CHAPTER 1

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

SIWES was established by ITF (Industrial Training Fund) in the year 1973 to solve the
problem created by lack of adequate skills for employment of university graduates by
Nigerian industries. Employers noticed that graduates from various Nigerian institutions
Universities, Monotechnic and Polytechnics alike were lacking in training or in the
practical aspect of their courses thereby making it hard for them to perform their duties
after being employed. This was a problem until 1973 when SIWES was created, the
program was officially approved by the Federal government in 1974.The SIWES scheme
is designed to exposes students and prepares them for the work situation they are likely to
encounter after graduation.

1.2 DEFINATION OF SIWES AND BRIEF HISTORY

The Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) is a skills training
programme designed to expose and prepare students of universities and other tertiary
institutions for the Industrial Work situation they are likely to meet after graduation. The
scheme is aimed at bridging the existing gap between theory and practice of Sciences,
Agriculture, Medical Sciences (including Nursing), Engineering and Technology,
Management, and Information and Communication Technology and other professional
educational programmes in the Nigerian tertiary institutions. It is also a planned and
structured programme based on stated and specific career objectives which are geared
towards developing the occupational competencies of participants (Mafe, 2009).
Consequently, the SIWES programme is part of the approved Minimum Academic
Standard in the various degree programmes for all Nigerian Universities.
The history of SIWES starts off with the recognition of the shortcomings and weakness in
the formation of SET (Science, Education and Technology) graduates, particularly with
respect to acquisition of relevant production skills (RPSs), the Industrial Training Fund
(which was itself established in 1971 by decree 47) initiated the Students’ Industrial
Work experience Scheme (SIWES) in 1973. The scheme was designed to expose students
to the industrial environment and enable them develop occupational competencies so that
they can readily contribute their quota to national economic and technological
development after graduation. Consequently, SIWES is a planned and structured
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programme based on stated and specific career objectives which are geared toward
developing the occupational competencies of participants. It is therefore, not in doubt that
SIWES is a veritable means or tool for National Economic Development.
The main thrust of ITF programmes and services is to stimulate human performance,
improve productivity, and induce value-added production in industry and commerce.
Through its SIWES and Vocational and Apprentice Training Programmes, the Fund also
builds capacity for graduates and youth self-employment, in the context of Small-Scale
Industrialization, in the economy. The Industrial Training Fund is a grade ‘A’ parasternal
operating under the aegis of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment. It
has been operating for 42 years as a specialist agency that promotes and encourages the
acquisition of industrial and commercial skills required for national economic
development.

1.2.1 BODIES INVOLVED IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SIWES.

The bodies involved in the management of SIWES are:

 Federal government

 Industrial Training Fund

While other supervising agencies include:

 National University Commission (NUC)

 National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)

 National Council for Colleges of Education (NCCE).

The functions of these agencies are as follows;

 To ensure adequate funding of the scheme.

 To establish and accredit SIWES in the approved institutions.
 To formulate policies and guidelines for the participating bodies to follow.
 To supervise the students participating and sign their required documents.
 To ensure payment of allowance for the students etc.

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1.3 ROLES OF THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING FUND (ITF).

This agency is dedicated to performing the following roles:

 Formulate policies and guidelines on SIWES for distribution to all the SIWES
participating bodies;
 Provide logistic material needed to administer the scheme;
 Organize orientation programmes for students prior to attachment;
 Provide information on companies for attachment and assist in industrial placement of
students;
 Supervise students on Industrial attachment;
 Accept and process Master and Placement lists from institutions and supervising
agencies;
 Vet and process students’ logbooks and ITF Form 8.

1.4 AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF SIWES

The Industrial Training Fund’s policy Document No. 1 of 1973 which established SIWES
outlined the aims and objectives of the scheme. The aims and objectives of the scheme
are as follows:

 It provides an avenue for students in institutions of higher learning to acquire

industrial skills and experience during their course of study.
 It exposes Students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment and
machinery that may not be available in their institutions.
 It makes the transition from school to the world of work easier and enhance students’
contact for later job placements and a chance to evaluate companies for which they
might wish to work.
 It provides students with the opportunities to apply their educational knowledge in
real work and industrial situations, there by bridging the gap between theory and
practice.
 The programme teaches the students on how to interact effectively with other workers
and supervisors under various conditions in the organization.

