Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Software
Languages
Interests
Timeline
Generic
SENTHIL SELVAM ELLAPPAN

SENTHIL SELVAM ELLAPPAN

SENIOR PIPING DESIGNER
Johannesburg,GP

Summary

Professional Summary

Highly experienced Lead Piping Designer with over 19 years of expertise in the oil & gas, petrochemical, metal, and mining sectors. Specializing in both offshore and onshore projects, I have a proven track record in leading multidisciplinary teams, managing complex piping design projects, and ensuring compliance with stringent industry standards. Currently serving as a Senior Piping Designer / Checker at DRA, with a history of successful leadership roles at Worley and Saipem. Adept at optimizing designs, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and delivering projects on time and within budget. Seeking to leverage my extensive experience and leadership skills to contribute to innovative solutions at IV-Groep Offshore and Energy.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Piping Designer, Checker

DRA Global
07.2021 - Current
  • Lead the checking of piping isometrics, General Arrangement Drawings (GADs), and layouts to ensure compliance with project standards and client requirements.
  • Manage the work of Designers/Draughtsmen by thoroughly checking their deliverables, such as isometrics and GADs, against project specifications.
  • Provide detailed comments and feedback to ensure deliverables are fit for issue, and share knowledge with team members to address uncertainties.
  • Monitor and report on the quality and quantity of work produced by Designers, ensuring high standards are maintained across the team.
  • Conduct design reviews to identify and resolve potential clashes, optimizing the overall layout for efficiency and safety.
  • Collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of piping systems within broader project frameworks.
  • Work on maintaining and developing piping standards to ensure alignment with the latest industry practices and project requirements.
  • Participate in sign-off meetings, contributing to discussions and decisions related to the optimization or approval of layouts presented, ensuring the highest standards are met before final approval.

Senior Piping Desginer, Section Lead

Worley
10.2018 - 03.2021
  • Led a team of four Designers/Draftsmen, managing all piping deliverables, coordinating with other disciplines, and conducting design reviews with clients.
  • Ensured compliance with project specifications, industry standards, and safety regulations in all piping design activities.
  • Provided technical guidance and mentorship to junior staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
  • Managed resource allocation, ensuring that projects were completed on time and within budget.
  • Developed new piping standards and optimized existing layouts, significantly improving project efficiency and reducing costs.
  • Coordinated with the Engineering Manager and other leads to resolve project bottlenecks, ensuring timely completion of all tasks.

Senior Piping Designer

ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions
04.2018 - 10.2018
  • Piping Layouts Preparation: Developed comprehensive piping layouts to ensure optimal system functionality.
  • General Arrangement Drawings (GADs): Created detailed Piping GADs for accurate representation and easy understanding of the project.
  • 3D Modeling in PDMS: Modeled both large and small-bore piping systems, ensuring precision and adherence to project specifications.
  • Support Design and Modeling: Designed and modeled supports for both large and small-bore piping lines, ensuring structural integrity and compliance with safety standards.
  • Pipe Routing Optimization: Conducted routing studies to optimize the layout, particularly focusing on PIG Launchers and other critical components.
  • Bund Wall Calculation: Performed calculations for storage tanks to ensure proper bund wall dimensions, contributing to safe containment practices.
  • Proposal Design Activity: Participated in proposal design activities, contributing innovative solutions for project bids.
  • Design Review Comments: Updated design review comments to reflect necessary adjustments after the 30% design review phase.
  • Structural Modeling: Engaged in structural modeling tasks to support the overall design integrity.
  • Tie-Ins and Cable Routing: Worked on tie-ins and cable routing, ensuring seamless integration of systems within the project.

Senior Piping Designer

Saipem
02.2012 - 04.2017

During my tenure at Saipem, I held pivotal roles in managing design and support activities across various major projects in the oil and gas sector. My responsibilities encompassed leading teams, ensuring quality compliance, and delivering complex projects. Key positions and projects include:

  • Support Specialist / Team Lead (2012 – 2015)
    Projects: Staatsolie Refinery Expansion, New Booster Station BS171
  • Directed support marking and modeling for critical and non-critical lines using advanced software tools.
  • Trained and mentored a team of six in support modeling and design, enhancing their technical skills and project efficiency.
  • Managed piping support activities and oversaw the preparation of General Arrangement Drawings, ensuring adherence to project schedules and specifications.
  • Area Lead for Furnace and Column Studies (2015 – 2017)
    Projects: RABIGH II Refining and Petrochemicals Projects
  • Led a team in conducting comprehensive furnace and column studies, focusing on design optimization and client interactions.
  • Handled design reviews, clash management, and project scheduling, ensuring timely and precise execution.
  • Provided mentorship to engineering and diploma trainees, fostering their development in piping design and support concepts.
  • Team Lead for Design Review and Issued for Construction Isometrics Coordination (2016 – 2017)
    Projects: KAOMBO FPSO
  • Managed the Starboard side Area Modules, including water injection module, oil treating module, metering skid module, KO Drums, hydrocarbon gas recovery unit, and utility studies.
  • Conducted design reviews and coordinated the issuance of construction isometrics, addressing critical design challenges and project bottlenecks.
  • Reported directly to the Engineering Manager, leading a team to ensure project milestones were achieved and maintaining high standards of quality.

Throughout my tenure at Saipem, I demonstrated strong leadership in managing design and support functions, optimizing layouts, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. My roles involved significant client interaction, technical guidance, and effective team management, contributing to the successful delivery of complex projects.

