Mechanical Engineer with 15+ years in Oil & Gas, adept in Asset Integrity Management and Corrosion. Currently a Technical Specialist at Shell Business Operation Chennai, recognized for driving program excellence and innovation. Previous roles include Project Lead at QuEST Global Engineering and Reliability Engineer at Reliance Industries, emphasizing inspection and corrosion. Dedicated to continuous improvement and achieving strategic objectives.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Technical Specialist- Material & Corrosion
M/s Shell Business Operation Chennai
09.2023 - Current
Led global deployment of Machine Learning (ML) and AI-based solutions (CARMA, AIR, CAN CUI) for corrosion risk modeling, wall thickness forecasting, and integrity prediction across Shell assets.
Developed and expanded ML/AI models for new units and locations, increasing CARMA footprint and enabling predictive analytics for internal corrosion and wall thickness trends.
Delivered projects per agreed deployment roadmap, ensuring timely Go-Live and alignment with asset business cases and Terms of Reference (TOR).
Conducted data collection, validation, and preprocessing for ML model development; collaborated with development teams to implement new corrosion features and improve prediction accuracy.
Validated initial and final prediction results with asset teams, securing Go-Live approvals and ensuring model reliability.
Provided end-user training and post-deployment support, enabling smooth adoption and operational continuity.
Identified opportunities for model replication across assets, accelerating deployment and reducing implementation time.
Maintained frequent engagement with asset focal points to ensure timely data acquisition and project progress.
Shell Global Assets
Delivered technical support for S-RBI implementation, evergreen activities, and queries related to inspection, corrosion, and material selection.
Supported Remote MCE engineers for successful project execution and troubleshooting.
Conducted technical training sessions and acted as mentor for new team members, fostering knowledge transfer and capability building.
Trained in Integrity Management System (IMS) and S-RBI workflows; successfully completed in-house PSPP assessment.
Project Lead (Asset Integrity Management)
M/s QuEST Global Engineering Private Limited
10.2021 - 08.2023
Joined as Lead Engineer and promoted to Project Lead in December, demonstrating strong leadership and technical expertise.
Lead Kearl & Cold Lake RBI Equipment Strategy Workflow team, ensuring compliance with ExxonMobil standards and timely execution.
Managed Pressure Equipment Inspection Data and Thickness Data Management for IOR Kearl, Cold Lake, and Conventional Units.
Executed and reviewed static equipment strategies using GE APM-Meridium software, aligning with BU ESBM guidelines and job aids.
Performed evergreening of equipment strategies based on latest inspection reports to maintain integrity and reliability.
Conducted weekly client meetings to provide workflow status updates and ensure alignment with project objectives.
Communicated latest client updates effectively to team members, ensuring clarity and timely implementation.
Organized bi-weekly internal team meetings to address execution challenges, resolve workflow queries, and maintain productivity.
Monitored team performance and work quality, providing input for annual appraisal programs.
Facilitated technical discussions to build a strong knowledge base within the team and acted as mentor for junior engineers.
Prepared TML groups and IDs in Meridium and generated detailed TML reports for accurate corrosion monitoring.
Created inspection reports for pressure equipment and piping, including recommendations based on client-provided data.
Manager (Reliability-Static)
M/s Reliance Industries Limited
01.2017 - 09.2021
Coordinated and conducted plant-wise Tripod meetings, ensuring close monitoring of identified parameters based on Integrity Operating Window (IOW) limits.
Led Gasification Complex RBI implementation, including preparation and updating of PIAM & IOW sheets for multiple units.
Performed Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for corrosion-related failures and conducted detailed system investigations to prevent recurrence.
Acted as Inspection In-Charge for Sulphur Block Units (SRU & SWS), ASU, and Utilities Units (ETP, MED, Flare, CPU) in J3, ensuring compliance and safety.
Successfully executed shutdown inspection activities for SRU units, meeting safety and reliability standards.
Managed scheduled inspections of static equipment, closing reports in Meridium & SAP systems.
Reviewed and approved OLS requests and hot tapping requests, ensuring adherence to safety and operational guidelines.
Ensured compliance with statutory requirements for static equipment in ASU with corporate services support.
Identified and resolved reliability constraints across units, improving operational uptime.
Actively participated in failure resolution during plant start-up, including:HTHR failure and repair in Gasifier Island
Exchanger tube leak in SWS & SRU
AGR V015 failure & repair
Erosion/corrosion of slag lines in Gasifier
Acid corrosion (H₂SO₄) in rod mill scrubber area
Other piping/equipment issues and new MOC works
Created and reviewed inspection reports, TML reports, and PSV calibration reports in Meridium.
