What Is ISO 14001 And Should I Care?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Increased awareness of sustainable development gives environmentally credible companies a competitive edge in national and international markets. A certified Environmental Management System proves that your business is taking active steps to fulfill your responsibility.
"What Is ISO 14001 And Should I Care?" Booklet will provide an overview of:
- What an Environmental Management System encompasses
- The ISO 14000 series of standards
- The structure of the standard
- Requirements of ISO 14001
- Acceptance of the standard
- What is involved in the certification process
Click HERE and Get your "What Is ISO 14001 And Should I Care?" FREE copy now by filling up a form.
Title: ISO 14001:2004 Road Map
This road map can be used as a resource for your company as you travel down the road to ISO 14001:2004 certification. It is created in an easy to read and understand format that can aid in understanding the ISO 14001:2004 standard.
Be the best chemical engineer you could be. Learn something about chemical engineering that's not inside your textbook. Subscribe to the content of this blog.
Labels: Learning Curve, Quality
posted by Kipas Repair JB @ 10:35 PM,
,
Lost Your Job? Oil Rig Work is Well Paid If You've Got What it Takes
When you get retrenched or loose your job, it's not that easy to find a replacement quickly. Rather than become desperate, why not consider a unique job? Oil rig work is far from boring and you can be earning a considerable amount of money within a few short years. Even without qualifications, you can still be in line to earn in excess of $40 000 dollars per year. And don't forget, you are usually only working for half of that time. So how do you know if you have what it takes to land a job on an oil drilling platform?
Your first port of call should be to gather as much information as you possibly can about the oil and gas industry. Despite the doom and gloom in most other sectors of the economy, the oil and gas industry play such a vital role in our everyday lives that the demand for petroleum products will continue to outstrip demand for a long time to come. Offshore drilling and surveying takes place across the globe, so you will be sure to find an area that you will enjoy. Don't forget though that oil platforms are normally way off shore and you will need to be transported there by helicopter.
That means that you won't be slipping ashore to enjoy the night life. You will be confined to the oil rig for the duration of your shifts which can be two to four weeks long. If you are the type of person that doesn't do well in cramped and sometimes uncomfortable conditions then this may not be the career for you. You will need the sort of personality that can adapt to changing conditions. You will need to get along with your fellow crew members for days on end so miserable individuals won't really be tolerated. If you are under 30 years old then your chances of getting a foot in the door are considerably better. No-one will tell you that, but it's a fact of life in the oil job sector.
As in any other job search process, you need to sell your skills and qualifications to the recruiters and human resource officers. Take the time to have your CV or resume professionally written up before sending it off to the various offices. You only get one chance for a first impression. Make sure that you highlight any maritime or navy experience and courses as these will push your CV to the head of the line. It also helps if you have completed courses in maritime safety and operations.
In the current economic climate, you still have an excellent chance of securing a job. Oil rig careers are lucrative and with the right skills and qualifications you could be earning an above average income in a very short space of time. So long as you have the personality, mental toughness and physical strength to endure weeks on end in an isolated and sometimes dangerous environment you stand a good chance of making a success of your oil and gas industry career. Successful employees are generally the ones who have the most knowledge of where to look and how to apply for oil industry jobs. Be sure to get the latest information about availability of position as information travels fast and you need to be in the "know" to have the best chance of securing your oil field job.
To find more information on how you can land a great job on an oil rig check out: job oil rig at Hunter Recruitment. You will find great resources to help you find a job in the oil and gas industry written by people who have actually worked on oil rigs themselves. Visit http://www.hunterrecruitment.co.za/petrochemical.htm for the latest jobs in the oil and gas industry.
Be the best chemical engineer you could be. Learn something about chemical engineering that's not inside your textbook. Subscribe to the content of this blog.
Labels: Chemical Engineer, Chemical Engineering, Oil and Gas
posted by Kipas Repair JB @ 10:07 PM,
,
Bio-Fuels - New Oil Or New World Hunger?