Piping Designer

Technip
12.2009 - 10.2011

At Technip, I contributed to key projects in the oil and gas sector, focusing on piping design and coordination. Key responsibilities and projects include:

  • Piping Designer
    Projects: DHC Project
  • DHC Project: Specialized in furnace layouts and isometric coordination, ensuring that designs met technical requirements and project specifications.
  • Furnace Layouts: Developed detailed layouts for furnace systems, addressing complex design challenges and optimizing for functionality and safety.
  • Isometric Coordination: Coordinated isometric drawings for construction, ensuring accuracy and compliance with project standards.
  • Design Integration: Worked closely with multidisciplinary teams to integrate piping designs with other project components, facilitating effective project execution.
  • Technical Expertise: Applied technical knowledge to resolve design issues and ensure the delivery of high-quality piping systems.

My role at Technip allowed me to develop expertise in furnace design and isometric coordination, contributing to the successful delivery of complex projects.

Piping Desginer

Valdel Engineers & Contructors
04.2009 - 12.2009

During my brief tenure at Valdel Engineering Consultants, I focused on handling petrochemical projects with an emphasis on piping design. Key responsibilities included:

  • Piping Designer
    Projects: Petrochemical Projects
  • Petrochemical Project Management: Managed the design of piping systems for various petrochemical projects, ensuring adherence to industry standards and client specifications.
  • Design and Execution: Developed detailed piping layouts and designs, managing all aspects of the design process from conceptualization to implementation.
  • Technical Coordination: Coordinated with project teams to integrate piping designs with other project elements, ensuring smooth execution and collaboration.
  • Quality Assurance: Conducted reviews and inspections to ensure that all designs met quality standards and project requirements.

My role at Valdel EC involved significant contributions to the successful execution of petrochemical projects through effective piping design and management.

Piping Designer

Bechtel
04.2008 - 02.2009

During my tenure at Bechtel India Pvt Ltd, I was involved in significant projects with a focus on design review and model management. Key responsibilities and projects include:

  • Piping Designer
    Projects: Worsley Alumina Projects
  • Design Review and Model Transfer: Deputed to Australia for 30% of the design review preparation for the Worsley Alumina Projects. Managed the review of piping designs and coordinated the transfer of models to the India office.
  • Client Interaction: Engaged with clients to ensure alignment of design outputs with their requirements and expectations, fostering effective communication and collaboration.
  • Model Ownership: Took ownership of the models, overseeing their accuracy and completeness, and ensuring they met the necessary specifications and standards.
  • Project Coordination: Worked closely with multidisciplinary teams to integrate piping models with other project components, facilitating seamless project execution.

My role at Bechtel India Pvt Ltd involved critical tasks in design review and model management, contributing to the successful completion of major projects through effective client interaction and coordination.

Piping Designer

Technip
07.2004 - 04.2008

Starting as a Graduate Diploma Trainee, I underwent extensive training and development as a Piping Designer at Technip. Key responsibilities and projects include:

  • Piping Designer
    Projects: Yemen LNG Project
  • FEED Study in Paris: Deputed to Paris for the FEED study of the Yemen LNG project. Contributed to the design and analysis of layouts for pipe racks, air coolers, and PSV arrangements.
  • Specialization: Specialized in Cryogenic Compressors, focusing on the integration of these systems into piping designs. Developed expertise in stress analysis and support design.
  • Manual Material Take-Off: Worked in the Materials Department, performing manual material take-offs to support project planning and procurement.
  • Piping Plot Plans: Specialized in developing comprehensive piping plot plans, ensuring the effective layout and integration of piping systems within the overall project design.
  • Model Studies: Conducted model studies, including equipment layouts, single-line diagrams, and nozzle orientation. Addressed the fixing and location of equipment, as well as platform studies to optimize design and functionality.
  • Design Contributions: Worked on optimizing piping layouts and ensuring compliance with project specifications and industry standards.

My role at Technip involved significant training and specialization in piping design, contributing to the successful execution of critical projects through detailed model studies and advanced design responsibilities.

Education

Bachelor of Technology - Mechanical Engineering

JRNRVU University
04.2001 -

Diploma - Mechanical Engineering

S.R.M. Polytechnic College
Tamil Nadu
04.2001 -

Higher Secondary School - Mathematics And Science

Anjuham Higher Secondary School
Tamil Nadu
04.2001 -

Skills

Piping Design & Layout: Expertise in designing and optimizing piping layouts for onshore and offshore projects, including FPSO, DHC, and FCC units, as well as ethylene storage systems

Affiliations

South African Institute of Mechanical Engineers (SAIMech) as Associate Member

South Afrcian Institute of Draughting (SAID)

Software

Ms Office

Marine PDMS

PDS

SmartPlant 3D

Smart Plant Review

Navis Manage

Autocad Plant 3D

Autocad

Microstation

Smart Sketch

Languages

English
Upper intermediate (B2)
Tamil
Advanced (C1)

Interests

Martial Arts

Gym and Fitness

Photography

Timeline

Senior Piping Designer, Checker

DRA Global
07.2021 - Current

Senior Piping Desginer, Section Lead

Worley
10.2018 - 03.2021

Senior Piping Designer

ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions
04.2018 - 10.2018

Senior Piping Designer

Saipem
02.2012 - 04.2017

Piping Designer

Technip
12.2009 - 10.2011

Piping Desginer

Valdel Engineers & Contructors
04.2009 - 12.2009

Piping Designer

Bechtel
04.2008 - 02.2009

Piping Designer

Technip
07.2004 - 04.2008

Bachelor of Technology - Mechanical Engineering

JRNRVU University
04.2001 -

Diploma - Mechanical Engineering

S.R.M. Polytechnic College
04.2001 -

Higher Secondary School - Mathematics And Science

Anjuham Higher Secondary School
04.2001 -
SENTHIL SELVAM ELLAPPANSENIOR PIPING DESIGNER