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1.5 INTRODUCTION TO NNPC

The nation Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources, and the most recognized
and marketed the crude oil which was first found in1964 at Oloibiri. Since the discovery
of crude oil in Nigeria the nation has capitalized on its rich economic value. This Crude
oil can be found in both Non Associated wells and Associated wells which come with
Natural Gas.

In Nigeria the potential and economical value of natural gas has been seriously
undermined, even though the nations natural gas quantity out ways that of crude oil.
Nigeria is endowed with abundant natural gas resources, which in energy terms, is in
excess of the nation’s proven crude oil reserve. More so, the gas was discovered whilst
searching for crude oil, as no deliberate effort had been made to search for natural gas
then. The current reserved estimate of the Nigerian gas is over 120 trillion cubic feet,
with about 50/50 distribution ratio between Associated Gas (AG) and Non Associated
Gas (NAG). Only a small fraction of this quantity is currently being utilized.
In the past large quantities of natural gas was flared, due to low demand and difficulty of
storage and transportation, But with the emergence of new technologies which has made
both storage and supply easier, natural gas can now be transported with ease over various
networks of high-pressure pipelines with the aid of compressors. These advancements in
technology have greatly increased both the industrial and domestic demand for natural
gas as it is today.

For accountability and management of this resource (Crude oil & Natural gas), the NNPC
was established on April 1, 1977 as a merger of the Nigerian National Oil Corporation
and the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel. In addition to its exploration activities, the
Corporation was given powers and operational interests in refining, petrochemicals and
products transportation as well as marketing.

In 1988, the NNPC was commercialized into 13 strategic business units, covering the
entire spectrum of oil industry operations: exploration and production, gas development,
refining, distribution, petrochemicals, engineering, and commercial investments.
Currently, the subsidiary companies include: 

 Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC)

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 The Nigerian Gas Company (NGC)
 The Products and Pipelines Marketing Company (PPMC)
 National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS)
 Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL)
 National Engineering and Technical Company Limited (NETCO)
 Hydrocarbon Services Nigeria Limited (HYSON)
 Warri Refinery and Petrochemical Co. Limited (WRPC)
 Kaduna Refinery and Petrochemical Co. Limited (KRPC)
 Port Harcourt Refinery Co. Limited (PHRC)
 NNPC Retail
 Duke Oil

In 2016, changes were made to promote the corporation as a global energy company,
therefore, pipelines and products marketing company (PPMC) and the Nigeria Gas
Company (NGC) were restructured to create the following new units:

 Nigerian Gas and Marketing Company (NGMC)

 Gas and Power Investment Company (GPIC)
 Nigerian Products and Marketing Company (NPMC)
 Nigerian Gas processing and Transmission Company (NGPTC)
 Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company (NPSC)

1.6 INTRODUCTION TO NIGERIAN GAS COMPANY

The Nigerian Gas Company Limited (NGC) was established in 1988 as one of the 11
subsidiaries of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). The NGC was
charged with the responsibility of developing an efficient gas industry to fully serve
Nigeria's energy and industrial feedstock needs through an integrated gas pipeline
network and also to export natural gas and its derivatives to the West African Sub-region.

The Nigeria Gas Company supplies the gas to the Nigerian Gas and Marketing Company.

5
1.7 INTRODUCTION TO NIGERIAN GAS AND MARKETING COMPANY

The Nigerian Gas Marketing Company (NGMC) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary
company of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) incorporated on July
16, 2016 to market and distributes Natural Gas nationally and to regional African
markets.  The business of the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) Limited was restructured in
year 2016 consistent with NNPC's business growth.

NGMC has mandate to promote the utilization and monetization of natural gas resources
and profitably increase natural gas share of the domestic energy mix through rapid
market expansion and strategic partnerships.

NGMC supports Federal Government's drive for industrial and economic development by
facilitating cheaper access to energy thereby reducing operating costs and boosting
business sustainability.

FIG I

1.8 MISSION, VISION KEY ACTIVITIES, CORE VALUES AND CORE ASSET
OF NGMC

 MISSION

NGMC is committed to adding commercial value to natural gas and making it an energy
resource of first choice within and outside Nigeria for the benefit of all its Stakeholders.