Executed turnaround shutdown inspection activities for ISOM, DCU, and SWS units, ensuring compliance with safety and reliability standards.
Conducted Reformer Tube Metal Temperature Survey in Hydrogen Unit and temperature survey of Reactor, Regenerator, and connected piping in PFCCU.
Performed stage-wise inspection of refractory installation for PFCCU 91” TSS outlet line to Orifice Chamber replacement jobs.
Developed piping thickness loops, injection points, and isometric segregation for MRPL Phase-3 units.
Prepared and published MIS (Management Information System) reports for CHTU and CDU-3 heaters periodically.
Created hydro-test loop preparation and P&ID marking for CDU in Phase-3.
Conducted external visual inspection of in-service pipelines from MRPL to HPCL (white oil lines).
Managed turnaround inspection activities for Utility Boilers in Phase-3 CPP (UB and HRSG).
Performed external/internal inspections of product tanks and turnaround inspection of crude tanks.
Executed internal inspection of mounded bullets and LPG spheres, ensuring integrity and compliance.
Generated PSV data specification lists for all Phase-3 units.
Conducted Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for MP steam generator exchanger tube leak in CHTU.
Prepared thickness monitoring loops for CHTU in Phase-III.
Oversaw routine inspection activities including:NDT (DPT, RT, UT, MPT)
Scheduled PSV calibration
Hydro-testing of equipment & piping
Thickness monitoring of corrosion loops
DFT, PMI & raw material inspection
Fit-up & weld visual inspections
Managed documentation including inspection reports and checklist preparation for compliance and audit readiness.
Engineer (Inspection)
M/s Indian register of Shipping
07.2014 - 03.2015
Performed internal inspections of columns (ATU-2, GOHDS, DCU), heaters (DCU & HYD), vessels, heat exchangers, and tanks in compliance with API 510 standards.
Executed turnaround inspections of utility boilers in Phase 1 & 2 and generated work completion reports as per Karnataka Factories and Boiler Rules.
Conducted shutdown inspections of crude and product storage tanks as per API 653 standards, including:Patch plate marking & fit-up
Roof leg support welding inspection
Blasting and painting inspection
Vacuum box testing
Hydro-testing of swivel joints, steam coils, and roof drain lines
Performed Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for failures such as CFE outlet in ISOM/LNHT and Naphtha Vaporizer convection coil in Hydrogen-2.
Conducted external visual inspections of in-service pipelines (process lines, nitrogen, instrument air, fire water) in Phase 1 & 2 and published detailed inspection reports.
Prepared inspection reports in SAP and grouped critical pipelines in off-sites for risk-based prioritization.
Witnessed fit-up and weld visual inspections for modification lines and hydro/pneumatic tests for pressure vessels, boilers, heat exchangers, fin fan coolers, process piping, and condensers.
Carried out wrapping and coating inspections for fire hydrants and water monitors.
Conducted Positive Material Identification (PMI) and raw material inspections for compliance.
Prepared shutdown job lists for ISOM and CCR-2 units and supervised bench testing of safety relief valves at workshops.
Witnessed welder qualification tests as per ASME Section IX standards.
Quality Control Engineer
M/s Somu Jacob Engineering Construction
09.2012 - 06.2014
Managed daily work planning and site supervision for piping activities across utilities, process, pressure, and underground piping systems.
Oversaw installation and hydro-testing of process line piping inside the refinery, ensuring compliance with project specifications and safety standards.
Conducted underground pipe coating inspections and hydro-testing of above-ground tanks and LPG spheres.
Coordinated inspection and routine mechanical maintenance activities, ensuring timely execution and quality adherence.
Prepared and published daily work progress reports, maintaining accurate documentation for client review and project tracking.
Graduate Trainee Engineer
M/s Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd-Kochi Refinery
09.2011 - 09.2012
Performed in-service and construction inspections of storage tanks, ensuring compliance with API standards and project specifications.
Conducted fit-up and visual inspections for bottom plates, deck plates, and shell plates; verified root DP, vacuum box testing, diesel chalk test, hydro test, puncher test, and swivel joint test.
Inspected pressure vessels, columns, pipelines, and heat exchangers during shutdowns, ensuring integrity and operational readiness.
Verified internal components such as demister pads and trays for correct positioning and functionality.
