|
|
Kasey Ehlen |
|
|
Participants |
The reason that a chemical engineer would work as an automation engineer is because the chemical engineer understands the chemical processes taking place. While a computer engineer would be able to write the code, they would not necessarily understand why a valve would have to be closed or what pressure a tank cannot exceed. Since I had previous computer programming experience, I was a prime candidate for this intern position. Since it was my second summer at this site, I worked on more difficult projects. Since Pfizer is a drug company, the Food and Drug Administration requires that everything is documented properly. Any code that is written must be tested and verified to work correctly. One of my tasks last summer was to write test protocols for standard subroutines. A standard subroutine is a piece of code that is reusable in a program. These subroutines are used in a number of buildings at the plant and had not been explicitly tested before. To complete this task, I had to work with other automation engineers as well as chemical operators and technical writers. Another project I completed was writing miscellaneous program code and creating graphics. Every automated system has graphics that illustrate the equipment on the production floor. The automated system allows an operator to open or close a valve, turn on a pump, etc. all by the touch of a button on the Distributed Control System (DCS). The DCS system decreases the amount of manual operation required and lowers the amount of human error in a process. To complete my project, I had to follow a procedure. The procedure began with creating an automated change permit (ACP). A number of people have to approve the project before it can be implemented. The code was written, and then it had to be checked through peer review with another automation engineer. This assured that the code was written correctly. My internship experience has given me a better understanding of what a chemical engineer does. In today’s society, many plants are becoming more automated. The experience I obtained will be valuable in any chemical engineering position I might obtain after graduation. |
For
the summer of 2003, I worked as an Automation and Controls Engineer intern
at Pfizer in Kalamazoo, MI. This was my second summer working as an
intern at this site. The objective of my internship was to obtain a
better understanding of how automation works in a chemical plant and to be
able to write and trouble shoot the programming language.