 VISION

To be the preferred Gas Marketing Company to all present and future customers.

 CORE VALUES
6
 Respect for the Individual
 Staff Development and Growth
 Integrity, Transparency and Accountability
 Professional Excellence
 Customer Satisfaction
 Community Friendliness

 KEY ACTIVITIES

 OUR ACTIVITIES

 Market and Distribute Natural Gas to users

 Own and manage over 540km gas spur-lines, over 300 direct and indirect customer
stations across Nigeria.
 Supply gas to over 300 customers across Nigeria for use in cements factories, CNG
plants, manufacturing companies, textiles, captives & embedded power companies.
 Operate BOT/UJV with partners for Gas Marketing & Distributions

 CORE ASSETS
 Maintenance  of over  forty (40) direct gas off-take customers with Gas metering
stations and associated gas treatment  facilities
 Ownership of over 100km of gas distribution networks 

7
 Franchise Agreements with customers such as Gaslink, FALCON and SNG with over
100 customer base.
 Highly experienced and skilled personnel

8
1.9 HOW TO PARTNER WITH NGMC FOR GAS SUPPLY

9
The following are possible ways on how a potential customer can partner with NGMC for
gas supply.

a. Direct Customer: Customer/Companies requesting for gas supply

 The potential customer sends in their letter expressing interest for gas supply to their
facility.

 A meeting is scheduled to get to know the customer and get more information on the
request.

 ·A Due Diligence Questionnaire (DDQ) is filed, and the customer reverts with the
completed DDQ with attached documents.

 A site visit is scheduled to determine the infrastructure requirements and cost estimate
for the gas delivery project.

 ·An economic evaluation is carried out using the cost estimate to determine the
viability of the project. If viable, a draft GSPA is filed on the customer.

 Customer is engaged on possible funding of the delivery pipeline on a Built &

Operate (BT) Model or Direct funding by NGMC.

 If to be funded by the customer, cost harmonization is carried out by the parties.

 Gas delivery project execution commences.

b. AS A STRATEGIC PARTNER:

 The potential partner sends in their letter expressing interest for gas marketing and
distribution partnership with NGMC indicating the possible distribution area of
interest.
 ·A meeting is scheduled to get to know the customer and get more information on
their request (possible location of interest, potential off-takers, volume projection,
marketing plan, funding arrangement etc.)
 ·Due Diligence Questionnaire (DDQ) is filed and the customer reverts with the
completed DDQ with attached documents.
 ·A site visit is scheduled to determine the infrastructure requirements, location for the
City Gate Station and cost estimate for the distribution project.

10
 ·An economic evaluation is carried out using the cost estimate and if viable, a draft
IGSPA and a GDA is filed on the customer.
 ·Potential Partner is engaged on possible funding for the marketing and distribution
project on a Build, Operate & Transfer or Unincorporated Joint Venture Model.
Further engagement on the Value share and other commercial issues are also done.
 ·Cost harmonization is carried out between NGMC and the strategic partner.
 NGMC seeks NNPC TMC's approval of the collaboration.
 Project Execution commences.

1.9.1 Why Natural Gas?

Natural Gas is growing in Importance

 Cleanest fossil fuel – highly efficient source of energy

 Its combustion is more environmentally friendly
 Gas produces close to zero Sulphur dioxide and low levels of nitrogen oxide
 Cheaper source of energy.

1.9.2 Economic Benefits/Investment Opportunities in the Gas Industry

 Embedded and Captive Power Plants

 Petrochemical, Methanol and Fertilizer Plants
 Gas Distribution Infrastructures
 Gas Marketing and Distribution to end- users
 Piped Natural Gas for domestic use (households)
 Local Fabrication Yards
 CNG and LPG Distribution to End users
 Mini-LG for Gas Supply to Remote Locations
 Pipeline Construction
 Investment in Auto CNG.

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As seen in the figure above which shows the distribution of gas through the NGMC to
various industry and sector, During my SIWES I was actively involved in the supply of
gas to Bua cement camp okpella, Edo state.

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 CHAPTER 2

2.7 PREAMBLE

Natural gas in its pure form is colourless, shapeless and odourless and it is seen in many
ways as the ideal fossil fuel, because it is clean, easy to transport, and convenient to use.
Although in the past was discarded and regarded as worthless, leading nations are now
embracing its countless benefits.

