Gathering samples from the FTP
The keen students are braving harsh conditions to fulfil their objectives and are looking forward to the research results in August. Accuracy and coordination are key drivers in this research and the students are striving to fulfil both as they navigate through the operational areas of an aluminium smelter.
Qatar University, Qatalum and Hydro embarked on the first research project in Reduction using University students working at Qatalum during their summer Internships, running from 29th June 2014 to 7 Aug 2014.
The project was initiated by Are Dyroy from Hydro and the liaison between Qatar University, Qatalum and Hydro QSTP (Qatar Science and Technology Park) was managed by Elin Legland. The 6 students working on the project is Miriam Qualha, Khan Mohammed Mosiur Rahman, Amina Bibi Nawab (Environmental), and Ramy Abdulzaher (Mechanical) from Qatar University and also Asraf Emad Al Sharawi (Mechanical), Rizan Babar Baig (Chemical) from Texas A&M University Qatar. Morten Karlsen from Hydro is the day to day project supervisor.
Students with Morton (third from left) in the Lab
Morten said of the project, "The students are motivated and are doing their best for achieving the goal of the project, sampling, labelling, analysis and packing. The labelling and packing is very important since the clone of the samples is to be shipped to Norway. Two samples are needed to mitigate any discrepancies if one of them is tainted. The value for Qatalum and Hydro for the project is to validate that there are no big variation drivers in the alumina loops which creates production losses".
The research project will investigate the quality variation of alumina from the harbour to the pot line and 36 sampling points have been identified from which the students take daily samples. The sample are then taken to the laboratory for particle size analysis and fluoride content.
Reduction Group Manager Hans Petter Lange said "I am delighted that we have been able to connect the scientists from Hydro's technology centre in Årdal, with our local students from Qatar University. In addition to providing Qatalum and Reduction with important and valuable information on our process, I am convinced that this will be the start of a long lasting cooperation between Qatar University and Qatalum which will be of great value for both parties."
The first week was dedicated to have the students inducted, declared medically fit and have them signing their contacts. Once all the admin was completed all 6 students were treated to a dummy run on how to take the samples and to get a feel for the heat while working and to see if they can cope with the sampling while fasting during Ramadan.
Miriam Qualha, Amina Bibi Nawab and Ramy Abdulzaher will be stationed at the lab for treatment and analysis of the samples and Khan Mohammed Mosiur Rahman, Ashraf Emad Al-Sharawi, Rizan Babar Baig will take samples from D room and the FTP's and then join the laboratory to assist with processing the samples.
On Sunday the 6th June 2014 the first samples were taken by the students under the supervision of the Training Supervisor Edward Van Wyk in the pot line and Morten Karlsen at the FTP. One of the key standards which we instilled in the students is that Qatalum work on a strict code of conduct on safety and that all safety procedure have to be followed. Once the students were found competent with the SOP theory on sampling they were signed off as competent to work on their own and arrange equipment. Edward Van Wyk stressed that the sampling points were not easy to assess and the students had to climb up to 3 storeys high for the FTP samples and endured hot conditions while taking pot line samples.
Students conducting analysis and testing within the Qatalum lab
Once the samples arrived at the lab the students at the lab take over and ensure all samples are correctly labelled. The samples are then quartered and cloned to create representable samples for the different tests. The student conducted 2 tests on each sample to determine particle size analysis and fluoride content. At present, sampling is in full swing and the students are working weekends as well as it is required to take samples daily. Coordination with QSTP is done through video conferencing so as all responsible parties are in parallel communication.
Video conferencing with Are Dyroy from Hydro and Elin Legland from QSTP
Miriam Qualha, one of the student's commented, "On this project I have managed to learn the importance of technology in the scientific field by using a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) for fluoride content determination, followed by particle size distribution (PSD) on a laser analyser. In fact, this project, being my first, motivated me to discover and learn more about the laboratory work and encouraged me to expand my knowledge in the future, in the field of research".
Ramy Abdulzaher said, "The alumina research gave purpose to my summer internship and encouraged me to learn more about the aluminium industry".
Amina Bibi Nawab followed Ramy by saying, "My first thoughts were to how an environmentalist would fit in an industry? However, this project has shown me the real work dynamic, and that nothing beats the practical knowledge. Here we function as one unit with different disciplines intercepting and completing each other, and so far it's great".
Khan Mohammed Mosiur: "At Qatalum the heat and work load are big challenges but it is a good exposure "
Ashraf Emad Al-Sharawi had this to say, "Getting the opportunity to work on the first research project between Qatalum and Hydro is definitely a huge step in my career. During the few weeks I have been in the Qatalum summer program, I was able to explore the aluminium industry and get to know the various parts of the aluminium smelter as well as the significance each hold within the smelter. These include, but not limited to, Potrooms, Anode Plant, and Casthouse. I thank Qatalum and Hydro for giving us the opportunity to work on this project, the first of its kind as I mentioned before, and I am looking forward to working with them as a full-time employee in the near future".
Rizan Babar Baig concluded, "It has truly been an amazing experience so far. Working here has made me understand how the industry works and how different it is from the class room".
There is still a lot of work ahead. These students will be working alone for the next week with Morten going on a well deserving vacation in Norway and will be back to take up the slack during Eid holiday when all the student will take a short rest break and then come back to conclude the project and the summer internship with Qatalum on the 8th Aug 2014.
