Dana Harding, P.Eng.

Calgary, Alberta		APEGGA - P.Eng.
Phone: 403-668-1578 (ENUM)		B.Sc Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta

Mechanical Engineer

Design ~ Analysis ~ Project Management

Dedicated, decisive, and highly accomplished Mechanical Engineer with proven skills and experience as a "hands-on" independent contractor in the Oil and Gas industry. Motivational leader and active team contributor resolves difficult problems with a combined suite of experience, engineering fundamentals, and superior computer skills. Effective communicator that works with diverse individuals at every level; and develops trusting relationships through integrity, professional character, and industry expertise.

Uniquely qualified in the following areas:

- Reciprocating Compressors	- Design and Problem Solving	- Vibration and Pulsation Analysis
- Cost and Labour Savings	- Field Troubleshooting	- Static and Dynamic Analysis
- Design Optimization	- Pipe Stress Analysis	- Process Review

Professional Experience

AP DYNAMICS INC., Calgary, AB

2003 - 2008

Contract Mechanical Engineer

• Project Analysis, Coordination, and Management duties for more than 70 AP Dynamics Inc. projects, for clientele and owner/operators including:

Penn West Energy Trust	BP Canada Energy Co.	GRB Engineering	VECO (CH2M)	Imperial Oil	Toromont
ConcoPhillips Canada	Aurora Engineering	Terasen Pipelines	Keyera Energy	Collicutt	EnCana
TransCanada Pipelines	Swift Engineering	Breaker Energy	Apache Energy	Enerflex

• Completed pulsation and pipe stress analysis for reciprocating compressor units.
• Built and refined 3D computer analysis models with client supplied documents such as P&ID, GA, equipment specification and performance sheets, and information gathered directly in the shop or field including photographs, linear measurements, and vibration measurement data.
• Models included peripheral equipment such as modular refrigeration and dehydration packages
• Solved models to meet client requirements and specified codes (API 618, ASME B31.3, CSA Z662)
• Presented analysis findings and recommendations in meetings and during conference calls with the client.
• Created new modeling approaches to overcome software limitations.
• Initiated one of the first company uses of external chokes for pulsation control.
• Investigated vibration issues, collected data and supervised the implementation of recommended work at gas plants, compressor stations, and pump installations in oil and gas service
• Recorded multi-channel vibration measurements using: CSI 2120 and CSI 2130 analyzers, and NI CompactDAQ equipment.
• Analyzed frequency spectra of measurements to determine the ODS and to isolate contributing factors of components vibrating excessively, such as mechanical or acoustic excitation.
• Prepared technical reports outlining the complete findings, and recommendations to fix all issues found.
• Inspected the implementation of structural and other recommendations in the shop and at field locations.
• Coordinated with the client during planning and implementing of the recommended work.
• Supervised teams including pipe fitters, welders, and mechanics in rectifying issues on field units.
• Identified components with a high risk of failure in vibrating service; and resolved issues in an immediate and proactive manner. Some typical issues were loose supports, air gaps in supports, soft foot in vessel and machinery feet, strain in sight/gauge glasses and other small geometry, piles not welded to skid, and open section structural members (wide flange beams) not gusseted where required.
• Worked with Operations to see a wide range of operating conditions during each vibration survey.
• Participated in safe work meetings before any work in the field commenced.
• Reviewed and inspected modifications to ensure compliance with design intent.
• Undertook a Management role with Junior Engineers
• Provided input on decisions to hire Junior Engineers
• Maintained direct oversight of several Junior Engineers, depending on any single project
• Trained and mentored the new members of the team, ensuring compliance with company procedures.
• Emphasized understanding the big picture: why components were selected, how they work together, and the impact of any recommendations on the unit or system.
• Built, deployed, and commissioned a multi-channel high speed data acquisition system to monitor a steam startup line at the MacKay River Cogeneration Plant (SAGD process)
• On short notice (two weeks), purchased components for a complete field kit then built, tested, and installed the data acquisition system.
• The equipment was successfully installed and tested one day ahead of schedule, with no significant snags.
• Implemented a wireless connection to allow remote monitoring and control of the system.

Selected Project Involvement and Accomplishments:

• Completed some significant AP Dynamics Inc. field project ‘firsts’, including:
• First vibration survey with company owned equipment, including short notice to familiarize myself with the new equipment before taking it to the field.
• First project involving direct oversight of a field crew implementing our recommendations
• First overseas vibration measurements in the Netherlands for Vermilion Energy Trust
• Revealed one calculation bug in the AutoPIPE stress analysis software while verifying a modeling approach with hand calculations. Information was submitted to vendor and fixed.
• Utilized VoIP Communications Technology to build and commission a PBX with enterprise class features.
• Compiled vibration measurements of a 7500hp reciprocating compressor at the Niska Gas Storage Countess facility, the largest single reciprocating compressor unit in Alberta at the time.
• Reduced 2-3 man-hours per field project by creating an application to interface with a proprietary database at the binary level, allowing more time for a higher quality analysis while increasing the technical content of each report.
• Reduced save and load time of a large Nastran (FEA) model from 30-60 seconds to 5-10 seconds by installing a striped disk array (RAID-0) – significantly reducing the analyst’s stress under a tight deadline.
• Modified an in-house structural program to be compliant with both NBC and ASCE 7-02 building codes.

Certifications

Awards, Scholarships