As the World starts to regret using so much carbon-based fossil fuels, they have been inventing alternative fuels and the one getting the most attention is Bio-fuel.
This apparently 'great answer' to reducing our dependence on oil is taking the states by storm in particular, with gas stations offering various types of gas with differing amounts of bio-fuels in them - great for reducing your carbon footprint, right?
Well, maybe it's not a simple as a quick fix - and maybe it's not all just about carbon!
How are Bio-fuels made?
Various crops have been found to convert very well into ethanol and other similar compounds - and it is these volatile liquids which can then be used to generate energy (combined with existing fuels) to drive vehicles.
Fields of Corn/Maize, Sorghum, Sugar Cane, Soy and Palm Oil are all being grown across the Globe to generate these new bio-fuels for the developed countries that demand them. However, as you can imagine - if large areas of land are being farmed for fuel - then other factors become an issue.
1) Deforestation:
Large areas of land are being cleared of forests and human settlements to grow these 'in demand' crops for the developed nations.
In Argentina, it has been calculated that more than 2.3 million hectares have been cleared since 2005 alone for Soy, and there are plans afoot for a 1.8 million hectare Palm Oil plantation (the Worlds largest) to be created in the heart of a Borneo Rainforest - obviously the trees, wildlife and indigenous peoples will have to be cleared, moved or destroyed. Palm Oil has become the largest cause of deforestation in South-East Asia due to increasing demand for both the cosmetics industry and now bio-fuels.
2) Supply Of Grains:
The US is the worlds greatest exporter of corn - of so it was before it started producing it's own bio-fuels from it. As a result, it is not sending the corn out to other nations and they are finding themselves short of supply. As with everything in the world - shortage of supply means an increase in prices, so those countries that are still dependent on the corn are paying a lot more for it.
And it is not just corn - all grain prices have gone up as the demand on the land has pushed out other crops such as wheat and along with other environmental factors the consumers are suffering. Between 2004 and 2006 corn prices went up an estimated 54%, wheat 34%, soybean oil by an amazing 71% and sugar rose by an unbelievable 75%.
And it all got worse in 2007. The World Bank reported price increases of food by up to 83% between then and 2008. More than 40 countries have had food riots - and weekly grocery shopping is certainly eating away at my wages!
3) Fuel Or Food:
If vast areas of arable land are being turned over to growing crops for fuel - then where are we growing the food for humans to eat?
The massive demand for grains for fuel are pricing poor people of the world out of the food market. Talks are currently underway with farmers from India to sell their crops of sorghum and sugarcane to be used for ethanol production rather than for the food industry - and it's a better price! The US and other 'rich' countries have got more money to throw at such ventures, making it an impossible catch 22 for the farmers.
Either they get more for their crops - and as a business this makes sense, but then in effect can reduce reasonably-priced food available to themselves and their fellow countrymen. Or they can take less money for their work in the hope that whoever they sell their crops to doesn't do what they didn't and reap the rewards!
4) Carbon FootPrint:
The clearing of forests and the excessive amounts of land turned over for farming cannot possibly be reducing the effect of carbon emissions into the atmosphere.
I have no doubt that the farming machinery used the Palm Oil and Soy land owners is not run on bio-fuels itself and are probably churning out more carbon that we are saving with our 5% bio-fuel diesel mix. The machinery used to clear the forests in the first place are another great source of carbon emissions too.
Then there is the impact of clearing the trees in the first place. Surely everyone knows that to counter-balance your own carbon emissions (such as flying) you should be planting trees. Trees absorb carbon, so if you are cutting them down it can only have a negative effect. And if you are cutting them down to sustain our lazy habit of driving everywhere then this can only double the negative effect.
Are Bio-fuels Sustainable?
Current evidence would be to suggest that 'No' they are not sustainable at all.
