Thermal & Fluid Engineering in Refinery Operations

Internship Overview

This four-week industrial training at the Guwahati Refinery was an immersive experience designed to bridge the gap between theoretical mechanical engineering knowledge and real-world industrial application. The primary focus was to study the critical role of thermal and fluid dynamics in the operation, efficiency, and safety of a large-scale public sector refinery. The internship provided invaluable insights into complex refining processes, maintenance workflows, and industrial safety protocols.

Key Learnings & Areas of Study:

• Thermal & Fluid Systems Analysis: Conducted a detailed study of heat transfer and fluid flow principles across key static equipment (Heat Exchangers, Furnaces, Boilers) and rotary equipment (Pumps, Compressors).
• Process Unit Observation: Gained hands-on exposure by visiting and studying the infrastructure of various critical units, including the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), Delayed Coker Unit (DCU), Hydrotreater Unit (HDT), and Thermal Power Station (TPS).
• Operational Challenges: Examined common operational challenges in refining, such as equipment fouling, pressure drops in pipelines, and thermal stresses on components, along with modern mitigation strategies.
• Industrial Safety & Workflow: Learned and adhered to the 11-point General Safety Rules of the plant and understood the procedures for hazard mitigation, including the use of Manual Call Points (MCP) and designated assembly points.
• Mechanical Workshop Familiarization: Observed the functions of essential machinery in the mechanical workshop, including lathes, milling machines, grinders, and welding equipment used for plant maintenance and fabrication.

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