In this exclusive interview, Instrumetrics World sits down with Balen Osman, an instrumentation and controls technician from Taurus Energy, a multifaceted company that plays a significant role in the oil and gas industry, power generation, and distribution, among other sectors. We explore the day-to-day responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of working as an instrumentation and controls technician at Taurus Energy, diving into the systems, technologies, and processes that ensure the smooth operation of crucial infrastructure. From troubleshooting complex issues to ensuring safety compliance, this interview offers valuable insight into the critical role of instrumentation and controls in the energy industry.
By Madeline McNabb, Instrumetrics World
Can you describe Taurus Energy for us in a couple of sentences?
Taurus Energy works in the oil and gas industry, power generation and distribution, commodity trading, logistics, retail technology, and telecommunications.
What does a typical day look like in your role as an instrumentation and controls technician?
A typical day in my role as an instrumentation and controls technician is installing, inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, measuring, testing, adjusting, calibrating, and repairing instruments, systems, and industry equipment. In addition, I check and fix fire alarm system faults and supervise the fire alarm system control units.
What types of systems and equipment do you work with most frequently?
At our refinery, I work on the systems and equipment related to instrumentation and control. Instruments are used to measure process variables to control, monitor, and maintain them. They include transmitters, switches, and indicators in physical parameters (flow, level, pressure, and temperature), chemical parameters (pH, conductivity, O₂, and CO), and mechanical parameters (vibration, speed, expansion, and fraction).
Accuracy and reliability are a must
How do you ensure the accuracy and reliability of the instruments you maintain?
I calibrate the instruments and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and my calibration schedule, depending on the frequency and conditions of use. I document and record the calibration results and procedures for traceability and quality assurance.
Then I complete planned maintenance routines (PMR) for the instruments as soon as possible, according to the preventative maintenance and corrective maintenance schedule, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the instruments.
Can you explain a recent project where you had to troubleshoot a complex issue and the steps you took?
As a specialist in fire alarm systems, my team and I had to troubleshoot the complex issues with the fire alarm system of the Bazian Oil Refinery’s central laboratory.
Operating the fire alarm system panel to identify any faults was the first important step. Based on that, we inspected some of the devices, fixed the ones that need to be fixed, and replaced some of the devices with new smoke, heat, and gas detectors, sounders, flashers, manual call points, and modules. We then updated the devices’ labels, double checked the system, and restarted it. Lastly, we conducted tests to ensure the system’s accuracy, dependability, and security.
What are the most critical skills and areas of expertise for someone in your position?
He or she must be an experienced person with a background in the field, able to adapt to different work environments, possess a high working awareness, and persistently adopt new knowledge and innovations.
How do you stay updated with the latest technologies and advancements in your field, particularly those relevant to daily operations?
I constantly monitor the products of reputable suppliers when developing any new products. I also keep reading in my field and follow some useful platforms, like Instrumetrics World. I attend courses and training to further develop myself and stay updated with the latest technologies and advancements in my field.
What safety protocols do you follow when working with instrumentation and control systems?
I follow life-saving rules and standard operating procedures (SOP).
How do you ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations?
I stay updated on relevant regulations and follow internal policies and procedures. I perform internal audits and risk assessments, and I use compliance monitoring tools. I also attend employee training. In addition, I document and report to maintain detailed records of all compliance activities, audits, and actions taken to address any issues.
Challenges in the field
What are some common challenges you face in your work at Taurus Energy, and how do you overcome those challenges?
Tight schedules and unexpected disruptions are challenges that I overcome through time management and open communication with managers and supervisors. Setting realistic timelines is important, especially when troubleshooting or fixing complex issues.
Can you share an example of a particularly challenging problem you solved and what you learned from it?
At our refinery, a radar level transmitter installed on a large storage tank was intermittently providing inaccurate readings. The readings were sometimes too high, leading to overfilling risks, and at other times too low, causing concerns about running the tank dry. This issue was critical because it could result in safety hazards, operational inefficiencies, and product loss. Since the problem was intermittent and only appeared under certain conditions, pinpointing the exact cause was challenging.
Initial investigation, signal check and calibration, environmental factors, root cause (interference from condensation), solution (repair and insulation replacement), verification and testing, and preventative measures (regular maintenance) were the most important methods we followed to solve the problem.
This experience demonstrated how critical it is for me as an I&C (instrumentation and controls) technician to consider both the technical and environmental aspects of the equipment I maintain. It also highlighted the need for thorough diagnostics and preventative maintenance to ensure the safe and reliable operation of refinery equipment.
Communication is key
How do you collaborate with other departments or teams within Taurus Energy?
We often work together with other maintenance departments on equipment. Each of us knows our duties and responsibilities for the maintenance so that we do not go beyond each other’s expertise. We often work to support other departments, which builds good relationships between us. We always try to be understanding and cooperate with all departments.
What role does communication play in your daily tasks and projects?
Communication plays a crucial role in my daily tasks. Having good communication helps me prioritize and effectively solve issues.
What do you enjoy most about your job at Taurus Energy?
The most enjoyment I get from my job is constantly learning from new and ongoing challenges.
What would you recommend to someone joining your profession? What can he/she expect? What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become an instrumentation and controls technician?
Joining the instrumentation and controls profession can be a rewarding and dynamic career choice. I love being in this field because while it can be challenging, that is what makes the work enjoyable and interesting.
I tell aspiring I&C technicians to get solid technical training, understand the basics, stay curious and keep learning, develop strong troubleshooting skills, be detail oriented and patient, communication skills matter, safety comes first, get hands-on experience, be prepared for shift work, and be resourceful.
Diverse work environments, problem solving, hands-on work, technology and automation, and safety and regulations are the things you might expect.
Thank you for your time and insight, Mr. Osman.
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