Hi folks, hope this latest blog finds everyone well. It has again been a busy week here in Houston, Texas, both gas turbine-wise and socially, and many lessons have been learned. I think I’ll start with work. As most of my projects had drawn to a close at the end of last week, this week saw me being given a new set of assignments. Included within these tasks were a few more maintenance procedures, I explained these two weeks ago so I won’t go into it again, but I was also assigned projects which covered fairly new ground.  

At the start of the week I began learning the process behind calibration of the dynamometer systems which are operated at WG Light Industrial Turbines.  These systems are applied in the test cell as they can be used to simulate loading on the turbines during the test process. By doing this a much more detailed data set can be derived as the system is able to recreate conditions which are similar to what the turbine would see whilst operating in the field. This can be quite a complex procedure, which only a very select few know how to complete, and therefore I spent a day learning the ins and outs from one of the senior engineers at LIT.  By learning this process and putting the procedure on paper, which can now be seen and used by all the staff here at LIT, I believe that I have made a direct contribution to the facility. As there are three dynamometers which require calibration on a regular basis, in order to ensure test results are as accurate as possible, I feel that my work will save time and increase efficiency as anyone can now calibrate the system, whereas in the past, a senior engineer would have been required to point you in the right direction. Also, by calibrating the system, I have made a contribution to the testing process, as we can now confirm to the customer that our results are as accurate as possible.

This week I was also given the chance to learn a little bit about lasers, cool right? A few years ago the company, for lack of a better phrase, had a bit of an impulse buy, when they bought a handheld fibre marking laser. The intention for this system was that it would be used for marking turbine and compressor parts with information such as part numbers, lot codes and perhaps even the company logo. However this purchase was made a tad on the hasty side, and it turns out that this specific handheld fibre marking laser is, well, useless, at performing these types of jobs on the parts that it was intended for. This is because most of the parts are either too small to use a handheld laser on, or the target surface is curved. So, I’ve spent the week trouble shooting the problem, attempting to find a solution to get the laser working on the components it was intended for. To do this I’ve spent a lot of time contacting the manufacturer as well as working with the staff who operate the equipment at LIT. So far, I’ve managed to come up with a few novel solutions, one of which involves pretty much dismantling the laser and putting it back together in a different configuration with incorporated trolley for moving the part. However, health and safety might not appreciate my efforts here as it would involve removing the laser shield from the system, by-passing the safety switch, and giving the operator safety glasses. I wonder who’ll be trying this out first time around. Volunteers? Don’t worry readers, it’s not as insane as it sounds, we’ll do it in a closed room, and besides it’s only a class six laser! I guess the lesson here is, try before you buy.

Anyway, I’ve talked about this week’s work projects long enough; socially I also feel that I’ve learned a few life lessons.

Firstly, always ensure your parking permit is attached to your car. Believe me you don’t want to spend two hours of your Saturday, in the baking sun, at a tower's yard, when you’re meant to be BBQ-ing by the swimming pool. You should have seen the look on Anton’s face as he bragged about his reverse parking efforts the previous night, when we got downstairs to find the car was gone. Looking back, it was rather funny, however not so much at the time. The whole experience was actually quite The Hangover-esque.

Secondly, in Texas, sun tan lotion is a necessity. You will burn without it. Again it will be Anton who confirms this life lesson. On Sunday, whilst nursing a slightly sore head, due to my final life lesson, we decided to chill by the pool. I was slightly burned as I didn’t put on enough sun-screen, however a mild case of sun-stroke has been enough to teach my fellow intern his lesson.

Finally, never ever EVER drink tequila in a duelling piano bar. I don’t feel that this is perhaps that right forum to divulge details; however I have to warn my fellow Saltire foundation interns that this is a mistake you don’t have to make.

That’ll just about do it for this week as I've rambled on for quite long enough. See everyone soon!

Scott T