They compete with the human food supply, they destroy irreplaceable habitats across the globe to make way for huge monoculture farms. These farms divert organic matter away from the necessary ecosystems and basically take food from the poor to make fuel for the rich on the other side of the world.
As we all know - cleared rain-forest are not able to sustain farming for any length of time, and eventually become only good for cattle farming (another contentious argument for methane emissions). The cycle is known too well - the result = more forests destroyed for more farms.
What Is The Alternative?
Is there a sustainable people-friendly, environmentally-friendly method of producing a fuel for our current transport needs?
Or do we need to rethink our transport needs?
For more environment articles written by "TravelCat", visit http://www.ecofriendlyhouseandgarden.com
Be the best chemical engineer you could be. Learn something about chemical engineering that's not inside your textbook. Subscribe to the content of this blog.
Labels: Biodiesel, Biofuel, Energy, Environmental
posted by Kipas Repair JB @ 9:55 PM,
,
Robotic Fish Solve Water Pollution?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Have you ever imagine fish cleaning polluted water? Nope... Well, believe it. It's a robotic fish (not from transformers movie) that will eat evil pollutants.
Robotic fish, developed by UK scientists, are to be released into the sea for the first time to detect pollution.
The carp-shaped robots will be let loose in the port of Gijon in northern Spain as part of a three-year research project funded by the European Commission and co-ordinated by BMT Group Ltd, an independent engineering and risk management consultancy.
If successful, the team hopes that the fish will used in rivers, lakes and seas across the world, including Britain, to detect pollution.
To believe this, check out the following video
The video bellow shows a different kind of fish, which I believe originates from Japan. I'm not sure of it's function.
Be the best chemical engineer you could be. Learn something about chemical engineering that's not inside your textbook. Subscribe to the content of this blog.
Labels: Environmental
posted by Kipas Repair JB @ 9:32 PM,
,
Free Chemical Engineering Software CD
Interested in chemical engineering simulation? There's a new chemical engineering software and it is free.
Simulating chemical processes reduces cost, speeds up product development
and sparks innovation. The brand new Intro to Chemical Engineering Simulations
CD reveals how engineers at companies such as NASA, Philips, and Argonne
National Lab are benefiting from using multiphysics tools to model fluid
flow, heat and mass transfer, and reaction kinetics.
Request your copy at http://www.uk.comsol.com/el09
Animated tutorials and case studies demonstrate the capabilities of COMSOL software in areas such as:
- Bulk and Fine Chemicals Production
- Energy and Environmental
- Food and Household Products
- Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
- Polymers and Petrochemicals
- Surface Chemistry and Semiconductors
- Water and Effluent Treatment
- Electrochemical Engineering
- Process Engineering
- Reaction Processes
- Separation
- Transport Phenomena
Flow field, concentration and temperature distribution in a diesel particle filter.This CD is available at no cost. Get yours today at
http://www.uk.comsol.com/el09
Labels: Chemical Engineer, Chemical Engineering, Software
posted by Kipas Repair JB @ 9:09 PM,
,
What is Biomass Electricity and is it Green?
Thursday, March 12, 2009
In the race to find a sustainable source of alternative energy, many heads are turning towards biomass electricity. There are many questions being asked, from exactly how the electricity is made and what it is to whether it is truly a green alternative. While far fewer consumers know about biomass and the potential held within that would be preferred, the word seems to be spreading quickly, adding to the hope that there will be a more significant demand for this unique method of energy production.
Biomass is living and recently dead biological matter, and can include yard clippings, tree branches, and wood chips. Biomass is typically obtained from harvesting and processing agricultural and forestry crops. In a process called co-generation, the biomass is burned, creating steam that turns turbines in order to create electricity. The steam is then used for secondary processes, from factory use to things such as drying out vegetables, making the entire process remarkably energy efficient.
