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For further details of the conference and to book your place, please visit the event website.
Please could you briefly explain your role, involvement, and experience with regards to the Pressure Systems industry and this event?
Alex Berry (AB): I’m the lead Fixed Equipment & Welding Engineer at the Phillips 66, Humber Refinery. With 17 years’ petrochemical experience. I perform mechanical integrity assessments on pressure equipment, undertake engineering design work and drive business improvements both at a local and corporate level. My professional interests include Bolted Flanged Joints, Coke Drums, Weld repairs and mentoring younger engineers. I will be speaking on the subject of bolted flanged joints, sharing case studies and detailing how to assess ’bad actors’ through analysis and upgraded components.
What, in your experience, has been the biggest roadblock for the industry over the past 2-3 years?
AB: Currently, a high demand within the UK for technicians and engineers. The skills shortage is compounded due to nuclear and future decarbonisation projects, high attrition post COVID and experienced retirees outnumbering new entrants into the sector.
What key topics are you excited to discuss at this year's conference?
AB: Welding and fitness for service. It’s always great to share knowledge, learn from each other and discuss how the industry is progressing.
What would you say are the technologies or applications to watch for the future?
AB:
Difficult to answer, I am looking forward to seeing how Artificial Intelligence (AI) may well speed up the design of pressure equipment in the future. Currently the energy transition is top of my mind, particularly the transportation and increased industrial use of hydrogen on a big scale on the industrial journey to Net Zero
Who else are you most interested in hearing from on the programme?
AB: I’m looking forward to hearing from David Nash, from Strathclyde University, he has a wealth of knowledge and always delivers an interesting talk. Also, the folks at TWI, they are always on the cutting edge of welding techniques.
Why is it important for engineers to join this conference?
AB: Conferences such as this one, are a great place to gain new knowledge and speak with likeminded people who are often facing the same challenges as you. I’m looking forward to meeting new contacts and exchanging knowledge.
The Lifecycle of Pressure Systems conference will take place on 31st October - 1 November 2023 in London
The conference is a comprehensive two days of updates that brings together every area of the pressure systems community. Don't miss this “state of the industry” designed to update all those involved with pressure systems and equipment and for all asset stages: from design and installation to daily operation and decommissioning.
For further details of the conference and to book your place, please visit the event website.