In this day and age after the basic things that man needs for survival which are food,
shelter and clothes, power is a very essential amenity, it serves virtual every tool or
equipment man uses to make life easier e.g. electricity, transportation etc. This power can
be gotten from various sources like solar, crude oil and natural gas. To harness this
immense power potentials of this natural gas it has to be firstly drilled from wells, either
associated or non-associated wells, treated and distributed to various customers that
convert this natural gas to power that can be utilized by man i.e. electricity, fuel for
vehicles. The process of treating and distribution of natural gas involves a process called
gas metering.

 NNPC through its subsidiary, Nigerian Gas Marketing Company (NGMC), supplies
natural gas for power generation, either as source of fuel or as feedstock to cement and
fertilizer plants, glass, food and beverages, manufacturing industries and so on. The
volume of gas sold is measured via various metering stations. The main function of these
metering stations includes:

 Filtration: This is the act of straining the gas for particles, condensate, mud etc.
 Reduction: the act of reducing the gas pressure to the specification of our
customers.
 Metering: the act of measuring the volume of gas sold for appropriate billing.

2.3 GENERAL OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT AT NGMC

 Routine inspection of the plant equipment and logging of process parameters

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To ensure effective and efficient functioning of the plant, routine work inspections of the
plant equipment is carried out to check for any faults or malfunctioning of the equipment.
If any is observed, the operator on duty is informed for rectification and if the fault
cannot be rectified, it is reported to the zonal office for necessary maintenance action.
Bi-hourly logging of the process parameters such as the inlet pressure, gas scrubber inlet
pressure, differential pressure, static pressure, outlet/sales line pressure and temperature,
are all noted and logged in on the stations performance log sheet, of which a copy is
taken to the zonal office to show a brief summary of the station’s daily status.

 Gas accounting/calculation

The gas been supplied is accounted for by daily calculation of gas figures which show the
volume of gas taken by customer depending on the number of hours on stream. The
relevant parameters used in the calculation of the daily gas figures are the daily average
temperature (TR), daily average Static pressure (pf), daily average differential pressure
(∆P), Hours on Stream. These parameters are dependent on the orifice sizing i.e. the
orifice diameter and the pipe diameter. The various parameters to be solved for are as
follows:

 Orifice base factor FBX: This read from the AGA Table based on the relation
between the orifice diameter and the pipe diameter.
 Specific Gravity Factor FGX: SQRT(1/g of the gas present in the process line)
 Temperature Factor FTX: SQRT(520/(460+Tact))
 Square root of ∆P HWX: SQRT(2*∆P)
 Static Pressure Factor FPX: SQRT(Pact) in psia
 Reynolds number Factor FRX: 1+0.0546/(HWX*FPX)
 Super Compressibility Factor YX: psig*5.6875/100000*FGX*FTX+1.0045
 Hours on Stream HRS: The period of the time which the process facility was
functional or the total amount of hrs gas was supplied to the customer.
 Gas Figure [mmSCF]: FBX*FGX*FTX*HWX*FPX*FRX*YX*HRS

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 Exchange of gas figures

After calculation of daily gas figures, the figures are exchanged with the customers for
correlation by both parties to ensure that the difference between the two figures (i.e. NGC
figures and the customers figures) does not go beyond the set limit of +50% and -50% in
accordance with the American Gas Association (AGA) standard. If that occurs, alteration
is made to compensate for the huge difference.

2.3 GAS CHARACTERISTICS

Table 2.1: Composition of gas

Percentage By Volume
Compound
C1 81.48
C2 8.17
C3 4.64
iC4 0.81
C4 1.19
iC5 0.30
C5 0.20
C6 0.12
C7+ 0.05

N2 1.16
CO2 1.88
Total 100.00

Molecular Weight: 20.403KMole.

.

2.4 DESCRIPTION OF PLANT USED

Plant utilized is grouped into two categories: main process facilities and auxillary
facilities.