The United States currently utilizes biomass for approximately 0.5 percent of its electricity generation. This small percentage of biomass use saves approximately eleven million tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year compared to fossil fuel combustion. Converting biomass to energy also changes methane or CH4 to carbon dioxide or CO2. Because methane emissions are far more harmful to the greenhouse gases surrounding the atmosphere, this process is considered a highly valuable tool in the fight against global warming. Biomass electricity production reduces greenhouse gases at least five times more effectively than other methods of producing electricity, both renewable and nuclear.
One fact that surprises many consumers is that biomass was once the primary source of heat across the globe. When thinking of what comprises biomass, many people do not realize that firewood is considered a source. When considering the amount of homes that still implement fireplaces and the cost effectiveness and efficiency that comes with these heat sources, the need for a source of biomass power on a larger scale becomes more obvious.
One place some cities are finally beginning to see as an excellent source of biomass is municipal waste areas. As landfills are exceeding their capacity, we are left with lots of trash and nowhere to store it. A great percentage of our waste is able to be used to produce energy, and many cities are starting to see that converting this waste to energy has multiple benefits in that it creates renewable and environmentally friendly energy while also reducing landfill bound waste.
While most sources of energy must start at the top before they will be usable to consumers, there are a variety of options for using biomass to power your home. New homes can be built to burn wood or other biomass to produce energy. Homes are still connected to a city grid in case there is a need for more power, and when excess power is created it produces a credit as the electric meter runs backwards. As the cost of energy rises significantly, more and more homeowners are implementing such systems in their homes, with the global hope that businesses and industries will soon be forced to follow suit.
Renewable Energy Today is devoted to providing individuals with up-to-date information and resources on renewable energy and sustainability. Through articles, videos and other content, you can learn how to implement renewable energy in your home as well as what the government is doing to help the environment.
If you are interested to read and understand more on this issue, you can apply the following magazines which are free.
Renewable Energy World provides authoritative articles, case studies and essential news on global developments in the renewables sector. Every issue includes features on wind power, solar thermal, photovoltaics and biomass. Regular coverage is also devoted to geothermal, energy storage, small hydro, and hybrid systems.
Labels: Biodiesel, Biofuel, Biotechnology, Chemical Engineer, Chemical Engineering
posted by Kipas Repair JB @ 10:20 PM,
,
Continuous Learning Process
Since I graduated from as a chemical engineer 10 years ago, I have learned and experienced lots of interesting and fascinating stuffs related to chemical engineering. I still remembered how excited I was when I was a research officer and a master students. I was excited due to the fact that I learned new knowledge on daily basis. It was good to be able to learn and learn from the likes of lecturers, technicians, suppliers, colleagues and others. I always ensure and allow myself to accept and welcome new information and it enriched me.
Now, as an educator and researcher, I'm still eager to hunt for new knowledge. The hunger and desire for new inputs, new information keep burning inside me. I still learn new things, new knowledge, new information on a daily basis. The ultimate difference compared to the decade ago is the internet. With internet, information is feed directly to our eyeballs. It's up to us to accept or to avoid the flood of information.
I would like to highlight few new knowledge that I gained in the pass weeks. It might be useful to share it with others.
1. FLUENT software
I learned about this software while discussing with a senior colleague about simulating what happen in a reactor. I never heard about this software before, but after some brief explanation on what this software can do, I found it interesting to use this software later for my pH.D. Fluent
is actually a a robust, reliable, comprehensive CFD flow modeling software. I'm still exploring this software. For further information, please visit FLUENT.COM. In case you have experience using this software, feel free to share your experience with us.
2. Data acquisition tool/software
I plan to insert thermocouples inside my quartz reactor to study the real time heat profile in my reaction. I've learned this from my other half pH.D research. The thermocouple and software provides very good temperature data gathering and will be very useful for me to analyze what actually happen inside the reactor. I'll update the link for this later.
3. Setting up a plant (real plant)
Setting up a plant is not as simple as what we learn and report during our final year design project. It's tougher then what we expected. I'm involve with a real project that requires us to assist a company set up a plant in a nearby heavy industrial estate. I learned how a plant have to prepare documents in order to fulfill Department of Environment (DOE) and other important agencies. The task was not easy but I surely learn the real thing. I really appreciate the experiences I gained from this project.
Well, there are more projects that I'm involved and there goes the continuous learning process of a chemical engineer. You'll surely have lot's of thing to learn directly and indirectly.
A relative of mine, Ir. Palgunadi from Indonesia, whom I regularly meet, advised me to take note of everything that I learned and later on possibly put in properly and nicely in a book for others to benefit from it. He has published his own book few years ago and is in process of publishing his second book this year. Although he is a mechanical engineer, but surely is a good and charismatic person. There was one day, somewhere in January 2009, he asked me, my wife, my brother and father, what is enthalphy? Followed by another question, what is enthrophy?
He demanded us to answer in a very simple way that a layman can understand. We did answered in our own version, but he explained it in a simple way and we were impressed.
Labels: Chemical Engineer, Chemical Engineering, Learning Curve
posted by Kipas Repair JB @ 10:18 PM,
,
Chemical Engineers Are The Highest Paid In The Business
Despite a disastrous weak world economy, college graduates can expect to make good money, if they major in chemical engineering and later on work as a chemical engineer or related engineering disciplines. Yes, this is true and was reported in hotnewz.tv at the end of 2008. So, for those of you who are still deciding on your career future, consider chemical engineering. It's exciting, interesting, challenging and lots of fun. Not convinced? Check out this video...
Labels: Chemical Engineer, Chemical Engineering, Jobs
posted by Kipas Repair JB @ 4:02 AM,
,
How To Make 100% Natural Soap
Everybody used soap on a daily basis during shower, to wash hands, to clean stuffs etc. But, do you know how to make a soap? Can you make your own 100% natural soap behind your house or the back yard? Would it be interesting to use your own home made 100% natural soap? You can do just that after you learn how to make your own soap. It's simple and easy. You can use equipments available at your house/kitchen. The most complicated tool is just a mixer but you can always substitute it with your own hand to do the mixing. Apart from that, you need several container and few of them will act as a mixing reactor. Finally, the exciting part is to design and colour your soap creatively according to your taste. Who knows, you can create and sell the soap? That will be exciting... check out the video... and start making one.
Labels: Chemistry, Learning Curve, Video
posted by Kipas Repair JB @ 3:49 AM,
,
Molten Iron Throwing
Do you like fireworks? Are they beautiful? Off course. What if you don't have fireworks but want to enjoy something almost as exciting and as gorgeous as fireworks? If you dare (not afraid to die) and if you are brave enough, you can try throwing away molting iron. If you hire a safety officer, you probably won't be allowed to do this. It involves extreme temperature and is not safe. Imagine the temperature of molted iron.
However, in a dangerous festivals - in Nuanquan, China, locals hurl molten iron at a wall. And sometimes, on themselves. To believe it, watch this following video. Interesting...
Be the best chemical engineer you could be. Learn something about chemical engineering that's not inside your textbook. Subscribe to the content of this blog.
Labels: Accident, Energy, Video
posted by Kipas Repair JB @ 3:33 AM,
,
IEM Upcoming Events
Thursday, March 05, 2009
If you are chemical engineers (or from other engineering disciplines) from Malaysia, you might be interested to enrich yourselves with good training and courses. IEM had sent me some information that I think need to be expended to others. Following is the adopted email content.
Dear Sir / Madam,
We are pleased to announce the IEM upcoming events. Kindly click on the respective URL link's to download the flyer / brochure.
- Talk on "Embedded Systems in Satellites" - 14 March 2009, Saturday (2 CPD/PDP) - 2nd Floor, IEM Conference Hall, Bangunan Ingenieur - ITSIG-140309-T.pdf
- ITSIG 11th AGM - 14 March 2009, Saturday (2 CPD/PDP) - 2nd Floor, IEM Conference Hall, Bangunan Ingenieur - ITSIG-140309-AGM.pdf
- Talk on "Progress Report of PEMUDAH" - 23 March 2009, Monday (2 CPD/PDP) - 2nd Floor, IEM Conference Hall, Bangunan Ingenieur - MANU-230309-T.pdf
- Talk on "Introduction to Airborne Contamination on Control for Operating Theatre - 26 March 2009, Thursday - 2nd Floor, IEM Conference Hall, Bangunan Ingenieur - OGMTD-260309-T.pdf
- 2 Day Intensive Course on "Common Commercial & Contract Administration Problem and Their Solutions" - 23 to 24 March 2009, Monday & Tuesday (16 CPD/PDP) - Hotel Armada, Petaling Jaya - MASHRAE-23240309-C.pdf
- Technical Visit to the Construction of Triang transfer Tunnel & Associated Project JBANS, Sungei Triang, Negeri Sembilan - 28 March 2009, Saturday (6 CPD/PDP) - Negeri Sembilan - TUSTD-280309-TV.pdf
- Professional Interview Workshop - 11 April 2009, Saturday (3 PDP) - Auditorium, 3rd Floor, Wisma IEM, Petaling Jaya (IEM new building) - PIB-110409-W.pdf
- Project Management Consultancy Survey by PMTD - (1 CPD/PDP) - PMTD-Survey.pdf
Thank you
IEM Announce
Be the best chemical engineer you could be. Learn something about chemical engineering that's not inside your textbook. Subscribe to the content of this blog.
Labels: Chemical Engineer, Chemical Engineering, IEM, Seminar, Training
posted by Kipas Repair JB @ 9:24 PM,
,
Post Doc wanted by CREG
My research group, Chemical Reaction Engineering Group (CREG) is currently and urgently searching for a Post Doc to assist its research activity. Anybody who is interested with reaction and catalysis engineering, green energy, plasma reaction, pyrolysis, zeolites, biomass etc AND fulfills the requirements (refer below) are encourage to apply.
The Closing date of this job is on the 23rd of March 2009.
Details of the Post Doctoral Fellowship Scheme:
This schemes provide funds for appointment post doctoral research fellow who will conduct full time research work and thereby contributes towards enhancing and strengthening research work in particular research area. Candidate must be foreign researcher (non-Malaysian citizen) who possesses a doctorate or will obtain within 6 months in related field of studies from a recognized institution of higher education.
Terms of appointment:
1. The tenure for the post-doctoral is one (1) year subjected to research performance.
2. Monthly allowances is RM5,000.00 based on his/her proven skills and experiences.
3. Travel expenses (economy class only).
Eligibility Criteria:
1. Application must be made by the Post Doctoral candidate through his/her UTM supervisor.
2. Non-Malaysian Post Doctoral candidate need to prove his/her proficiency in English through TOEFL (minimum score 600) or IELTS (minimum score 6.5).
Documents to be attached together with application form:
1. Passport
2. Recent photograph
3. Academic certificates (Diploma, bachelor, masters, pH.D or senate approval letter)
4. TOEFL/IELTS results or other equivalent certificates.
5. CV
6. Research proposal
For interested candidates, please contact me at zakiyamani@fkkksa.utm.my.
Be the best chemical engineer you could be. Learn something about chemical engineering that's not inside your textbook. Subscribe to the content of this blog.
posted by Kipas Repair JB @ 4:49 PM,
,
The Author
I’m Zaki. I used to be a project, process and chemical engineer. Few years ago I successfully became a Chartered Engineer (IChemE) and Professional Engineer (BEM). I'm now employed as a chemical engineering educator/researcher/consultant. Hope you like reading my blog. I welcome any feedback from you. My email: zaki.yz[alias]gmail.com. TQ!
