2015. 12. 19. · mr. jameel alalawi director of conferences mr....

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