Sarel Gates Email & Phone Number

Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa

City Of Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

• Led process engineering for diverse FMCG projects within the brewing industry.• Developed strong client relationships through effective communication.• Collaborated with suppliers and contractors to procure and integrate essential process equipment (tanks, motors, instruments, valves, pumps).• Prepared and reviewed comprehensive process documentation, including PFDs, P&IDs, control philosophies, interlock schedules, design reports, and equipment data sheets.• Conducted detailed process simulations and calculations (mass and energy balances).• Spearheaded the development of innovative process solutions, such as the Above Ground Intake System and a batch pasteurizer.• Identified and implemented cost-effective solutions to address client challenges.• Conducted thorough HAZOP studies to ensure process safety and reliability.• Utilized 3D modeling to visualize and optimize plant layout and equipment integration.• Coordinated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on project deliverables and cost estimates.• Managed construction activities and oversaw project commissioning to ensure timely completion and client satisfaction.• Implemented fundamental project management, including contractor management, factory and performance acceptance testing, final handover procedures, and operator training.• Prioritized client satisfaction through effective communication and responsiveness.

Johannesburg Area, South Africa

• Developed and maintained strong client relationships through effective communication and collaboration.• Managed and optimized supplier and contractor relationships for new projects, plant upgrades, and repairs.• Provided strategic input through active participation in engineering management meetings.• Achieved production targets by implementing and monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs).• Enhanced operational efficiency through the development and implementation of robust production management systems.• Ensured regulatory compliance by adhering to strict waste management and emission standards.• Optimized production processes through data analysis and process improvement initiatives.• Managed and developed a high-performing production team by providing clear direction, coaching, and performance management.• Implemented effective incident investigation and corrective action procedures to minimize downtime and improve safety. Applied root cause analysis techniques such as the 5 why technique.• Ensured workforce competence through comprehensive training and development programs.• Maintained a safe and compliant work environment through active participation in safety initiatives.• Optimized resource utilization through effective maintenance planning and energy management.• Contributed to business continuity as a key member of the company's emergency response team.• Drove continuous improvement through the design and implementation of innovative operational systems.• Participated in and chaired disciplinary hearings to maintain a fair and equitable workplace.• Participated and facilitated in process safety studies, such as HAZOP analyses.• Address any staff disciplinary procedures and grievances.• Developed and managed essential process documentation.• Overlooked project commissioning based on approved design specifications.• Collaborated with the maintenance manager to plan and execute effective maintenance strategies.

Germiston

• Conducted comprehensive process simulations and design calculations using specialized software (ASPEN, Mathcad) to optimize process performance.• Developed detailed process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) to visualize and document process designs.• Performed equipment sizing and selection to meet project requirements.• Prepared and reviewed comprehensive process design documentation, including control philosophies, interlock schedules, RAT lists, design reports, line list, valve list, equipment lists and equipment data sheets.• Conducted in-depth reactor design studies to optimize process efficiency and product quality.• Collaborated with clients to identify and implement optimal process solutions.• Provided technical guidance and supervision during project commissioning phases.• Participated in and facilitated process safety assessments (HAZOP, RAMBO) to identify and mitigate potential hazards.• Ensured cross-functional alignment on project deliverables and cost estimates through effective communication.• Contributed to the company’s safety culture as a designated Fire Marshal within the SHEQ department.• Built strong client and supplier relationships to ensure project success.• Conducted research and development activities including laboratory-scale experiments and pilot plant trials to optimize process performance and develop innovative solutions.• Generated intellectual property through research findings and technical reports.

Centurion, South Africa

• Partook in various EPCM projects from inception to completion, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, and timeline.• Performed comprehensive process simulations and design calculations to optimize process performance and equipment selection.• Developed detailed process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs) to effectively communicate process design.• Ensured project success through equipment sizing and selection.• Prepared and managed comprehensive process design documentation such as generating control philosophies, interlock schedules, RAT lists, design reports, equipment lists and equipment data sheets to facilitate project execution and stakeholder communication.• Conducted advanced process modelling and design calculations.• Developed cost-effective and competitive project proposals through detailed cost estimating and tendering processes.• Assisted project commissioning activities to ensure successful startup and handover to client operations.• Identified and implemented process improvements through active participation in HAZOP studies.• Provided technical leadership and mentorship to laboratory staff, driving laboratory upgrades and safety enhancements.• Contributed to research and development efforts by conducting experiments to evaluate membrane use to dehydrate hydrazine hydrate near an azeotrope.• Established and maintained strong client and supplier relationships to ensure project alignment with client objectives.

Trondheim Area, Norway

• Provided academic mentorship and guidance to undergraduate students, fostering their research development.• Engaged effectively with stakeholders to build strong research collaborations and partnerships.• Conducted rigorous experimental design and execution to generate valuable research data.• Prioritized safety and compliance through thorough risk assessments and safety protocol implementation.• Presented research findings through several international conference presentations, publications, and stakeholder engagement meetings.• Developed and applied advanced thermodynamic modelling techniques to understand and optimize system behaviour.• Utilized cutting-edge analytical equipment (SEM, XRD, TEM) to complete morphology studies.• Contributed to the development of innovative solutions for fugitive abatement challenges through applied research.• Supported a PhD candidate by assisting with experiments and morphology analysis.

Centurion

• Led and coordinated on-site testing campaigns to validate process performance.• Ensured process compliance and equipment integrity through rigorous site inspections and monitoring.• Contributed to knowledge sharing by compiling and presenting technical findings at conferences and in journal articles.• Supported research and development initiatives to explore the use of water spray to mitigate fume emissions during the ferromanganese casting process.• Facilitated effective communication and collaboration with suppliers to ensure project success.• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities by identifying and resolving process challenges.• Developed and maintained detailed process documentation including PFDs and P&IDs to support design and operations.• Adhered to strict quality, safety, and health management standards to ensure operational excellence.• Provided technical expertise in process equipment selection and procurement.• Managed small-scale projects through effective planning and execution.

Pretoria Area, South Africa

• Tutor students.• Plan the tutor session.• Prepare necessary documentation.• Identify problem areas.• Manage tutor sessions.• Report to supervisors and the students’ parents on the progress.