Witnessed inspections of suspected areas of static equipment performed by NDT inspectors and updated results in equipment history records.
Evaluated UT thickness measurements for corrosion analysis and remaining corrosion allowance calculations.
Inspected heater coils, exchanger tubes, and tube sheets, and witnessed hydro-testing of exchanger tubes.
Ensured quality assurance of piping welds, including on-stream and fabrication inspections.
Conducted wrapping and coating inspections for underground pipelines and periodic inspections of all piping classes with detailed reporting.
Witnessed testing of subsea propylene hoses used for crude oil transportation.
Familiarized with performance qualification tests and ensured compliance with welding standards.
Proficient in reading PFDs and P&IDs for inspection planning and execution.
Supervised bench testing of safety relief valves for operational reliability.
Mechanical Engineer
M/s AARKAY Erectors Pvt Limited
03.2010 - 09.2011
Managed construction, repair, and alteration activities for crude and product storage tanks in compliance with API standards.
Planned daily work schedules, coordinated workforce allocation, and ensured timely execution of tasks.
Supervised site activities, including fit-up, welding, and inspection of tank components for quality assurance.
Prepared and published daily work progress reports, maintaining accurate documentation for client review and project tracking.
Ensured adherence to safety and quality standards during all construction and repair operations.
Site Engineer
M/s Prayaga Engineering Construction Pvt Limited
06.2009 - 02.2010
Managed piping activities for utilities, process, pressure, and underground piping systems within BPCL Kochi Refinery.
Planned daily work schedules, coordinated workforce allocation, and ensured timely execution of piping installation and testing.
Supervised hydro-testing inspections for process lines and underground piping systems, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
Oversaw coating inspections for underground pipelines and verified adherence to project specifications.
Prepared and published daily work progress reports, maintaining accurate documentation for client review and project tracking.
Education
B. E - Mechanical Engineering
Anna University
Hosur, Tamil Nadu
01.2009
HSC -
Higher Secondary Board Kerala
Nilambur
01.2005
S.S.L.C -
Kerala Board
Nilambur, Kerala
01.2003
Skills
Cenosco wIMS
Meridium
SAP
MS Word
MS Excel
MS Power Point
Seeq
Digital Twin
Aveva Spiral Suite
Assai Cloud
Asset integrity management
Corrosion management
Equipment inspection
Risk assessment
Model development
Corrosion analysis
Failure analysis
Continuous improvement
Corrosion prediction
Equipment strategy development
Career Summary
BE in Mechanical Engineering, 15+, M/s Shell Business Operation Chennai, Technical Specialist – Material & Corrosion, M/s QuEST Global Engineering Private Limited, Project Lead in Integrity, M/s Reliance Industries Limited, Reliability Engineer Static (Inspection & Corrosion), M/s SGS India Pvt Ltd, Senior Inspection Engineer, M/s Indian Register of Shipping, Inspection Engineer, M/s Somu Jacob Engineering Construction, Quality Control Engineer, M/s Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd-Kochi Refinery, Graduate Trainee Engineer, M/s Aarkay Erectors Pvt Limited, Mechanical Engineer, M/s Prayaga Engineering Construction Pvt Limited, Site Engineer
Languages
English
Hindi
Malayalam
Tamil
Disclaimer
I declare that the information and facts provided above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Thanking you and awaiting a favorable reply.
Additional Qualifications
API 510 Pressure vessel inspector, 10/31/24, 10/31/27
API 571 Corrosion and Materials Certifications, 12/2024, 12/2027
ASNT Level II (VT, PT, RT, UT, and MT), PHONEX INTERNATION
Personal Information
Father's Name: Divakaran V K
Date of Birth: 05/07/87
Nationality: Indian
Marital Status: Married
Timeline
Technical Specialist- Material & Corrosion
M/s Shell Business Operation Chennai
09.2023 - Current
Project Lead (Asset Integrity Management)
M/s QuEST Global Engineering Private Limited
10.2021 - 08.2023
Manager (Reliability-Static)
M/s Reliance Industries Limited
01.2017 - 09.2021
Senior engineer (Inspection)
M/s SGS India Pvt Ltd
04.2015 - 12.2016
Engineer (Inspection)
M/s Indian register of Shipping
07.2014 - 03.2015
Quality Control Engineer
M/s Somu Jacob Engineering Construction
09.2012 - 06.2014
Graduate Trainee Engineer
M/s Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd-Kochi Refinery