Deborah Nkagbu

Resume Information

Description

Highly skilled and motivated Engineer with experience in the oil and gas industry, specializing in process engineering design, simulation, optimization, and reservoir modeling and simulation. Adept at utilizing advanced software tools to enhance operational efficiency and ensure industry standards adherence. Leveraging expertise in challenging environments to contribute to the success and growth of innovative technologies.

Location
Houston Texas
Experience
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON May 2022 – Present RESEARCH ASSISTANT • Led a detailed evaluation of waterflooding performance in the Permian Basin’s West Grayburg Unit, applying reservoir simulation models (CMG and PETREL) and analytical methods to estimate original oil in place (OOIP). • Contributed to a comparative analysis of field development scenarios, including improved waterflooding and CO2 EOR, enhancing oil recovery by up to 11% over traditional methods. Performed sensitivity analysis on project economics, identifying CO2 EOR's feasibility under varying oil prices and capital expenditures. Executed rigorous quality checks of petrophysical data and geomodels, ensuring high accuracy in simulation results. • Developed and optimized a machine learning-based predictive model for drilling time estimation, leveraging AI and machine learning for operational efficiency and cost reduction. • Developed and optimized a CBM reservoir model, focusing on diffusivity and dimensionless modeling. This involved deriving a diffusivity equation for CBM flow in fracture systems, coupled with mass conservation equations, leading to a mathematical model conducive to solution using MATLAB. Applied MATLAB to solve the developed CBM reservoir model, achieving a 90% accuracy in methane production trend predictions compared to actual field datasets, demonstrating advanced analytical and computational skills. Conducted in-depth analysis of reservoir parameters such as thickness, permeability, and initial conditions, crucial for optimizing CBM production. • Contributed to a comprehensive study on the effect of CO2 sequestration on CBM production, offering insights into integrated CO2 management strategies. • Led initiatives in data visualization, showcasing methane production trends and cumulative recovery. • Engaged in multidisciplinary collaboration, effectively communicating complex technical information across teams and contributing to a culture of continuous learning and improvement. • Exhibited strong communication skills, effectively disseminating complex information and mentoring peers, fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement. NETCO/NNPC, LAGOS NIGERIA November 2015 – January 2021 PROCESS ENGINEER • Participated in preliminary design discussions to contribute to project delivery efficiency, leading to more efficient process package solutions for refinery, petrochemical, and oil and gas capital projects. • Developed and verified Heat & Material Balances, Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs), and process equipment datasheets for natural gas processing facilities, hydrogen, ethylene units, olefin, ammonia, CCUS, and other capital projects to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards. • Prepared equipment specifications for various capital projects, including pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, pressure vessels, PSVs, and other process equipment. • Reviewed and evaluated client inquiries and specifications to ensure proposals aligned with technical requirements and client needs. • Executed complex process simulations using Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, ProII, PIPESIM, ANSYS, COMSOL Multiphysics, SolidWorks Simulation, AutoCAD, AVEEVA PDMS, and other software programs to refine process conditions and enhance equipment performance. • Collaborated with instrumentation engineers to review and select technical information for various instruments, focusing on boosting process control and efficiency. • Facilitated internal and client HAZOP studies to identify and implement safety improvements, ensuring compliance with safety standards. • Organized, tracked, and prepared summary reports, job documentation, and materials for various projects, ensuring effective project management. • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to design projects, such as LNG processing facilities, NNPC pipelines, etc., contributing to project coordination and execution. • Created installation, operating, and maintenance instruction manuals to improve operational reliability and safety standards. • Conducted detailed technical evaluations to support aligning project goals with client requirements. • Prepared technical presentations and conducted client meetings to discuss project proposals and outcomes. • Presented technical papers at industry forums and conferences to represent the company's interests and share technical expertise. • Lead efforts to enhance project efficiency through innovative technology, such as machine learning algorithms for predictive maintenance. • Contributed to process improvements by identifying new technology applications and work process enhancements to improve efficiency. • Stayed updated with industry trends, regulations, and best practices to drive continuous improvement in engineering processes. • Conducted engineering analyses to identify areas for process improvements. Recommended solutions to field engineers to enhance process efficiency and reduce environmental impact. • Implemented methodologies to confirm pressure safety valves (PSVs) are adequately sized and provided recommendations for adjustments as necessary for safety and compliance. • Supported the development and implementation of Integrity Management Programs (IMPs) for pipeline systems in LNG, hydrogen, ethylene, and carbon capture projects. • Collaborated with a team of engineers to evaluate integrity assessment results and recommend appropriate repairs or preventive measures. • Provided engineering support for pipeline integrity projects, including welding calculations, material selections, hydrostatic test pressures, and other integrity-related calculations. • Contributed to innovation by identifying new technology improvements, patents, or work process enhancements to improve execution efficiency for LNG, hydrogen, ethylene, and other capital projects. • Stayed updated with industry trends, regulations, and best practices to ensure continuous improvement in engineering processes, leading to improved process efficiency and reduced environmental impact. NEW ERA REFINERIES, ABIA NIGERIA June 2013 – October 2013 CHEMICAL ENGINEER INTERN • Streamlined daily operations by contributing to process optimization and safety enhancements, resulting in an improvement in operational efficiency and a reduction in safety incidents. • Enhanced plant performance by rigorously optimizing process variables, leading to increased production throughput and reduced energy consumption. • Resolved daily process issues by providing timely and effective troubleshooting support, increasing the plant's operational uptime. • Bolstered hazard analysis studies, assisting in the identification and mitigation of critical safety hazards, thereby enhancing the plant's overall safety protocol adherence.
Skills
• Advanced Engineering Expertise: Elevated proficiency in both reservoir and production engineering, encompassing well design, operation optimization, artificial lift systems, and surveillance processes to enhance oil and gas production, using Petrel, Petrel RE, Eclipse, CMG GEM, BUILDER, RESULTS, ComboCurve, PHDWin, Aries, PVTP, Spotfire, and other analytical modeling techniques to solve reservoir engineering problems. • Economic and Financial Acumen: Strengthened capabilities in economic evaluation, business financial metrics, and reserves reporting, ensuring the economic viability and strategic alignment of engineering projects. • Competency in safe laboratory protocols and prudent laboratory practices. • Proficiency in developing and maintaining process flow diagrams (PFDs), piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), and equipment and instrument data sheets. Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory requirements is essential. • Equipment Design and specifications for pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, and other process equipment, ensuring compliance with engineering guidelines. • Process simulation and analysis using simulation software like Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Plus to refine process conditions and improve equipment performance. • Computational fluid dynamics, and Finite Element Analysis for pressure vessels and structural stresses using ANSYS, COMSOL Multiphysics, SolidWorks Simulation, and AutoCAD. • Quality assurance and compliance principles to ensure process safety, adherence to company, ASME and API standards, and proper sizing of pressure safety valves (PSVs), and other process equipment. • Process analysis and problem-solving to conduct engineering analyses to identify areas for process improvement, and recommend solutions to field engineers and other stakeholders. • Safety analysis skills in conducting HAZOP studies, OSHA, and other safety analyses to ensure safety compliance and identify improvements. • Project Management experience to organize, track, and prepare summary reports, job documentation, and materials for various projects. Project coordination with cross-functional teams, including operations, maintenance, and safety, is also crucial. • Highly skilled in data analytics with exceptional ability in managing large datasets and leveraging programming languages (Python, Power BI, VBA, Spotfire, MATLAB, etc.), alongside expertise in AI, machine learning, and data management tools, to drive innovation and efficiency in engineering solutions. • Team Collaboration working with multidisciplinary teams to design projects, such as LNG processing facilities, pipelines, and gas turbines. • Technical Communication and presentation skills in preparing and conducting technical presentations for internal stakeholders, customers, and third parties. • Technical Writing ability to create detailed technical documentation, including Installation, Operating, and Maintenance Instruction manuals. • Customer interaction proficiency in interfacing with customers to gather requirements, discuss project proposals, and provide feedback. • Innovation and technology integration capability contributing to innovation by identifying new technology improvements, patents, or work process enhancements to improve execution efficiency. • Continuous improvement to stay updated with industry trends, regulations, and best practices to ensure continuous improvement in engineering processes.
Education
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON December 2023 Master of Petroleum Engineering • GPA: 3.3/4.0 INTERNATIONAL HELLENIC UNIVERSITY, GREECE February 2022 Master of Science (MSc.) in Oil and Gas Technology • Grade: 3.5/4.0 IGBINEDION UNIVERSITY OKADA, EDO NIGERIA November 2015 Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Chemical Engineering • Grade: 3.6/4.0