By Rita Okoye

Designing transport mechanisms for fluids is a task that demands the highest level of accuracy and precision.

To ensure pipeline integrity, it is important to utilize advanced technologies and key information on environmental factors, to ensure that the pipelines operate in only a safe and effective manner.

Identifying potential threats to the pipeline system is crucial to extending a pipeline’s operational life.

A Senior Lecturer at the Rivers State University Department of Chemical Engineering, with over a decade of experience in Corrosion Engineering, Onuegbu Vincent Izionworu, has been channelling his expertise towards enhancing safety risks in pipeline tracks, and ensuring that they meet up with industry standards.

Izionworu’s work has seen him continuously evaluate, develop and monitor implementation of Inspection and Test Plans for pipeline Inspections to identify potential anomalies. He also employs good knowledge of Quality Management System in line with ISO 9001:2015 in developing and monitoring procedures for Inline Inspection, Pipeline Process Services, and other associated support services such Procurement, Control of Inspection, Measurement and Test Equipment, and Maintenance to mention a few.

Izionworu holds a Bachelors of Engineering in Polymer and Textile Engineering from Federal University of Technology, Owerri, a Masters of Technology Degree in Chemical/Petrochemical Engineering from Rivers State University of Technology (now Rivers State University), and a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering from Rivers State University.

In the last 10 years he has served as a Consultant on Technical Quality Assurance, providing Quality Control leadership in Corrosion Control in Pipeline Integrity Management for B.G. Technical Limited, where he Prepares Quality Assurance Plan and Inspection and Test Plans for dummy pigs and Intelligent pigging processes during pipeline pre-commissioning, decommissioning, and in service Assessment of pipeline health to monitor and prevent corrosion. He ensured remote monitoring of implementation of engineering best practice in service delivery at various oil field locations during pipeline integrity management.

Izionworu has operated on a number of projects for renowned stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, including the Cleaning and Inline Inspection  on the 6″ x 2500m NGC manifold to 7up and 6″ x 2700m NGC to Glass force (Aba Cluster) gas pipeline as part of pipeline integrity management program for Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG),  20″ Chemical Bathing of  Rumuekpe-Nkpoku and the TOTAL NOPL Nitrogen purging, with the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), the WestField Onshore and Offshore Precom Operations with WestField, and the 28’’ & 36” Rukpokwu Dewatering with the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) production company, Shell Petroleum Development Company Cleaning, Intelligent Pigging, Dewatering and Nitrogen purging of 12″ x 6.9km Agbada I F/S – Agbada II AGG Gas pipeline, amongst several others.

Demonstrating his expertise in the field of Chemical Engineering, he has served as a Lecturer at the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where he centered on Corrosion Control in industrial and transportation facilities, Process control, Security and Safety Management, highlighting the importance of prioritizing safe and sustainable practices in the industry. He also taught on Corrosion, Metallurgy, Engineering Economics and Management, Environmental Pollution Control and Safety Engineering, Industrial Analytical Chemistry and Polymer Technology, among others – demonstrating his commitment to instilling knowledge of efficient practices into the next generation of Chemical and Process Engineers.He is currently the lead of Corrosion Research team in the department and the Chairman of the Faculty’s Research Exhibition Committee, a notable role for the Faculty in the University Community.

Izionworu’s versatility has also seen him acquire a Graduate Professional Diploma in Purchasing and Supply Management, operate in the capacity of an Administrative Manager and Soft Skill Trainer for the Teadro Group, where he trained different markets and put highly effective sales strategies in place, while managing the implementation of soft skill and ICT trainings for the company. He handled a similar role with DNRS Projects Nigeria Limited, Port Harcourt, acting as the head of operations, and developing sustainable development templates for implementation of TEPNG projects in TEPNG Host communities like Egi.

His career and achievements go to demonstrate the importance of dedication and commitment, and serve as a source of inspiration for the Chemical Engineers of tomorrow.