Auto-cad for engineers? Yes, it is being asked!

Auto-cad for engineers? Yes, it is being asked!
The daughter of my brother just passed the recent professional licensure examinations and she now got a license to practice her profession as an engineer. Her first experience in job hunting is to run into advertisements that demanded knowledge of auto-cad. When she related this to me, I realized that as an engineering student her batch were still into manual type of drafting or drawing 111. How come? Well, knowing that she came from a very good school, I started to wonder, why the updating into electronic drafting was not a priority in their college. Incidentally, she is into metallurgy as a specialized branch of engineering. I was really wondering what auto-cad has to do with certain responsibilities in metallurgy. I often met this in the past, when I myself was into job hunting, as a mature engineer. Being an experienced executive engineer myself and in search for staffs in my area of responsibility, I always came across of job ads posted in newspapers and the internet asking for certain positions, so many extra qualifications, so that I was wondering, whether the position was really filled by some job applicants as specified, or the job specs had to be modified or re-specified during actual hiring. The job specs sometimes are asking for supermen. People who do not exist in real life, as young graduate engineers. Either the job specifier is ignorant of the nature of the job and the kind of training needed to acquire a skill, or the job specifier is asking for an experienced engineer for several years, who in one way or another, had been trained on the job in a particular area of responsibility, too specialized on a particular job, so that the kind of versatility acquired over the years is not going to be available from any college grads fresh from school. Schools seldom train specifically for a particular job in a company, unless there is a special arrangement and tie-up between the Company itself and the University from where the workforce will be recruited from. End result? No matching between college products and the demand for labor force by a particular hiring company.
In this particular case, I noted that electronic drafting is a desirable added knowledge and skill. It also is a good tool for engineers and technical men in general. But, are we talking here of the understanding of the principles of drafting, or are we planning to make auto-cad operators out of professional engineers? It certainly would not hurt, if the position can be filled as requested, but I think, there are so many flaws in job specification writing that we need to correct in the engineering industry. My advice is for the newbie to be hired on the merits of the basic knowledge from the universities, and their trainability. If we have more specialized knowledge requirement that can be acquired on the job, by all means, ask for it from among the experienced guys in the industry, and not from the fresh graduate engineers. Better still, sponsor a special scholarship in the universities that would provide the kind of workforce you plan to hire, and help the universities redesign and shape their curricula to fit what your company needs are; assuming, your workforce demand is huge enough to match the number of graduates every year.
To the question therefore of having auto-cad knowledge for engineers? I would say, Yes but only, when absolutely necessary on the job of a fresh graduate engineer. In the long-term, however, it should be provided by companies as specialized knowledge and training, when absolutely needed on the job.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte ; http://Viralnetworks.com/a/28285 ; http://www.sanysue.viralhosts.com;http://suteambuilder.com/r/teamworkdowonders

Steam –the ideal source of power!

Steam –the ideal source of power!

Steam is a derivative of water. It is a result of a change in phase from liquid to gas for this substance (water) due to the introduction of heat.It is a preferred media for powering engines and turbines in many situations. For one, water is relatively inexpensive and in abundance in most parts of the earth. Water can easily change phase from liquid to gas, too, and vise-versa, and has the capability to store a large amount of heat energy called latent heat per kg of mass compared to many substances. …Other substances, have been explored to take the place of water. To this day, however, its commercial value has not been supplanted. –an excerpt from my blog on “Engineering and Technical Knowledge Arena .”

Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte ; http://Viralnetworks.com/a/28285 ; http://www.sncgroup-sany.ws/home
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Water seeks its own level…

Water seeks its own level…
I finished engineering from a University that was very involved in hydrological research, considering that the biggest challenge of the City, where my university is situated is painfully challenged by sea water intrusion, towards inland, due to increasing draw down of water from the ground by deep well pumps. This city in the orient is well known as a tourists vacation spot due to its nice beaches and coast lines, but the main source of its water is by deep-well pumping. It seems that some engineers are toying the idea of drawing large volume of water from the ground in another city, without doing a thorough hydrological research of the state of the water level in the area. Take note that, as an engineer and man of science (for our engineers at the city waterworks and engineering office) that, we know that water always seeks its own level. Where the ground water is displaced, the sea water will always have the tendency to seep and replace the water that has been drawn. Are we prepared to use now salty water? Why not draw directly from the sea , if that’s what we are aiming for? That’s a lot of desalination work to do of course. I think, every city and locality should look carefully into the matter, before a decision is made to increase the pumping of water from the ground, especially for the low lying areas, relative to the sea level.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte ; http://Viralnetworks.com/a/28285 ; http://www.sncgroup-sany.ws/home
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Scientific methods!

