This comprehensive programme is designed to provide deep insights and expertise in material engineering, specifically tailored for the oil and gas industry.
It consists of six interrelated sub-programmes:
Introduction to the Oil & Gas Industry
Engineering Principles for the Oil & Gas Industry
Fundamentals of Material Engineering
Damage Mechanisms and Failure Modes
Material Selection for Oil & Gas Equipment
Basics of Integrity Management
Programme Overview:
Materials engineering is crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of equipment and pipelines in the oil and gas industry. Material engineers play a pivotal role in corrosion management and the selection of appropriate materials, taking into account various operational and environmental parameters. This ensures the integrity and longevity of critical infrastructure.
The programme also emphasizes asset integrity, applying methodologies such as Risk-Based Inspection (RBI), Fitness-for-Service (FFS) assessments, and Remaining Life Evaluation to maintain and extend the operational life of equipment. A strong understanding of international standards, including ASME, API, and ASTM, will guide material selection to meet specific process and product requirements.
Participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, equipping them to enter the oil and gas industry with a competitive edge and enhanced competence.
Programme Objectives:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of the oil and gas industry’s operational flow processes.
- Acquire specialized knowledge in material engineering as applied to the oil and gas sector.
- Master both theoretical concepts and practical applications of material selection, corrosion control, damage mechanisms, failure analysis, and risk mitigation, including preventive maintenance and inspection protocols.
Target Audience:
- Recent graduates or final-year students from engineering and science disciplines aspiring to careers in the oil and gas industry.
- Professionals seeking specialized knowledge in materials engineering for application in oil and gas.
- Newly hired employees in the oil and gas sector requiring foundational knowledge in material engineering.
Detailed Sub-Programme Descriptions
This introductory module provides an overview of the oil and gas industry's key components, covering the upstream, midstream, and downstream sectors. The focus will be on understanding the global significance of the industry, with specific insights into local contexts, such as the industry's impact on national economies.
Key Learning Topics:
- Definitions, terminology, and fundamental concepts in oil and gas.
- The development and operation of surface facilities.
- Overview of oil and gas processing stages.
- Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) considerations in the oil and gas sector.
This module delves into the engineering aspects critical to the oil and gas sector, covering the entire lifecycle of surface facilities from design to decommissioning. It will highlight the integration of various engineering disciplines and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration.
Key Learning Topics:
- Lifecycle stages of surface facilities.
- Phases of design, including conceptual and detailed engineering.
- Construction, commissioning, and operational considerations.
- Maintenance strategies to ensure optimal performance.
- Decommissioning procedures and environmental considerations.
- Compliance with industry codes and standards.
This section introduces the fundamental principles of material engineering, focusing on how different materials are used within the oil and gas industry. Participants will learn about the processing, structure, properties, and performance of materials, with a focus on metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites.
Key Learning Topics:
- Properties and applications of metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites in oil and gas.
- Mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of materials.
- Material testing methods, including non-destructive testing techniques.
Understanding damage mechanisms and failure modes is critical for preventing and mitigating equipment failures. This module covers the most common damage mechanisms in the oil and gas industry and provides strategies for their prevention and management.
Key Learning Topics:
- Identification and description of common damage mechanisms.
- Materials typically affected by different types of damage.
- Critical factors influencing damage mechanisms.
- Types of equipment most vulnerable to specific failures.
- Visual identification of damage mechanisms.
- Prevention and mitigation techniques.
- Inspection, monitoring, and diagnostic methods.
Effective material selection is essential to prevent corrosion and other forms of damage in oil and gas equipment. This module will provide practical skills for calculating corrosion rates and selecting appropriate materials, focusing on safety and regulatory compliance.
Key Learning Topics:
- Hands-on practical exercises for corrosion rate calculation and material selection.
- Techniques for corrosion prevention and mitigation.
- Inspection methods and maintenance strategies to ensure equipment integrity.
Integrity management is critical for maintaining the safety and reliability of oil and gas assets. This module covers the principles and practices of integrity management throughout the asset lifecycle, from design to decommissioning.
Key Learning Topics:
- Case studies on material selection, corrosion rates, and equipment design life.
- Failure analysis of industrial equipment and application of Fitness-for-Service (FFS) and Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) methodologies.
- Strategies for balancing design, maintenance, and replacement of assets while minimizing costs and maximizing safety.
All Graduate Training Programme
