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General Information

Full Name Robert D. Barnum
Languages English

Experience

  • SEP 2023 - NOW
    Principal Chemical Engineer
    Cecilia Energy, Inc.
    • Responsible for process engineering design development of a novel system which converts waste plastic to energy and performance materials.
    • Directed scale up of new technology from laboratory scale to pilot plant and commercial scale facilities. Designed laboratory and pilot scale equipment required for technology proof of concept across several incremental stages of process scale up.
    • Developed process flow diagrams and mass and energy balances for the novel plastic processing system.
    • Managed third party engineering contractor responsible for developing detailed engineering design packages for pilot scale facility.
    • Managed engineering consultants with subject matter expertise to develop a novel reactor design configuration.
  • AUG 2017 - SEP 2023
    Product Development Engineer - Chemical / Process
    Pentair Filtration Solutions, LLC, Conroe, TX, USA
    • Applied professional engineering techniques to identify, define, plan, schedule, coordinate and implement new product designs and product improvements to ensure highest level of profitability and customer satisfaction.
    • Directly led engineering projects from concept through production, and provided technical expertise and support on engineering projects of other engineers.
    • Developed budget, resource requirements, schedule, and scope for projects.
    • Completed development process documentation for new products, such as failure mode effects analysis (FMEA), design input/design output, and product validation plans, and other documentation/information for stage gate reviews.
    • Created design engineering deliverables, including system process flow diagrams (PFDs), detailed piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), chemical process simulations, and 3D CAD models / drawings.
    • Designed, built, and implemented prototypes, testing equipment, and testing procedures to collect relevant data and validate new technologies.
    • Created BOMs, part numbers, assemblies, sub-assemblies, and raw materials within ERP System for new products.
    • Interfaced with product management, applications engineering, sales, quality, and operations to ensure timely production implementation of projects.
    • Assisted manufacturing operations staff with projects for efficiency improvements in labor, space and equipment to ensure the highest level of profitability. Participated in specific engineering initiatives such as value engineering, warranty reduction efforts, or other projects as assigned.
    • Provided technical assistance and support to customer inquiries and sales efforts.
    • JAN 2022 - SEP 2023
      GPEX Project
      Individual Contributor
      • The Gas Phase Extraction (GPEX) technology is a novel system for solvent-based extraction of dissolved contaminants from gas product streams. This project developed the patent-pending extraction technology into a suite of several commercially deployable integrated solvent extraction systems.
      • Investigated suitability of technology system for use with alkaline hydroxide and ethaline glycol solvent families.
      • Prepared pilot plant skid and performed pilot plant evaluation of technology performance at customer facilities.
      • Developed PFDs with appropriate system configuration and control instrumentation requirements each full-scale solvent system.
    • DEC 2019 - SEP 2023
      NextGen ProcessOR Project (MPAX)
      Project Lead
      • The goal of the NextGen ProcessOR project was to improve overall liquid filter element performance. The specified target was a 50% improvement in filter capacity, which would facilitate a 1-2 nominal size reduction in filtration pressure vessels for new capital projects.
      • Specified general performance targets by analyzing existing filter vessel sizing parameters.
      • Analyzed historical bids from the previous two years and performed a theoretical re-sizing. Compared actual sizing data to theoretical performance targets to further refine project performance requirements.
      • Brainstormed new pleating configurations to facilitate increase in available filtration surface area.
      • Researched new to purpose filtration media to improve available filtration surface area and contaminant retention capacity.
      • Specified testing protocol to quantify and validate performance improvement resulting from new pleating configurations and new filtration media compared to traditional element construction specifications.
      • Assembled and tested lab scale filter elements according to testing protocol. Analyzed experimentation data, quantified relative filter capacity and performance, and reported results to management and key project stakeholders.
    • MAR 2019 - NOV 2019
      Amine Reclamation Skid Project
      Project Lead
      • The scope of this project was to design a portable skid to remove heat stable amine salts from alkanolamine solvent solutions at gas processing facilities.
      • Prepared a technology survey examining existing technologies for heat stable amine salt regeneration. Identified ion exchange resin as technology most suitable for implementation.
      • Preformed preliminary study of available ion exchange resins available for laboratory research and field testing.
      • Performed laboratory analysis using electrical conductivity to measure salt concentration in aqueous alkanolamine solution.
    • SEP 2017 - JUL 2019
      Pure Pack Pilot Project
      Individual Contributor
      • The pure pack system is a portable automated filtration and oil separation system suitable for produced water and plant wastewater treatment applications. The scope of this project was to design and construct a pilot scale version of this system with integrated control system.
      • Developed P&IDs for the pilot skid using AutoCAD Plant 3D. Specified optimal control system logic, required alarms and system interlocks, and desired failure positions of actuated valves.
      • Assembled pilot skid as specified by P&ID, skid arrangement drawings, and piping/tubing isometrics.
      • Specified requirement for relief devices for filtration tank and coalescing vessel on the skid. Coordinated relief design and sizing activities with third party process safety consultant.
      • Recommended requirement for a process hazard analysis (PHA) of the pilot system. Organized PHA activities and coordinated with third party process safety consultant.