Scientific methods!
Why should we approach each engineering problem scientifically and support our solutions with scientific findings? Doing so, will help us avoid the cut and try method, which have often plagued the industry, due to the incompetent ideas of many practicing professionals, who over a long period of time have failed to update themselves, and had stagnated. Many individuals continue to carry with them the childish attitude of throwing their books away after school and get out to the world to play without the facts and figures and proven principles taught in school. The justification? School and practice is entirely alien from each other. Theories don’t agree with experience. Well, my experience is different in my 30 years of engineering and management experience, not to add my doctoral studies. Whenever there is conflict between field practices and theory, chances are, we only see it as such, because we have not thoroughly understood and digested our theory and its conditional requirements or assumptions. Watch always that conflict, and try to check, where the fault line is located, and you will always end up more wiser and more experienced. Review therefore your knowledge of scientific methods of questioning and hypothesis testing.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte ; http://Viralnetworks.com/a/28285 ; http://www.sncgroup-sany.ws

Simple observations!

Simple observations!
Do you know that the steam engine was invented out of a very simple observation? Mr. James Watt invented his steam engine sometime in 1788, after observing the power of steam. Accordingly, he observed a kettle lift its lid as water was being boiled. This inspired him on the use of steam power for his steam engine. What a simple observation! Often, many people fail to take notice of the many simple things and events around us and few are observant and imaginative enough to find use of the phenomena that take place around us. There are many more stories similar to this one through out history. From what we know, engineering and society had progressed due to these discoveries and simple observations, and it pays to be observant and inquisitive. Notably, the discoveries about steam did not stop there. Nowadays, we continue to talk about the superheating of steam, wetness and quality of steam, and its energy content or enthalpy. To this day, we continue to use steam to drive steam turbines in our Thermal Power Plants.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte ; http://Viralnetworks.com/a/28285

Internet!

Internet!
Learn some internet marketing lessons. It can improve your business. Check for http://businessmanage.sosblog.com and look for items below the blogs.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte

Rules of Thumb!

(Strictly Engineering)-
Rules of Thumb
There are the so called rules of thumb in engineering. There are also things called empirical formulas. These things may be called convenient tools, and could be discounted as to their value and usefulness sometimes. But, come to think of it, they are often near to the truth or safe solutions, when used. The often called rules of thumb are actually methods that are used for expediency, but when detailed calculations are made theoretically, the results are near to that one , arrived at using the rule. Similarly, empirical formulas, when conditions are well understood and defined provide very useful solutions.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte

Safety in circuit disconnects!

Safety in circuit disconnects!
When trying to open a particular circuit disconnecting device, always make sure that the downstream loads are not in operation. This would ensure that current flow to the load end is not taking place, and severe arching is avoided. Note that this is especially true when the downstream loads draw large currents, and the circuit disconnect is an ordinary knife switch..
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte

Water Storage!

An alternative plan for a Water Storage!
In the past several decades, the conventional thinking in having a domestic water supply storage tank for home use was to have an elevated water tank of full (100%) capacity, separate from the house. This idea made necessary the construction of a strong structure and foundation that would support a heavy tank, which nowadays can be very expensive. One way to avoid a heavy structure and foundation is to use a large concrete ground tank, and an elevated small steel tank that would not require a heavy structure and foundation. The arrangement should allow the small elevated tank refill by means of a small electric water supply pump from the large ground tank. Refilling is done on as needed basis, instead of putting to elevated requirement all the water in storage, which would require a lot of (pumping) electricity. This way, your electric usage and energy bill is spread more evenly throughout several days or months, and helps cash flow requirement to ease a home budget, when the volume of water in storage is quite substantial.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte

Making use of Technology!

(Strictly Engineering)
Making use of Technology!
Knowing project management and auto-cad software is good for an engineer used to doing the vintage tracing paper and pencil drawings. Both skills will be needed time and again, whether you like it or not. As technology advances, updating is a necessity, else obsolescence sets in.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte

Straight and curve lines!

Straight Lines!
The shortest distance between two points is a straight line. That is a fact, and an infallible principle followed by all technical men. But, a straight line is not necessarily the right solution for a distance problem. It may not be effective in some cases. So, when making your own design in the order of things, you may need some detours in order to best accomplish the production of things. Have you seen a cross country type rod and bar mill? If you have, then I think you understand very well, why you need curvatures and repeaters in the systems design of the finishing line. The long bar could not be accom-modated in a short length bar mill, if straight lines are used all the way.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME / MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte

Be Aware!

Be Aware!
When asked one time how thick a pipe work should be for an application, a colleague came out with a new set of tables from his drawer. Wow! That’s an instant solution, and how convenient. It is well in order, however, to know how the table was reached and calculated. So, one must check the assumptions indicated in the table, whenever you have one, in order to understand it more intelligently and not misuse the same valuable resource. Know your basic assumptions and fundamentals, and it is more difficult for you to commit a mistake.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME /MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte

Fluid Mechanics!

