Industrial Training Course at Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company - Personal Statement Example

Industrial training course Name of the Student: Name of the Instructor: Name of the course: Code of the course: Submission date: Executive summary My industrial training course was key in fulfilling the desired goal of gaining increased knowledge as well as experience. This training was undertaken at Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) which is located in Abu Dhabi. The course was undertaken amid competent engineers who were extremely helpful in the training process. Apart from working at ADSSC, I also worked at AECOM, a company which provides professional technical and management support at the global level. In addition, I also visited Al Mafraq Wastewater Treatment Works (MWTW) which also increased my skills and knowledge. In the course of this training, I leant diverse things which include but not limited to procedures, value information and calculation using formulas and functions among others. I also learnt the distinction between different kinds of treatment which are used in the modern world. Chapter One Introduction ADSSC is a subsidiary company of the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority. This company is bound to be a recognized leader in bulk collection, treatment and safe disposal of waste water. This is important in the provision of sustainable supply of irrigation water to be used for agricultural purposes as well as landscaping areas in Abu Dhabi. ADSSC was established in June 2005 and mandated with the roles of planning, designing, managing, operating and maintaining the sewerage system in Abu Dhabi. These undertaking are founded on the search for increased efficiency, effectiveness, productivity as well as profitability. ADSSC has six primary divisions which are Projects division, Assets division, Finance department, Supply department, HR and Administration department and lastly Operation and Maintenance Department. The core values at ADSSC are collaboration and innovation, expertise and service, care and accountability. This company also has a mission of achieving excellence in the provision of high quality, cost effective, safe and environmentally compliant sewerage services in Abu Dhabi. In regard to the vision, it ADSSC aims at being recognized by the communities, businesses and regulators as a global leader in the provision of sewerage services by 2020. Chapter Two Tasks and Assignments Task 1: I started my training at EACOM Company and then trained at Al mafraq Wastewater Treatment Works (MWTW). Training at EACOM Consultant Middle East 2.0Introduction I first met Eng. Ameen who is the consultant in the branch who briefed me on the nature of this work. The primary aim of this program was the attainment of knowledge as well as learning about the infrastructure in the sewage service works. The works in this office include all types of engineering like civil, electrical, mechanical and management. 2.1 Training tasks 2.1.1 Introduction to the business and company (Eng. Ameen) In the first day of the training, I was introduced to the staff in the company as well as their different roles which was followed by a brief explanation about the sewerage business from Eng. Ameen. In addition, he explained to me the process flow; master plan, infrastructure and structural design. 2.1.2 Housing connection (Eng. Ameen) In this period, I was provided with explanations, documents as well as some tasks by Eng. Ameen. Firstly, I read the manual of design standards of Abu Dhabi (commonly referred to as the Gide by the consultant. Secondly, I reviewed some documents and layouts of the concept of designing factors which are basic in designing the same line to reach the house connection. In addition, different topics were covered during this period. This entailed taking some drawings and calculating the depth of the manhole (Depth = CL-IL), how to select the slop of the pipe (according to diameter of the pipe and the velocity of the flow using the standard table. Moreover, I also gained an idea in regard to the different types and sizes of pipes materials used in the projects. It is also important to mention that I also practiced on how to design the flow according to the standard table. Lastly, I familiarized myself with the names of different parts of the manhole as well as working on a simple pipe line flow program. 2.1.3 Sewerage (Eng. Ameen) The major objective in this part of the training program was to learn how to read the drawings of the project and to familiarize with and understand the simples on these drawings. I went through diverse subjects in this period which include reading the manual of design standards as well as reviewing some projects drawings among others. 2.1.4 Pumping stations (Eng. Ahmed Gamer and Eng. Ameen) It is imperative to note that the pumping stations are an integral part of the sewage process. In the first instance of this period, an introduction was given in regard to the concepts of work which is undertaken in the mechanical division in the consultant office. Different tasks were also embarked on in this training period. These include learning the merits and the demerits of using each type of pumping stations, reviewing some Auto CAD drawings for pressurized pumping station as well as calculating the sewage pumping design and lifting station design just to name a few. I also learnt different types of pump stations; wet well (submersible), wet well-drywell (submersible) and wet well-drywell (above ground). In addition, I also leant the different types of chambers in wastewater network, but primarily the valve and inlet chambers which are inside the station. 