 Main process facilities are listed below

-scraper and inlet

-gas scrubbing
-gas pre-heating
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-gas pressure control
-safety apparatus
-gas metering and gas analysers
-waste hydrocarbons disposal (blow-down burn pit and vent)

 Auxiliary facilities include

-electric power system
-instrumentation and control apparatus
-Cathodic protection
-water supply
-Safety and firefighting equipment.

Detailed explanation of main process facilities

GAS SCRUBBING:

This system consists of two parallel skid mounted horizontal scrubbing/filtering vessels,
separating from gas stream possible solid impurities and condensate liquids if any. One is
operating; the other scrubber is on standby.

Each contain interconnected horizontal vessels of which the upper one is the demister and
the lower one the liquid/dirt settling chamber. The filter is of the cartridges filtering type
and each scrubber includes 16 cartridges; the demister is of vane type.

The natural gas flowing to the terminal passes through one of the scrubbers (either GS1
or GS2) and due to both the reduction of the flow velocity and the action of the filtering
cartridges, the gas is cleared as specified from all possible impurities and as well from
water, if any. The separated solids and liquids are collected in the lower chamber of the
scrubber from where it is evacuated through the level control valves (LCVs) or through
the bottom drain. The whole scrubbing system can be by-passed by the operator, subject
to ground conditions.
The gas scrubber has the following:

 Centrifugal inlet device where the primary separation process takes place.
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 Settling section that reduce the turbulence of fluid stream and allows the liquid
droplets to fall to the bottom of the equipment.
 Mist eliminator to eliminate small liquid droplet that did not settle
 Level control, liquid dump valve, gas back pressure and relief valves, pressure gauge,
site glass, instrument gas regulator and piping.

Figure 2.3: Gas Scrubbers

GAS PRE-HEATING SYSTEM:

The adiabatic expansion of the gas due to the pressure reduction (controlling the gas
pressure), causes a temperature drop which is a direct function of both the pressure drop
and the absolute level of the initial pressure. To surely avoid liquid condensation it is
necessary that the final gas temperature, after pressure reduction, be well above to the gas
DEW POINT. To abide to such a condition, it is necessary to provide the gas, before
pressure reduction, the heat which it will lose passing from the high to low level pressure
level.

One stream flows in the normal direction and the other enters the heat exchanging section
of the heater. Returning to the main process line after heating, the hot gas stream mixes
with the cold one and the resulting temperature of the mix is such as to obtain the desired
temperature (set-point) after pressure reduction. The level of the gas temperature, before
pressure control, is governed by adjusting the mixing ratio of the hot and cool gases,

17
through the three-way valve thus the quantity entering the heater. The governing factor is
the final temperature, after pressure control, which is detected and transmitted by the
temperature transmitter which operates the positioner of the TCV.

ORIFICE METERING:
The orifice meter is the equipment used in the Onne Terminal for the measurement of
flow, and there are two kinds on the metering skid, the Daniel Senior Orifice meters on
the larger 8 inch lines and the Daniel Junior Orifice meters on the smaller 4 inch lines.
Throughout the oil and gas industry, there stems the need for accurate, economical
measurement of process fluids. Orifice metering satisfies most flow measurement
applications and is the most common flow meter in use today.

The orifice meter, sometimes called the head loss flow meter, is chosen most frequently
because of its long history of use in many applications, versatility, and low cost, as
compared to other flow meter available.

The orifice meter consists of a primary element and secondary element(s). The primary
element includes a section of straight run pipe with a constrictive device, most commonly
and orifice plate, which causes change in energy. The energy changes in the form of a
loss in static pressure and increased velocity through the orifice. The secondary element
senses the change in pressure, or differential pressure. This differential pressure
combined with correction factors for the primary device and physical characteristics of
the fluid being measured allows computation of rate of flow. Proven flow factors and
established procedures convert the differential pressure into flow rate. These factors
and/coefficients are based on measurable dimensions of the primary device, such as the
pipe inside diameter and the orifice bore diameter, along with the physical properties of
the fluid being measured, such as specific gravity, density, and viscosity.

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Figure 2.9: Orifice Flow Meter (Daniel Senior Orifice meter)

Analyzers:
The gas in the process line is analyzed to know the various constituents of the gas a
particular time, the following gas analysis are performed:
-gas density
-gas composition, this done by the gas chromatograph
-gas thermal heat (gross)
After the analyses have been done the result is fed to the master computer for recording
and then sent to the printer for printing.

Figure 2.10: Gas chromatograph

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Blow Down and Flare system:
The blow-down system consists of one BLOW-DOWN VESSEL and one VENT STACK
one electric pump and one BURN PIT.

The blow-down vessel which collects the gas/liquid coming from the vessels where liquid
condensation could have taken place (filters, scraper barrels etc.). While pure gas streams
are directly flown to the vent stack.

Inside the blow-down vessel the final separation of gas from liquid takes place at
atmospheric pressure and the separated gas is vented off through the VENT.
The liquid collected on the vessel bottom, is either evacuated by truck o burn-off into the
burn pit.

AUXILLIARY FACILITIES

Instrumentation:
The instrumentation includes a number of instrumentation which can be classified to their
functions, namely:

 Local gauging and dialling instruments

This detects the process parameters and shows them as analogic signal on local indicators
(i.e. pressure and temperature gauges, level indicators etc)

 gauging/transmitting instruments, which read the process parameters and transmit

them, as analogical electric signal, to other, either local or remote, apparatus for
further elaboration and/or recording

 Alarms and safety devices, which alert the terminal operating personal on anomalous
operating conditions and/or call to directly operate the safety devices (i.e. relief, shut-
down, firefighting etc.)

 Process control apparatus, which elaborates the received field data and transmit
COMMAND’s to the field apparatus to the system running within the desired
operational limits (i.e. pressure, temperature).

 Process data recording apparatus which records on paper the main process parameters.

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Corrosion Control System:
Corrosion control of pipeline systems primarily composed of steel and other metals is
critical to system integrity. Buried metallic objects will corrode (chemically oxidize)
through participation in electrochemical reactions if not adequately protected. Corrosion
control is accomplished through a variety of means. In most instances, paints and
protective coatings are applied followed by wrapping and taping sections of mainline
pipe prior to burial to isolate the metallic pipe and prevent its participation in
electrochemical reactions. In addition, cathodic protection is provided through the use of
an impressed current or sacrificial anodes to counteract those electrochemical reactions.
The Cathodic protection system has the scope to protect the pipeline (not the
TERMINALS) against the corrosive action of the currents freely circulation the ground.
The adopted system is of the impressed current type and consists of:

 Cathodic protection transformer rectifier

 Surge diverter

The effectiveness of the cathodic protection is obtained when all points of the line under
protection show a potential of -.85V or lower, measured versus the saturated
Copper/Copper sulphate electrode. In practical terms the protection is assured when the
-.85V is measured at the initial point of the line.

Figure 2.11: Surge Diverter on an Insulation Joint and Cathodic protection

transformer rectifier

21
Control building:
The Control room houses the main station control panel, and the remote operations are
carried out here, maneuvering the operational apparatus by pushing and or switching the
control knobs located on the control panels.

Safety Apparatus:
The Terminal is provided with safety apparatus directly involving the process flow as
well the auxiliary safety apparatus like fire extinguishers, fire and smoke detectors and
alarms.
The control building is provided with an automatic fire fighting system consisting of
flame and smoke detectors as well as a Halon 1301 gas sprayer actuated from the smoke
and flame detectors.
In Addition to the above, eight wall mounted, 50kg capacity and ten portable 12kg
capacity powder fire extinguishers are provided.
The external area is provided of wheel mounted, 50kg capacity and ten portable 12kg
capacity powder fire extinguishers.
In addition to the above six U.V. fire detectors are provided close to the various process
skids to alert the Terminal operating personnel of fire if any.

Valves

Valves were a major occurrence in the Station, and where of a major importance to the
work carried out the station, the valves in the station where employed for isolation, open
and closing, and most especially for controlling i.e. partially closing and opening
dependent on the input and output process variable. Valves are a device that regulate,
direct or controls the flow of fluids by opening, closing, or partially obstructing various
passageways. In the oil industry Valves are of a major importance and are found in
virtually every process facility. These valves are used to isolate, switch, and control fluid
flow in piping systems. Some valves in the station are operated manually (using levers or
gear operators) while some others are operated remotely (using electric, pneumatic,
electro-pneumatic, and electro-hydraulic powered actuators).Manual valves are usually
used only if they will be operated infrequently or no power source is available.

22
Basic Valve Types Seen in the station

 Isolation valves: on/off valves

Typically operated as fully open or fully closed, designed to have a tight reliable seal
during shut-off and minimal flow restriction when open. These valves are employed for
use when there is a need for maintenance on a particular section of the piping system;
they are used to isolate the particular section in need of maintenance from the whole
system to avoid breakage in flow of the process fluid.

 Control valves: used to modulate flow (i.e. vary flow by opening or closing by a
certain percentage).
These valves are of major importance in the metering station, there are found on the
pressure reduction skid, they used for pressure reduction and at times to regulate flow
(flow rate) of the process fluid.

Figure 2.12: Control Valve

23
 Ball valve: a ball with a hole through one diameter that can be rotated to align with
the flow or block it, they provide quick, tight shutoff, high capacity, and require only
a ¼ turn to operate and can be actuated with pneumatic and electric actuators.

Figure 2.13: Ball Valve

 Plug valve: Similar to a ball valve except that a cylinder is used instead of a sphere,
more expensive but more rugged than a ball valve, require more torque to turn but still
easy to actuate can be used as a three-way valve.
Operated mechanically by a float that rests on top of the liquid; as the level rises, it
pushes the float up and closes the valve.
 Gate valves: A sliding disk slides up and down in and out of the fluid, good for high
pressure drop and high temperature applications where operation is infrequent,
manual operation or else multi-turn electric actuators are most common.
 Globe valves: A conical plug moves in and out of the fluid, can be used for shutoff as
well as throttling (flow restriction to cause a drop in pressure) in high pressure drop
and temperature applications. Available in globe, angle, and y-patterns, manual
operation or else multi-turn electric actuators are most common, easier to repair but
more pressure drop than a gate or plug valve
 Solenoid valve: Electrically operated, valve plug is held in place by a spring, when
power is applied, the current draws through the coil generates an electromagnetic

24
 force that opposes the spring and changes the plug position. When power is taken
away, the spring returns the plug to its normal position.
 Switching Valves: Converge and divert flow in a piping system, usually 3-way valves
are used because they can take the place of 2-way valves, 3-way valves are usually
ball, plug, or globe design, two butterfly valves mounted on a pipe tee will also work
and is cost-effective for large pipe control valves.
 Valves listed earlier can be used to modulate flow, but some work better than others.
Diaphragm valves work well to throttle flow, proportional solenoid valves are
economical, reciprocating globe valves, are rugged, expensive, and very accurate
(<2% accuracy).

SAFETY

Safety is the duty of all and it is vital that for every personnel in an organization should
play their respective roles towards a safe and healthy working environment by having
essential safety knowledge and a high level of safety awareness. In NGC, the first thing I
learnt was about safety.
Safety is the condition of being safe, freedom from danger, risk or injury. It is also
referred to as the state of being protected against error, accidents or harm of any kind.
Accident is a specific, unusual and unexpected external action which occurs in a
particular time and place, with no deliberate intention that may lead to risk or injury, loss
of property and life. In order to effectively reduce accident potentials, we need to review
the causes and consequences of accident.

Causes of accident

 Unsafe act: An unsafe act is any deviation from a generally recognized safe way of
doing something that may cause/contribute to an accident. Some examples include:
failure to obey and observe any safety sign and regulations, proper personal protective
equipment, lack of concentration, etc.

 Unsafe condition: Unsafe condition involves the condition of any tool, equipment,
machinery, material, structures, floor or parts of a workers physical surrounding that
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 may cause or contribute to an accident. This includes: defective tools and equipment,
loose clothing and hazardous wears, poor housekeeping hazards, etc.
 Act of nature: These are natural occurring incidents that may cause accidents which
include erosion, earthquakes, etc.

Practical Safety on Accidents

Two basic principles of accident prevention are;

 Determination of the potential or actual cause of the accident by identifying the unsafe
acts and conditions.
 Elimination of these causes- unsafe condition and act.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is anything used or worn by a person to minimize

a risk to the person's health or safety. PPE includes: eye protection, like goggles, glasses
and face shields, hearing protection, like ear plugs and ear muffs.

FIRE
Fire can be defined as a chemical reaction which results in the production of heat, Fire
occurs when fuel, heat and oxygen react in the rightful proportion, which basically form
the concept of a fire triangle.

Figure 2.14: Fire Triangle

Fire is commonly classified into four categories according to the fuel type. The classes of
fire are as follows:

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 Class A: Fire involving ordinary combustible or fire burning materials – wood, paper,
textile which tends to leave residues after burning.
 Class B: Fire involving flammable liquids – gasoline part and solid synthetic rubber
that liquefies under heat.
 Class C: Fires involving combustible gases and liquefied gases.
 Class D: Fire occurring in certain combustible metals which are easily oxidized-
sodium (Na), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg) and Aluminium (Al). Electrical fires
can fall into any of this classes and it covers fire in electrical motors, switches and
light fixture.

Methods of Extinguishing Fire

The methods of extinguishing fire are as follows:
1. Cooling
2. Smothering
3. Starvation

TYPES OF EXTINGUISHERS
There are various types of fire extinguishers, the type of extinguisher used should be
suitable for the size of the fire and the risk involved. All extinguishers are properly
identified as per their location, size and content.

Table 2.3: Types of Fire Extinguishers

EXTINGUISHERS COLOUR CODE

1. Water Extinguisher Red
2. Foam Extinguisher Cream
3. Dry Chemical Powder Blue/Green
Extinguisher (DCP)/ Vaporized
liquid extenuate
4. Carbon-dioxide Extinguisher Black

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 CHAPTER THREE

PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED DURING THE SIWES PROGRAM

The challenges I encountered during the Industrial Training period and some few
observations made at the station were:

1. The lack of good organizational system in the country, the race to secure an industrial
attachment was a very horrible experience, because I faced a lot of rejects and turn
downs at the gates of companies. From my understanding this program was
established with the intent of allocating or securing students in companies related to
their various disciplines.
2. Adaption to the industry, the working principles and equipment in the station, it was
all new to me because I never was exposed to any such tools or equipment at school. I
also had to adapt to the working conditions on ground in the facility,
3. Working without adequate PPE for a long while, until the PPEs where final allocated.
4. Inadequate attention paid to equipment in the station, most of the gauges are bad, and
the controllers and the sometimes we also experienced passing from the valves.

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 CHAPTER FOUR

CONCLUSION AND GENERAL APPRAISAL OF THE SIWES PROGRAM

Nigerian National Petroleum Cooperation (NNPC) through Nigerian Gas Marketing

Company (NGMC) plays a huge role in the harnessing, transmitting and sales of our
natural gas reserves. The amount of gas sold is measured the various metering stations.

The main functions of these metering stations include: Filtration, Reduction, and
Metering.

This report has done an exhaustive work in explanation and illustration of the principles
both theoretically and practically of the workings and activities carried out in metering
station, the uses and operations of the various engineering equipment in the metering
station.

Throughout my stay as an industrial attaché, the operators in my shift did their best to
impart upon me the knowledge of the operations of the plant. They helped me bridge the
gap between the theoretical and field experience in my field of study as undergraduate
engineer. The period of attachment has being a highly profitable one in my general
training to become an engineer, I worked with various engineering equipment like heat
exchangers, separators, orifice meters, etc.

The SIWES programme is mind profitable learning programme, which has enabled me to
experience a mental picture about an industrial working environment and its working
principles involving the knowledge gained from my academic institution, and has given
me an opportunity to learn about gas metering in Nigerian Gas Marketing Company.

4.1 RECOMMENDATIONS

Ways of improving the SIWES program

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1. The proposed stipends to be given to students on the Scheme during their
participation in the programme should be disbursed in time to enable the students
manage and survive in these funds during the training period.
2. Quick allocation of Supervisors to the students for proper handling of their affairs in
earnest time.
3. SIWES should help in find attachment space for students.

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 REFERENCES

1. NNPC, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Operating Manual for The Alakiri-
Onne gas line, Vol 1, CIMIMONTUBI, Milan-Italy, January 1987.
2. Ikoku C. U (1992): Natural Gas Production Engineering, Krieger Publishing
Company Malabar, Florida.
3. Orifice metering of natural gas, AGA committee report, No. 3.
4. NGC official website; www.ngc-nnpcgroup.com.
5. www.energy.gov

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