The volume flow formula!
The volume flow formula Q=AV; where Q=flow rate; A=cross sectional area of pipe or duct; V= velocity ; is a formula largely applied to non-compressible fluids. This same formula, however is applicable to compressible fluids, if the flow is undisturbed or approaching the laminar flow conditions, and is used to estimate flowrate in a constant condition of temperature and pressure in a pipeline, for practical purposes with little error.
Written by: Sanoy C. Suerte, RME/ MBM; Http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte

Steam Metering and other similar gases!

Gas and Steam flow metering!
When we are engaged in monitoring consumption or generation of gaseous materials, many people in management, or even among technical people, have the natural impulse of resorting to metering of the substance for purposes of budget monitoring and control. This in effect, results to either the purchase of sophisticated measuring facility with some computerized calculating functions for changes in the parameters on line, or inaccurate readings given by supposedly monitoring instruments that are put on line, but does not have the capability to measure instantaneous changes in parameters, like temperature and pressure.

We know for a fact that when temperature fluctuates, or when pressure does have changes, the fluid density also changes. Ordinary orifice meters and rotating-meters or displacement meters can measure volume, and mass based on fixed conditions as assumptions. These meters, in the absence of pressure and temperature corrections therefore are useful only for monitoring mass flow at fixed conditions. They become less useful and inaccurate with frequent changes in temperature and pressure over long periods , and can create confusion in the interpretation of metered data.

It is not easy to explain this to some management people. In this regard, other means of measurement have to be done in cases, where computerized systems for temperature-pressure corrections are not available. Usually, a competent operations man would measure fluid usage by indirect means, like measuring the tare-weight of containers or tare liquid level of tanks holding the gases or the water usage in the case of steam systems. These methods are far more reliable and accurate, than simply putting in the pipelines a non-correction capable meter.

Understandably, these appear crude to top management, but technically, it is more accurate. There is no sense in putting on line, a beautiful meter that will just create a confusion and a lot of inaccuracy and subsequent controversy. This explains, why you seldom see a metering device in a compressed air system, and a steam system output pipeline. If they are there, they are used more for short period experiments and tactical observation purposes, wherein temperature and pressures are monitored to be constant, but seldom used as an integrating system for a long period of measurement, unless corrective computational capability is also put in place. So, the next time you see a non-correction capable metering device in a gas or steam line, be cautious , be aware and knowledgeable of the limitations and manner of their usage or applications. An inaccurate device is no better than a seemingly crude method that provides accurate measurements.
Written by: Sanoy C. Suerte, RME /MBM; Http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte

Bearings in Compressors!

A typical case of a Quick Failure of bearings!
In an installation that was encountered and observed, a compressor bearing failed so early (within less than four months in continuous operation) after a restoration procedure. Many failure propositions were advanced by different engineers in maintenance and by the jobber, which included the following:
1.Bearings were not original.
2.There was lack of lubrication.
3.The bearing alignment was not correct.
4.There was lack of skill in assembling the bearing.
5.The bearing was not the correct one for the service.
6.The clearance was not correct.

The bearings were again replaced, and again the replacement bearings failed for the second time in less than one day operation. Replacement of bearings were again made for the third time, and the same thing happened. Noteworthy to consider was the fact that the cost of the bearings were substantial, because these were about six (6) inch diameter roller and ball bearings, with some thrust capability. In the end, the jobber was asked to verify the original bearing casing center, and it was learned that the work was subcontracted to a shop that may not have been able to find the original centers, due to the need to rebuild the casing or bearing housings, which were damaged during the first failure. In this connection, all efforts were directed by the jobber’s new shop service provider, to the restoration of the bearing alignment and centering back to the original installation.

The procedure of the OEM may not have been replicated locally the first time, to the extent that the bearing subsequently improved in its performance only, but continued to give a noisy operation and a non-stable air gap performance between air lobes (screws). In this regard, it is deemed high-time to bring the matter to the OEM shop for trade-in and replacement of a new service unit. Some OEM machineries and skills are not totally replicable by less qualified local shops . Hence, to save further inconvenience and uneconomical operation, it is advised that the OEM should be brought in. When local efforts fail so dismally after the first service restoration process, and several times thereafter, the recourse to the OEM becomes obvious and much more logical. Further local efforts may find the solution, but only at the expense of long term operational potential losses.
Written by: Sanoy C. Suerte, RME /MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte

Boiler Safety!