2.1.5 Safety (Eng. Ahmed Gamer) It is worth noting that in the course of the training program at EACOM consultant, I also attended a two days safety training program with the EACOM staff which was held at the training center of the company. This was commenced by an introduction to safety and risk management and then followed by comprehensive explanation of different subjects which include fire safety awareness, company health and safety site policy and procedure, company health and safety work method statement, construction site safety inspection and construction job safety analysis (JSA) among others. 2.1.6 Site visits (7 days; Eng. Ahmed Gamer and Eng. Sadiq) This was the last part of the training program undertaken at EACOM consultant office. This was in the site office of EACOM which is mandated with the follow-up role of the different sites in the city of Abu Dhabi. I also gained extensive knowledge in this part of the training. This was characterized by gaining knowledge the procedure of preparing the ground for manhole bases by attending the process, seeing different types of shafts (single and double) and how they are fixed at the site as well as gaining an idea about the different types of drawings and the sequencing just to mention a few. In addition to all the above stages in the training program at EACOM, the way in which the non-disruptive method (NDM) system works was also explained, the necessary arrangements which are undertaken before this process as well as where it can be used. The pipeline installation by NDM is useful in avoiding deep excavation, disturbing the nearby utilities especially oil and gas pipelines which are already in existence as well as reducing environmental impact and constructions timings among other imperatives. Task 2 Treating wastewater Training at Al Mafraq Wastewater Treatment Works (MWTW) 2.2 Introductory background Al Mafraq Wastewater Treatment Works (MWTW) is the largest treatment plan in Abu Dhabi as well as one of the biggest treatment plants in the gulf. It was established in 1982, commissioned in August, 1982 with a designed capacity of 104,250 m3 per day and serving a population of 332500 persons). In October, 1997, the phase ii was commissioned to increase the cumulative capacity to 320,000 m3 per day and serving a population of 900,000 persons. Subsequent upgrading was done between 1999 and 2001 which was followed by shutting down and rehabilitation of phase I while at the same time, the installation and testing of the new system of odor control and sludge management were also provided. 2.3 Introduction In this part of the training program, I was sent to Al Mafraq WTW to interact with the staff stationed there. This was aimed at equipping me with knowledge of how the system operates as well as gaining knowledge of the rudimentary components of the treatment work. This was to qualify me to gain a comprehensive understanding of the concept of treatment whenever I hear about it or have a chance to work in it. This includes civil (my major background and specialization), electrical, chemical as well as mechanical. It is also important to note that Al Mafraq WTW handles all the sewage which is generated in the city of Abu Dhabi. 2.4 Al Mafraq WTW operations The treatment process passes through different stages which include the following. 2.4.0 Preliminary treatment and biological treatment process 1. New flow distribution chamber This is a concrete chamber which collects the raw sewage flow which comes into the treatment plant and distributes it to the head works. This chamber consists of seven inlets and two outlets. The inlets are used for receiving new flow which is coming from different pump stations in the region and the size of an inlet pipe is between 1100 and 1300 mm. On the other hand, the outlet pipes are used for delivering and feeding the head works for both phases. 2. Screening This is the first part of the treatment process after the raw wastewater flow is received. This is characterized by mechanically cleaned bar screens (commonly referred to as fine step screens). Each phase has three screens in it. In the screening process, the major activities include the removal of any coarse material like rocks, wood, cans and steel bars as well as fine materials like plastic and rages. These have a diameter bigger than 6mm and thus cannot pass through the screens. The materials which are removed are transferred to the wash press. Here, they are washed using non-potable water and pressed before being dumped. 3. Grit removal The primary work of this process is to remove organic materials (grit, sand) and any heavy particles which settle from the wastewater after the reduction of the velocity of flow inside the grit removing tank (detritor). The removal of this organic matter is done by three scrubber arms. The grit removal process consists of two channels which are designed according to a slop which permits it to collect the grit in it. Afterwards, the grit is expelled from the tank through an outlet to the grit collection bin. 4.Primary Settlement Tanks (PST) There are six PSTs in each phase at Mafarq WTP. These PSTs receive effluent from the head works after passing through the grit removing stage analyzed above. Each settlement tank is fitted with one inlet and two outlets. One of the outlets is used for sucking out the flow and emptying it into the aeration tank while the second sucks the RAW sludge which has settled in the tanks and pumps it into the digester for further treatment. The process in the PSTs also reducing