      • Specified pressure rating requirements for low-pressure filter tank for the pilot system; determined minimum required pressure in flare header for successful relief of gas during upset scenarios requiring pressure relief; identified need for mechanical stress analysis performed by a licensed professional engineer.
    • MAY 2018 - APR 2019
      Polarex Upgrade Project
      Individual Contributor
      • The scope of this project was to provide support to the outside sales organization by determining the root cause of routine off-specification liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) product stream at a customer’s refining facility and develop a cost-effective solution to consistently meet product specification in the customer’s LPG product. Annual off-specification penalty could reach as high as $1,800,000, depending on customer’s LPG production rates.
      • Developed detailed pilot testing plan employing Pentair’s patented Polarex extractive separation technology. Proposed layout of pilot unit and developed detailed sample analysis plan.
      • Conducted on-site pilot testing.
      • Analyzed pilot testing results and recommended appropriate system configuration and operating parameters to applications engineering team for use in full scale system sales proposal development.
      • Developed a technical paper based upon the findings of this project and presented the results at the AIChE 2019 Spring Meeting (see publications).
    • JUN 2018 - FEB 2019
      HMEL Washable Element Project
      Project Lead
      • Tasked with developing a new washable filter element within strict sales price constraints.
      • Designed and developed new low-cost element by reducing material costs and minimizing material required for construction.
      • Interfaced with suppliers to source new materials and coordinated procurement of new materials.
      • Constructed porotype elements and coordinated element design and construction review with manufacturing operations team.
      • Provided manufacturing support to facilitate on-time delivery of new product to the customer.
    • SEP 2017 - DEC 2018
      Media Coupon Test Stand Project
      Project Lead
      • Tasked with the development and construction of a new test stand for evaluating filter media life and dirt holding capacity.
      • The project scope called for a fully automated test stand that would test small media samples (25mm diameter) at a suitable flow rate (~20 ml/min) to achieve desired filtrate flux for the given media area. The new test stand offset the need to use the existing full flow test stand, which tested full size elements with a flow range of 20-60 gpm.
      • Developed test stand process flow diagram based upon laboratory management requirements.
      • Developed 3D model of test stand in SolidWorks.
      • Developed detailed bill of materials and cost estimate for the project.
      • Priced and sourced all required materials for test stand construction.
      • Constructed mechanical, process, and control hardware components of the test stand.
    • JAN 2018 - APR 2018
      Takreer Washable Element Project
      Project Lead
      • Customer was experiencing filter element endcap delamination after repeated washing and re-use of washable filter elements. Goal of this project was to mitigate endcap delamination to the extent possible.
      • Interfaced with product management to determine root cause of delamination and investigate existing methods of delamination prevention in element design.
      • Designed a new machined metal endcap using SolidWorks.
      • Coordinated prototype element construction with the manufacturing operations team.
    • AUG 2017 - NOV 2017
      Nexcel Medal Validation Project
      Project Lead
      • Responsible for validating technical equivalence of an alternative filtration media source identified by the manufacturing operations team.
      • Developed testing plan which included procedures to determine element life, dirt holding capacity, pore size distribution, chemical compatibility, and filtrate foaming tendency.
      • Delivered written report on technical findings to facility management team. Recommended the approval of new media source based on technical similarity to existing media supply.
  • MAY 2017 - AUG 2017
    Architectural Intern
    BSA-Architects, Inc., Sugarland, TX, USA
    • Completed drafting for remodeling work at several hospitals in the greater Houston, Texas area.
  • MAY 2016 - FEB 2017
    Project Engineer
    alliantgroup, LP, Houston, TX, USA
    • Responsibilities centered around the development of building energy use models of commercial building properties for the purpose of qualifying buildings for tax deductions under Section 179D of Title 26 of the US Code.
    • Developed building energy models including information HVAC and lighting equipment, and building envelope.
    • Reviewed building models created by others reviewing for technical correctness.
    • Conducted building walk-through of potentially qualifying properties to visually confirm the installation of equipment as described in project scope or specified in building documentation, and collecting any additional information pertinent to building model development.
  • JUN 2011 - MAY 2016
    Process Engineer
    Bechtel Oil, Gas, and Chemicals, Inc., Houston, TX, USA
    • Applied knowledge of chemical engineering concepts to complete the process engineering design of equipment for oil, gas and chemicals facilities.
    • Performed design calculations using Aspen Hysys.
    • Developed process flow diagrams (PFDs), heat and material balances, process datasheets, relief load narratives, relief load calculations and relief valve datasheets and other process deliverables required for facility designs.
    • Completed process engineering design on a variety of processing equipment, including separation vessels, heat exchangers, storage tanks, compressors, pumps, control valves, relief valve and depressurization valves.
    • APR 2016 - MAY 2016
      LyondellBassell Hyperzone Project
      Individual Contributor
      • Performed separation vessel sizing and developed pressure vessel datasheets.
      • Specified relief scenario narratives for use in pressure relief valve sizing.
    • FEB 2016 - MAY 2016
      Virtual Project Delivery Proposal Team
      Project Lead
      • Organized and led a small team to develop a proposal to improve Bechtel’s process engineering deliverable production processes.
      • Goal of proposed project was to automate process engineering design methods and use a detailed database to ensure consistency of process data across multiple design functions.
    • NOV 2015 - APR 2016
      PTTGCA US Petrochemical Project
      Individual Contributor
      • The FEED scope of this project was to the engineering design development of off-sites and utilities systems for the PTTGCA US Petrochemical Complex project.
      • Responsible for primary process definition and simulation, PFD development, and equipment sizing for the cooling water system and ethylene boil off gas system.
      • Participated in plant wide HAZOP review.
    • JUN 2015 - OCT 2015
      Wheatstone LNG Project
      Individual Contributor, Study Lead (MDMT Analysis)
      • The EPC scope of this project consisted of engineering design development for a gas processing facility containing two (2) train liquefied natural gas (LNG) production and one train of domestic gas production. The facility was designed with a total LNG production capacity of 8.9 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) and a domestic gas production capacity of 220 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd). The liquefaction portion of this facility was designed using the ConocoPhillips Optimized Cascade Process.
      • Led plant wide minimum design metal temperature (MDMT) analysis select carbon steel systems; trained team in calculation methodology, analyzed plant equipment and recommend equipment for review to management and client, reviewed all calculations for correctness, and recommended further analysis requirements to management.
      • Audited existing plant process set points for technical correctness and provided recommendations for modification to management.
    • JAN 2014 - JUN 2015
      Angola LNG Project
      Individual Contributor, Study Lead (MDMT Analysis)
      • The EPC scope of this project consisted of design development for a one (1) train LNG facility with a total of 5.20 MTPA LNG production capacity. The facility design employed the ConocoPhillips Optimized Cascade process.
      • Performed analysis on acid gas removal unit for turndown operation.
      • Participated in the development of a hydrocarbon dew point control system, including proposal study preparation, PFD development, H&MB development, equipment design and specification, pressure relief valve and depressing valve specification, HAZOP review, and alarm rationalization.
      • Performed plant wide equipment minimum design metal temperature (MDMT) analysis.
    • MAY 2012 - DEC 2013
      Junior Process Engineering Group Coordinator
      Group Coordinator
      • Responsible for organizing grade level oriented presentations, hands on training activates, vendor presentations, and other activates for the Junior Process Engineering Group.
      • Goals included career development, industry awareness, and improvement of technical ability for the 20+ junior engineering professionals in the group.
    • NOV 2012 - DEC 2013
      Mozambique LNG Project
      Individual Contributor
      • The FEED scope for this project was to develop a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility consisting of two (2) trains, with each train having an LNG production capacity of 5.37 MTPA. The ConocoPhillips Optimized Cascade process was used in the design of this facility.
      • Responsible for development of process flow diagrams (PFDs).
      • Performed statistical analysis of meteorological data to define plant ambient conditions.
      • Assisted in the development of the process engineering design basis.
      • Coordinated with acid gas removal unit licensor to analyze various feed gas cases and prepare preliminary heat and material balances.
      • Sized the flare system and associated equipment.
      • Performed equipment sizing for various vessels and other equipment throughout the plant.
    • SEP 2011 - OCT 2012
      Gladstone LNG Project
      Individual Contributor
      • The EPC scope for this project was to develop a two (2) train Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility with 3.4 MTPA of LNG production capacity per train. The facility was designed using the ConocoPhillips Optimized Cascade process
      • Responsible for maintenance of process flow diagrams (PFDs) and process safety schematics.
      • Involved in cross project review of front end gas treatment units, including the acid gas removal unit, discussing design improvements, project issues, and overall project status.
      • Involved in design review of P&IDs, line designation tables, design temperature and pressure diagrams, cause and effect diagrams.
      • Performed design temperature and pressure calculations for all utilities units.
      • Wrote interlock and shutdown specifications for the plant.
      • Updated various deliverables, calculations, and specifications as required.
    • JUN 2011 - AUG 2011
      Sabine Pass Liquefaction Project
      Individual Contributor
      • The EPC scope of this project was to develop a two (2) train LNG facility with 4.5 MTPA LNG production capacity per train, employing the ConocoPhillips Optimized Cascade process.
      • Performed early relief work, including relief system diagramming and relief scenario specifications.
  • MAY 2010 - AUG 2010
    Co-op Engineer
    The Lubrizol Corporation, Deer Park, TX, USA
    • Assisted management in the detergents unit by completing several value added projects during the work term.
    • Refined the scope of a capital improvement project through front end design work and design optimization. Defined the scope for the initial capital estimate and developed project justification. Submitted the initial capital expenditure package to management for review.
    • Provided the framework for critical specific operating standards for the Calcium Phenol Sulfide Unit.
    • Optimized and rationalized the Delta V alarm architecture to improve operational functionality.
  • JAN 2009 - MAY 2009
    Co-op Engineer
    The Lubrizol Corporation, Deer Park, TX, USA
    • Worked with the dispersant unit staff through projects and other assignments to improve productivity of the unit.
    • Analyzed a group of unit products for historical compositional trends and completed a theoretical readjustment analysis. Expanded the analysis to final additive blends and reviewed potential impact of product adjustment methods. Reported study findings to unit management and recommended further areas of study before implementation of new product adjustment.
    • Identified a lack of standardization with unit log formatting and distribution. Designed and programmed a tool for log creation and delivery, and developed a procedure for use of the tool

Education

Licenses & Certifications

SCUBA Certifications

Space and Astronautics Training

Organizations, Volunteering, and Accomplishments

  • American Institute of Chemical Engineers
    • Membership: 2012, 2019 - Present
    • Service:    Spring Meeting: Session Co-Chair – 2020
  • The Inspired 24
    • Membership: 2025 - Present
  • International Council on Systems Engineering
    • Membership: 2021 - Present
  • MoonDAO
    • Membership:   Voting Member – 2024 - Present
              Citizen – 2024 - Present
    • Service:     Senator – 2025 - Present
  • Oak Ridge High School / BEST Robotics
    • Service:     Mentor, Robotics Club / BEST Robotics Team – 2022 - Present
  • Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America)
    • Awards:    Vigil Honor – 2006
              Eagle Scout – 2003
              Order of the Arrow – 2000
    • Membership:   Adult Scouter – 2006 - Present
              Venturer – 2005 - 2006
              Scout – 1999 - 2006
              Cub Scout – 1994 - 1999
    • Service:    Assistant Cubmaster, Pack 883 – 2022 - Present
              Committee Member-at-large, Ironhorse District – 2018 - Present
              DiscoverE E-Week Coordinator – 2015 - 2016 (via Bechtel Corporation)
              Committee Advisor, Colonneh Lodge – 2013 - 2016
              Merit Badge Councilor – 2012 - 2016 (via Bechtel Corporation)
              Assistant Scoutmaster, Troop 900 – 2006 - 2017
              Vice Chief, Colonneh Lodge – 2006 - 2007
              Chapter Chief, Polaris District – 2005 - 2006