Boiler Safety Practices!
When a boiler runs very low in water inadvertently, because of some malfunctioning in the feed water control systems, it is necessary that the boiler fire be put to the minimum and the feed water be fed right away to bring the water level to safe minimum levels. It should be noted that feed water addition is done in such speed and rate, without taking the risk of chilling the boiler tubes and the boiler casing until the liquid level appears on the gage glass. Sudden introduction of cold water and abruptly bringing the boiler to cold can warp and damage the boiler tubes or the baffles installation structures or cause some imbalance in the stresses in the boiler. A first encounter of this in boiler operations, should be enough to trigger a repair and rehab of the control mechanisms that caused the failure, so that a major catastrophic failure and a long boiler shutdown is avoided.
Written by: Sanoy C. Suerte, RME /MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte

Energy Conservation!

Energy Conservation Audits!
How to conduct an effective energy audit is something that requires knowledge of the amount of energy usage distribution in a particular establishment. The areas with large energy consumption, are usually the areas where a large potential for conservation is present. It is important therefore to identify these areas, and to understand the processes in the system. Familiarity with the processes is another key. Knowing, what the critical aspects are of a particular process is important, as this provides a better understanding of what the constraining factors for an energy conservation opportunity are in existence. Then a general knowledge of alternative systems available in the industry is necessary, so that more efficient ways of attaining the same objective is introduced in a given process. The investment on equipment and new technology will usually be a part of the availing of the energy saving opportunities. Normally, however, one would not see this necessary without going into the examination of the practices and methods that are currently in use.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME /MBM; Http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte.

Units of Measures!

Consistency of Units of Measures! Back to basics.
One of the common source of errors in the solution of a problem in engineering is the making of the model of the problem in a model space. A model is a simplified representation of the actual problem in real life situation. It is almost exact, but not necessarily always. That is why it is called a simplified representation of a confluence.
This involves the making of free body diagrams, and the proper indication of acting forces in such a diagram.

The next common source of problem solution errors, is the an oversight or failure to use consistent units of measure. One has to examine, whether or not units of measures are similarly indicated or not. In a stress-strain problem for example, the stress can be given in Mega Pascals, and the area in mm squared or inches squared, and the unit force being sought after in newtons. Not knowing that a Pascal is in newtons/meter squared and Mega Pascals in Million Pascals can stop dead a novice or even a long time practicing engineer on his tracks to finding the solution to an urgent problem. Important system of units in common use should be made handy for easy and convenient reference always.

I was once working with a student apprentice of mine in analyzing a problem, and I was so surprised to notice that even the basic geometric principle of “alternate angles” being equal and law of sines ,have already been forgotten so easily for so short a time. Basic elements of the practice, may be useful from time to time, so these should be kept handy for possible use in the day to day business of an engineer, an architect, or a technical man for that matter. Not appreciating enough the value of simple things may provide undue inconvenience in a fast paced business environment and career setting.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME /MBM; Http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte.

Upcoming book for publication in Amazon

GrowingUp the Leaders of Tomorrow:
Insights for everyday living and Leadership preparations in business management .
Author: Sanoy C. Suerte, RME/MBM
Vol.1, November 2009


This tract is written and dedicated to young people, ages 16-40 years old, who are paving their way to become leaders and managers of business today and in the not so distant future ahead of them. People, who may have the early encounter and inclination towards the call of business as a youngster, or student and college graduates/non-graduates alike, who have decided to explore the world of business and necessarily the principles of management that go right along with it. This mini-book is only one of a series to be written in several volumes, similar to an ongoing compilation of articles, written by an author for different fora to help build a new generation of well balanced, humane oriented management and business practitioners, highly aware of the needs of the common man and society in general for sustainable development, and sound business principles. Being more of a compilation of important thoughts and philosophies than a normal standard pedagogical textual material, the series is arranged more liberally as a loose compilation of wisdom, purposely deviating from the normal logic of the common text book type of organization. May the younger generation continue to build a better society than they have found it.
Http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte

Boiler Economics!

How do you justify the replaceability of a vintage boiler?
It shouldn’t be forgotten, that the cost of fuel running your boiler may have already changed in several folds after installation. It is likely so to have increased fuel cost bills at least 2-5 times, or even more, depending upon the span of time that had elapsed, since you first installed your boiler unit. An efficiency lost factor therefore of 5% must have multiplied also by the same number of folds, over the years in terms of energy cost, and if it’s a large consumer of fuel, then you better assess now and evaluate again those cost of operational inefficiencies, as it could certainly justify the investment of getting a more efficient boiler. A newer boiler could be specified to fit better the actual consumption for steam in your facility. It can also have better control systems and mechanisms to make air to fuel ratios more consistent. A very large boiler serving the needs of a small demand load is highly inefficient, in terms of start up cost, cycling cost, and heat losses by radiation due to large surface area exposure also. Try doing your pencil pushing in this regard. You may save your firm a fortune today and ride better, the tide of a fast changing business landscape. Ask outside help if you must. Just save energy and help your operational profitability improve your company bottom-line.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME /MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte