8/10/2019 civil magement Tutorial 1 Answers

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41062590 Tutorial 1 EMA2601

Question 1C.1

List and briefly describe three different types of projects that a mine, plant or factory may

undertake before, during and at the end of its operational life. (3)

1.

Upgrade-this project can only take place during and after the life cycle of an organisation.

Due to the increasing need or demand of platinum the mine may have to upgrade its facility

to increase production or quality.

2.

Expansion-This project also normally take place during and after the life cycle of the

organisation. The South African power generation giant Eskom is currently building new

facilities to supplement the existing ones in order to meet demands.

3.

Maintenance-this type of projects are normally carried out during the life span of an

organisation and it is sometimes driven by regulatory forces. The pressure equipment

regulation of South Africa requires as a minimum for pressure equipment users to conduct a

fitness for service inspection at intervals not exceeding 36 months. Any discovery work

obtained during these planned outages shutdowns is regarded as maintenance projects.

Question 1C.2

Discuss the factors that an engineer or engineering team has to consider when designing a

product. (7)

1. Ease of maintenance-between the First World War and the Second World War engineering

machinery were overdesigned and not easy or cost effective to maintain. It was during this

transition were Maintenance engineering was born. In most cases it is better, more cost

effective and viable to maintain than to build new machinery. A piping design engineer

should think about break flanges for ease of disassembly during sectional replacements of

process piping in a refinery.

2.

Aesthetics (appearance)-as a secondary benefit the motor driven vehicles have different

appearances and maybe as a marketing opportunity. The engineer should consider the

culture and habits of the end users.

3. Quality-Although we have a maintenance provision for machinery the engineer must ensure

a high and attainable standard of quality. The perfect example will be the difference

between Uno Fiat and Mercedes Benz vehicle.

4. Environmental concerns-controlled and regulated emissions are some of the key issues that

petrochemical stations, refineries and certain industries have to adhere to while striving to

enhance the quality of life.

5. Production or construction methods-when designing products or machinery which will be

used for gasification of coal in Fischer-Tropsch process, the engineer must begin with the

end in mind to ensure compatibility and or operability.

6. Cost and economic viability-depending on who the target market is the engineer must

design or construct machinery within reach of the end users.

7.

Safety-history shows a disturbing number of injuries which were caused by energised

machinery such a conveyor belts. Some of these machines were not equipped with guards

and emergency stop facilities. The engineering teams of today needs to seriously consider

safety features for new designs.

8. Materials used-In process plants material behave differently in different environments. The

use of stainless steel results is stress corrosion cracking in a Halogen rich environment .This

carries the potential to abruptly disturb processes.

8/10/2019 civil magement Tutorial 1 Answers

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41062590 Tutorial 1 EMA2601

9.

Moral and ethical concerns-engineering designs are there to support life and not the

opposite. The engineering team should have accountability and responsibility to honestly

adhere to engineering standards and practices irrespective of the pressure and difficulty to

design machinery.

Question 1C.3

The successful engineer of today needs more than merely technical skills and knowledge. List four

of the non-technical skills and knowledge areas that an engineer should acquire. (4)

1.

Managerial skills- Some engineers in industry are assigned as managers. E.g. the

maintenance manager role is ideally occupied by an engineer. This department comprises of

artisans, welders, supervisors etc. which makes this skill a necessity.

2.

LegalIt is beneficial for a maintenance engineer to know about the OHS act and other legal

matters as far as compliance of the organisation is concerned.

3. Accounting skills-engineering managers have budget responsibilities for their organisations

which they need to control and manage.

4. Computer skills-the use of computers, gadgets and softwares is a necessity in the age of

information in order for engineers to successfully perform their functions.

Question 1C.4

White suggests that engineering managers involved in the manufacturing of products face six main

Challenges. List only 4 of these challenges.

1. Getting the right people

2. Aiming at the right targets

3. Creating a climate that encourages innovation

4. Dealing with increasing international completion.