the total suspended solids (TSS) from 200mg/l to a low of 60-80 mg/l. 5. Aeration lagoons Three environments are maintained in this biological process which is the anaerobic, anoxic and the aerobic environments. All these environments permit the simultaneous occurrence of the processes of biological stabilization, nitrification and de-nitrification. a) Nitrification; this is a separate process following the conventional biological treatment. The conventional biological treatment removes BOD, without the oxidation of ammonia nitrogen to generate a suitable effluent for nitrification. Biological nitrification destroys alkalinity which culminates in a lower PH. b) De-nitrification; this is a process which minimizes nitrate to nitrogen gas where facultative hetroophic bacteria is used to eradicate nitrate from the plant effluent. Nitrogen gas which is generated in the sludge becomes entrapped in the floc, floats to the surface and escaped over the effluent weir. It is worth noting that the aeration lagoon consists of 20 lagoons 8 and 12 in phase I and ii respectively. The lagoon is supplied with flow and sludge from two main inlet lines, one from the primary settling tank and the other from return activated sludge. In this process, bacteria and micro-organisms are used to remove the solids and matters which are suspended. 2.4.1 Secondary and tertiary treatment process 1. Secondary Treatment Tanks This treatment process has two chief goals. Firstly, it settles down the sludge and secondly, it removes the sludge and returns it back to the aeration process as an activated sludge. 2. Effluent Storage Tanks The primary function of the effluent storage tanks is to store the effluent which is not accepted in the irrigation system. Chlorine is injected from the prechlorination system into the effluent to kill all bacteria which are left in the effluent and prevent elegy growth. 3. Tertiary filters In this stage, the chlorinated secondary effluent flow into the filters. It contains two inlets which split the two banks on either side of the tertiary filters. The effluent passes through sand filter beds to eliminate any solid residues in the effluent. The effluent then flows into the filter effluent channel and lastly through the weir for more chlorine treatment. 4. Filters Back wash This system is put into utility in case of partial jamming of the filters or become blocked by solids. In this case, a signal is sent to the back wash system to start the back washing process. Chlorine is also injected in this system to kill any micro-organisms which are in existence. The waste from the backwash process goes back to the head works. 5. Non Potable Water (NPW) and Irrigation Water Systems Two types of non-potable water systems are evident at Al Mafraq WTW. One is used of the wash down purposes while the other one is used is used in the treatment plant landscaping irrigation. The non-potable water system has 2 pumps for irrigation and 3 pumps wash down. 6. Chlorination The injection of chlorine in both of the phases analyzed above is done in two stages namely pre-chlorination and post-chlorination. The chlorination system passes through diverse stages during this part of treatment as follows. a) Evaporation system; two complete systems consisting of five evaporators are provided in the treatment plant, one for pre-chlorination and two for post chlorination. b) Gas header system; in the outlet pipe work from each evaporator is a gas filter and a vacuum regulator unit which is fitted with a heater and low temperature alarm switch. In case there is a present vacuum, the vacuum regulator controls the gas flow into the gas suction pipeline. On the other hand, the pressure check pressure valve enables the safe release of gas into the atmosphere in case the vacuum is absent and the regulator fails. c) Gas chlorination system; from the reserved vacuum regulator-check unit, the chlorine gas is pulled through the vacuum gas suction pipeline and into the V-notch chlorinator. From the duty chlorinator, the chlorine gas is pulled into the vacuum generating injector mixed with the injector motive water and transported to the point of application. d) Injection system; In order to generate the operation vacuum necessary for running the pre-chlorinators, their respective injectors need a pressurized motive water flow at the inlet aimed at applying chlorine solution at the dosing point. 2.4.2 Sludge management 1. Consolidation tanks These have two goals. Firstly, they minimize the total percentage of solids before pumping into the digester. Secondly, they elevate the percentage and amount of solids entering the digester in order to enhance the digester’s efficiency. 2. Primary Sludge Digester In this stage, the sludge comes from the primary settlement tanks passing through the RSPS. The anaerobic digester is used at Al Mafraq WTW. This digester breaks down the large organic compounds and converts them to simple organic matter and gas (CH4) which is delivered to the Gas Holding Tanks. After the conversion, the simple organic matter can easily settle down and be discarded including all the harmful viruses and bacteria. 3. Secondary Sludge Digester In this stage of treatment, heavy solids are settled and separated from the liquor from the solids which accompany the digested sludge from the primary sludge digester. After the separation of the sludge, it is sent to the draying beds while the liquor is sent to the filtrate pumping station. Finally, the dry sludge after the dewatering process is removed and sent to the compost plant. 4. Centrifuge This process is important for the separation of the settled solids from the liquid. This is when the flow entering the system contains the settled sludge after massive rotation against the blow which separated the solids from the liquor. Eventually, the liquor is sent back to the head works by the derange network. 5. Sludge drying beds This is the final stage of the treatment process. Here, the sludge is sent to the drying beds to dry where it is exposed to the sun and air as well as the dewatering process. The sludge is gathered after drying and sent to the composite site for further safe treatment and free of toxins for the plant. 2.4.3 Odor control unit This is a system which is frequently affixed at Al Mafraq WTW aimed at treating and getting rid of toxic gases like H2S which are generated in the course of different treatment processes as well as the bad smells. This system is usually fixed in the two phases with phase 1 having two units and phase ii having four units of odor control. A fan is used to sack the odor (commonly H2S) in both phases which starts the odor treatment process. The odor treatment process is characterized by three stages briefly analyzed below. a) Scrubbers; here, the exhaust fans sucks foul air and channels it through the odor network ducting to the scrubber system to instigate the treatment process b) Chemical dosing pumps; after the pre-treatment stage, the scrubbing liquid is slowly sprayed over the packing at the top of the scrubber. It reacts with the odor gases in the air stream. This can be viewed as the task necessary for controlling the pumping of chemicals which are required for the treatment. c) Water softener; this is the last part of the odor treatment process which is characterized by polishing. In case any odor gas is remaining in the gas stream, it is required thus achieving the required efficiency in removal which is 1-2 ppm of H2S being released to the air. Chapter Three Proposal for a Graduation project This is in regard to a new type of building which has the capacity of surviving in hot and cold weathers. This is through using special types of glasses which have high thickness. 90% of this building is fitted with glasses which can withstand high amount of sunshine during hot seasons and thus minimize the extremely hot atmosphere in the building. At the same time, the internal air inside the building will be kept conducive during the cold seasons as a result of the high thickness of the glasses. Therefore, the building will be in a warm condition during cold seasons. In addition, these windows will be connected to converters and thus these glasses can work as solar energy plates. This is founded on the fact that the sun produces enormous amount of energy (Abdulkarim, 215). Therefore, the solar energy will be converted into electrical energy which will be integral in utilizing our hot weather and as a result, save monthly payment of electricity bills. This is founded on different studies which have revealed high potential of solar energy in Abu Dhabi (Islam, et. al. 514). In addition, it is imperative to mention that solar energy is both economical and environmentally important to any nation. Therefore, it can be effectively used in the cost effectiveness of any nation, employment creation as well as promoting development of industries (Ajayi, 2). At the same time, the glasses to be used in this building will have multiple colors both in the daytime and at night which will present an attractive design for the tourists. Therefore, high profits will be earned from this project. Chapter Four Conclusion and recommendation 4.1 Recommendations In the course of this training program with EACOM Consulting, there are some general points which ought to be raised to any manager. Firstly, some of the processes did not run smoothly and some consultants just concealed them from the project manager. It is recommended that a site engineer should be assigned by ADSSC to follow-up on the occurrences at the site and at the construction period. Secondly, I noticed that some trainer did not have adequate knowledge of what to do when an engineer explained to him regarding the situation in the site. It is recommended that the developee’s department should pre-inform him about what he shall do and what noted to take. In addition, I noticed that the training program has a short time. Therefore, it is recommended that the training program with the consultant program should be extended to increase the learning opportunity. Lastly, it is important to note that my training program was highly successful and all the goals were achieved. I confirm that I have gained a lot of information and benefits from the program. 4.2 Conclusion At the end, this program was very good and helpful in achieving the goals of the planning program. I gained a lot of information in the course of this training program. I also learnt many things which include but not limited to understanding the workflow of ADSSC, organizational chart of ADSSC, design stages and construction of sewerage systems, the important of wastewater treatment, running contracts in ADSSC, either construction or tendering and tracking their progress among other many aspects. Works cited Abdulkarim, H.T. ‘Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar Energy for Electric Power Generation in Nigeria’. 2001. Web. 3rd January, 2013. (http://www.journal.au.edu/au_techno/2005/apr05/vol8no4_abstract09.pdf). Ajayi, Adekunle. ‘A survey of solar energy power systems’. 2008. Web. 3rd January, 2013. (http://eeeic.eu/proc/papers/63.pdf). Islam, M.D. et. al. ‘Measurement of solar energy radiation in Abu Dhabi, UAE’. Applied Energy, 86 (2009): 511–515. Read More

2.1.2 Housing connection (Eng. Ameen) In this period, I was provided with explanations, documents as well as some tasks by Eng. Ameen. Firstly, I read the manual of design standards of Abu Dhabi (commonly referred to as the Gide by the consultant. Secondly, I reviewed some documents and layouts of the concept of designing factors which are basic in designing the same line to reach the house connection. In addition, different topics were covered during this period. This entailed taking some drawings and calculating the depth of the manhole (Depth = CL-IL), how to select the slop of the pipe (according to diameter of the pipe and the velocity of the flow using the standard table.

Moreover, I also gained an idea in regard to the different types and sizes of pipes materials used in the projects. It is also important to mention that I also practiced on how to design the flow according to the standard table. Lastly, I familiarized myself with the names of different parts of the manhole as well as working on a simple pipe line flow program. 2.1.3 Sewerage (Eng. Ameen) The major objective in this part of the training program was to learn how to read the drawings of the project and to familiarize with and understand the simples on these drawings.

I went through diverse subjects in this period which include reading the manual of design standards as well as reviewing some projects drawings among others. 2.1.4 Pumping stations (Eng. Ahmed Gamer and Eng. Ameen) It is imperative to note that the pumping stations are an integral part of the sewage process. In the first instance of this period, an introduction was given in regard to the concepts of work which is undertaken in the mechanical division in the consultant office. Different tasks were also embarked on in this training period.

These include learning the merits and the demerits of using each type of pumping stations, reviewing some Auto CAD drawings for pressurized pumping station as well as calculating the sewage pumping design and lifting station design just to name a few. I also learnt different types of pump stations; wet well (submersible), wet well-drywell (submersible) and wet well-drywell (above ground). In addition, I also leant the different types of chambers in wastewater network, but primarily the valve and inlet chambers which are inside the station. 2.1.

5 Safety (Eng. Ahmed Gamer) It is worth noting that in the course of the training program at EACOM consultant, I also attended a two days safety training program with the EACOM staff which was held at the training center of the company. This was commenced by an introduction to safety and risk management and then followed by comprehensive explanation of different subjects which include fire safety awareness, company health and safety site policy and procedure, company health and safety work method statement, construction site safety inspection and construction job safety analysis (JSA) among others. 2.1.

6 Site visits (7 days; Eng. Ahmed Gamer and Eng. Sadiq) This was the last part of the training program undertaken at EACOM consultant office. This was in the site office of EACOM which is mandated with the follow-up role of the different sites in the city of Abu Dhabi. I also gained extensive knowledge in this part of the training. This was characterized by gaining knowledge the procedure of preparing the ground for manhole bases by attending the process, seeing different types of shafts (single and double) and how they are fixed at the site as well as gaining an idea about the different types of drawings and the sequencing just to mention a few.

In addition to all the above stages in the training program at EACOM, the way in which the non-disruptive method (NDM) system works was also explained, the necessary arrangements which are undertaken before this process as well as where it can be used. The pipeline installation by NDM is useful in avoiding deep excavation, disturbing the nearby utilities especially oil and gas pipelines which are already in existence as well as reducing environmental impact and constructions timings among other imperatives.

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