What led you to this career?
My PhD was in Non-Destructive Evaluation at Imperial College. As I was finishing my studies in 2008, Sonomatic reached out to the founder of the lab for potential candidates for an integrity position. I applied for the job and following a couple of interviews, started working in the Warrington office.
What does your job role involve?
I am a senior member of the Engineering Integrity group, currently working on the development of the Dynamic Response Spectroscopy (DRS) technique. This involves looking at ways in which we can improve the results from the technique and broaden its applications.
I also work on Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) of pressure vessels. This part of my job involves looking at the vessel’s inspection history and operating conditions to determine whether NII is applicable. This process also involves creating inspection work scopes and evaluating data obtained on-site.
Fitness For Service (FFS) assessments are another part of my job at Sonomatic. This involves determining whether assessments are required and then deciding which type of assessment is applicable. This is often critical work for our clients as the results can determine whether a piece of equipment is safe to operate or needs to be replaced.
Can you give an insight into your working day at Sonomatic?
Currently, I am working from home and like to start my day early. I will usually check my e-mails first and identify if there is anything urgent that needs to be dealt with. I’ll then check my calendar for any upcoming meetings so that I can be prepared. Next, I’ll start on any project work that needs to be completed, this can be anything from writing or reviewing reports to analysing data or creating 3D models. Then I’ll start any development work, this could involve finding new suppliers, implementing and testing algorithms or researching new approaches to a problem. Any remaining time is spent on marketing or personal development.
What is the best thing about being part of the Sonomatic Team?
Sonomatic are world-leaders in inspection services, the team have vast experience in a wide variety of techniques. The team at Sonomatic don’t just rely on experience but also encourage new ideas and approaches in order to achieve the best result. It is exciting to be part of a team that are passionate about their work and for individuals to use their expertise to add value to projects. Developing new technologies and seeing how they perform in the field is exhilarating.
However, the absolute best thing about being part of the Sonomatic Team, is the rest of the team.
What accomplishment have you made at Sonomatic that you are proud of?
I developed Sonomatic’s Electro-Magnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) screening inspection technique. This is a medium-range inspection technique that can be used in areas that would normally be considered inaccessible, such as in the vicinity of pipe supports. The topside version of this technique is battery powered and does not require any couplant, this makes it an extremely portable and rapid inspection system. The subsea system can provide inspection screening of long sections of the pipeline to identify areas of concern. This technique has been deployed around the world and allowed me to travel to various countries to train technicians.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I enjoy going on adventures with my family, having two young children certainly helps keep you active both mentally and physically.
Since I was at university I’ve loved baking brownies and muffins and this has continued into my professional life. I have found that bringing baked goods into work is an excellent way to break the ice with colleagues and clients. I also love to perform and have been in various plays and musicals. This interest has helped improve my presentation skills at work.
