Career Overview

Miguel Gutierrez is a highly experienced mechanical engineer who has dedicated his career to the oil and gas industry . With over 30 years of experience , including 18 years at Saudi Aramco , Miguel has established himself as an expert in stationary equipment engineering . Throughout his career , he has focused on providing technical support and expertise in valve selection , maintenance , and troubleshooting for various applications in the oil and gas sector , particularly in the downstream segment .

Miguel Gutierrez .

Miguel graduated as a mechanical engineer in 1992 in Venezuela . “ From the very beginning , I was passionate about working in the oil and gas industry . Fortunately , I had the opportunity to pursue my dream immediately after graduation . I interviewed with the Venezuelan National Oil Company and was accepted right away , allowing me to start my career

in this field . I truly enjoy my work and have always wanted to specialize as a stationary equipment engineer ,” says Miguel .

Current Role and Responsibilities at Saudi Aramco

“ Currently , I work as a field engineering consultant specializing in stationary equipment . As you may know , stationary equipment encompasses a wide range of components , including pressure vessels , heat exchangers , piping , valves , and other related items . My primary role is to provide technical support and expertise to Saudi Aramco ’ s facilities and affiliates , both within the Kingdom and overseas .”

“ Prior to my current position , I was a stationary equipment specialist , focusing on providing technical support to the Ras Tanura Refinery . In fact , I spent most of my career at this refinery , developing my expertise and contributing to its operations .”

Challenging Valve Applications in the Oil & Gas Industry

“ When selecting the right type of valve for a particular application , several key parameters must be considered :

• Fluid Service : The type of fluid passing through the valve ( gas , liquid , or slurry )

• Process Conditions : Factors like temperature , pressure , and flow rate

• Mode of Operation and Function : On / off , throttling , or control

• Materials of Construction : Compatibility with the fluid and operating environment

• Maintenance Requirements : Ease of servicing and repairing the valve

These factors are crucial in determining the most suitable valve for a given situation .”

“ In the oil and gas industry , particularly in the downstream section ( refining ), I have encountered some of the most challenging applications throughout my career in the selection and troubleshooting of low-performance dual plate check valves on compressor discharge piping . These valves play a vital role in preventing backflow and protecting the compressor , but their performance can be affected by various factors such as pulsation , vibration , and improper installation . Addressing these issues requires a thorough understanding of the system dynamics and the valve ’ s design characteristics .”

For example , just recently , we faced chronic check valve malfunction issues at the discharge of critical vacuum bottom pumps at one important refinery . These check valves experienced internal passing , and after disassembly , the disc was found seized due to the accumulation of hard deposits . After conducting extensive troubleshooting and performing hydraulic evaluations along with a comprehensive assessment of the system and valve dynamic characteristics to verify it was operating in the “ non-slam ” region and the pressure surge due to reverse velocity did not exceed the line maximum allowable working pressure ( MAWP ), it was concluded that the existing 18 ” swing-type check valve was oversized . As such , it would not operate steadily at the current flow rate conditions , leading to plugging , premature wear , and failure of internal components such as the disc , swing arm , and hinge pin .

Trends in Addressing Valve Selection and Maintenance Challenges

“ Yes , I have noticed several trends in recent years when it comes to handling these challenges .”

“ Firstly , the majority of the most recognized valve manufacturers worldwide have significantly enhanced their valve design capabilities . They have focused on developing alternative solutions that help mitigate failures and resolve issues related to low valve performance , as reported by end users . These design improvements have been crucial in addressing the challenges faced in various applications .”

“ In addition to valve design improvements , there are other important aspects to consider when overcoming these challenges . One key factor is establishing effective maintenance strategies , such as predictive maintenance and preventive maintenance ( PM ) intervals . These strategies are intended to optimise valve performance and ultimately