Mechanical Connectors 2018

Adam Thistlethwaite: Global Service Line Director - On-Stream Repair, Furmanite

Adam Thistlethwaite is Global Service Line Director for TeamFurmanite’s On-Stream Repair Group. A Member of the IMechE Pressure Systems Group board, Adam holds a first class Honours Degree in Mechanical Engineering, a master’s degree in welding engineering and an MBA from Lancaster University Management School. A Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the IMechE, Adam also sits on the ASME PCC-2 Sub-Committee on Mechanical Repair. Prior to his current role he was Pressure Systems Technical Authority and Asset Integrity Manager (Surface Equipment) for Centrica Exploration and Production.

Matthew Blackburn: HM Principal Specialist Inspector of Health and Safety (Mechanical Engineering) Energy Division (Offshore), HSE

Matthew Blackburn, having started his career with ICI, has 25 years’ experience of working as a chartered mechanical engineer and regulator in the chemical, refining and upstream oil and gas sectors. He currently leads a team of six chartered mechanical engineers focussing on the integrity of mechanical aspects of offshore installations including pressure systems, rotating machinery and lifting equipment. Matthew has been involved in key HSE regulatory programs on asset integrity and ageing offshore installations and has produced a number of HSE safety alerts and guidance documents in these areas.

Ross Millar: Managing Director, Lokring Northern (UK)

Ross Millar graduated from Strathclyde university in Glasgow with a degree in Chemical and Process Engineering before making the decision to follow a path into business. Ross Performed various Sales, Business and Management Roles with Swagelok, Machine Building Systems and Pall Corporation before founding Lokring Northern (UK) in May 2007. Ross has overseen rapid company growth in the first decade as Lokring Technology has become an established cold worked piping solution across the Process, Nuclear, Pharma and Shipbuilding industries.

David Holmes: Mechanical Engineering Lead, INEOS FPS

Scott McNeil: Senior Mechanical Engineer, Essar Oil (UK) Limited

Scott McNeil is focused on long-term integrity projects in his role at Stanlow Refinery. He updated and rolled out the Site Standard for LokRings and assesses the suitability of innovative technologies. His previous involvement on various Units at Fawley Refinery allowed him to develop experience with Mechanical Connectors within the Inspection and Engineering department. He then covered all Refining and Chemicals Units as the Site Mechanical Engineer, where he was involved with reviewing the use of various Mechanical Connectors. Scott is a Chartered member of the IMechE, an MPDS mentor and has developed the relationship between Essar and STEM by leading Ambassador Recruitment Events for both Apprentices and Engineers.

Paul Hughes: Global Subsea Market Leader & Connectors Product Manager, Hydratight Ltd

Paul Hughes is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer with over 15 years of management, projects, engineering and commercial experience in the global offshore and subsea industry. Global Subsea Leader for Hydratight with responsibilities for the corporate subsea strategy and product portfolio. Lead role in the development of joint collaborations to enable new subsea products, services and technologies. Previous roles in Hydratight include the product management of the MORGRIP® Mechanical Pipeline Connectors and all associated Emergency Pipeline Repair Systems and services.

Fedrik Thrane: Technical Manager, ICR Integrity Ltd

Fredrik Thrane has been Head of Technology for Quickflange since 2008. In 2014 Quickflange were purchased by ICR Integrity LTD, at which point he also became lead of the R&D work for the ICR Group. Fredrik holds a Master of Science degree from NTNU, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. He also holds a post graduate degree in economics from NHH, the Norwegian School of Economics.Fredrik has extensive experience from positions such as head of technology and Managing Director within shipping, mechanical industry as well as oil and gas supply industry.

Duncan King: Rotating Equipment Engineer - Equipment Class Owner, INEOS FPS

Mark Sindelar: Engineering Manager, Lokring Technology LLC

Mark Sindelar holds a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette University School of Engineering, Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA and an Executive Masters degree in Business Administration from Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management, Cleveland, Ohio USA. Mark has 30 years of experience in product design and development of which the last 12 years with Lokring Technology in the capacity of Chief Engineer and most currently as Director of Innovation and Technology. He holds several US and foreign patents, is co-author of the ASME 2017 Pressure Vessel & Piping Conference (PVP) paper titled “ Vibration Testing of Compression Joints” and is a member of the ASME B31.3 Process Piping, Materials sub-committee.

Elizabeth Hillier: Principal Engineer, London Approval Centre, DNV GL UK Limited

Elizabeth Hillier has broad experience in corrosion engineering and asset integrity management. Her technical and practical experience covers; materials selection, risk assessment, RBI (execution and planning), solution development and the provision of operational and engineering support. Elizabeth has been extensively involved with the integrity management of production and processing facilities on and offshore in the UK and overseas and assurance process related to repair method selection, deployment and qualification for use. She holds a BSc in chemistry, MSc in chemical research and PhD in advanced materials.

Geoff Evans: Engineering Technical Authority, SETA – Static Mechanical Pressure Systems, BP Exploration & Production Company Limited

Geoff Evans is the Engineering Technical Authority for the Static Mechanical discipline within BP's upstream business. He is responsible for the BP ETP's for pressure systems. His role also includes global leadership of this engineering community of 300 mechanical engineers working on projects and in operations around the world. Geoff has over 30 years' experience as a Mechanical Engineer in the Oil & Gas industry. He represents BP on various ASME, OGP, ISO and EEMUA committees, is a Chartered Engineer, a Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers and has a Master's degree in Engineering from Cranfield University.

Jack  McEntee: Mechanical Engineer, Upstream Engineering Centre, BP