January 2024 | 02
DRIVEN TO SOLVE Q UA RTE R LY
N E W S L E T T E R
Feature Article
Inspection Expansion in Port Allen, Louisiana
Staff & Contributors Creative Director Anna Rockhold
Marketing Manager
Content Editor Lisa Bordlee
Marketing Coordinator
Graphic Designers Anna Rockhold
A Message from the EIS Directors
Marketing Manager
Lisa Bordlee Marketing Coordinator
As we embark on a new year, our EIS leadership team would like to express our deepest gratitude to every one of you for your dedication and hardwork. Each employee plays an integral role in making our company the success it is today. Over the past year, we have seen unprecedented growth through our workforce and service capabilities, as well as office expansion.
Writers Lisa Bordlee
Marketing Coordinator
Carolyn Sutton Human Resources Manager
Mark Varisco, P.E.
Lead Electrical Engineer
Travis Brink, P.E.
Lead Instrument Engineer
Clyde Diaville
Top Highlights of 2023 include: opening of our Inspection Office in Port Allen, LA, a streamlined procurement and contracts process, and new equiment, products and innovative solutions from our technology division Captura. Due to your accomplishments, we have many exciting
Inspection Division Manager
Chris Huddleston Systems Technical Specialist
Anna Rockhold
Marketing Manager
Contact
projects already planned out for 2024. Our "Driven to Solve" tagline truly describes the awesome attitude of our team!
marketing@eisllc.net Please send us your article ideas, artwork, photography, content suggestions, funny engineer jokes, baby pictures, announcements and anything else you would like to see in the EIS company newsletter. This newsletter is for you so let’s make it GREAT! To upload video, pictures and content over 2mb please use our media folder at
Rob Frater
Tonya Chauvin
Joe Brinz, P.E.
Chris Morris, P.E.
Director of Field Services
Chief Operating Officer
Co-founder and CEO
Director of Engineering
January 2024
cover page: a photograph by chitsanupong of a man inspectioning a weld underground of an equipment tunnel. Licensed through Adobe. No date available.
A special thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to contribute.
The Engineer’s Eye
Photo: Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant, Vogtle Units 3 and 4, Waynesboro, GA.
Why Not Nuclear? By Mark Varisco
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ith all of the recent discussion about moving towards cleaner energy sources, I thought it would be timely to discuss some information about one of the cleanest energy sources available in the US. As a matter of fact, it has been commercially available in the US for over 65 years. Nuclear energy is utilized worldwide to meet the needs of the growing demand for electricity. However, most experts predict that the overall share of nuclear power capacity utilized is not growing and is expected to remain essentially flat, through 2050. There are many reasons for this. The largest factor is the cost to build these facilities and possible future shortages of available fuel.
Facts About Nuclear Energy 1. The first commercial nuclear power plant in operation was Shippingport, Pennsylvania in 1958. 2. The oldest nuclear power plant still in operation is the Nine Mile Point Unit 1 in New York, put into operation in 1969. 3. The newest plant in service is Vogtle Unit 3 which came on-line in July of this year. It is located in Waynesboro, GA (near Augusta). Construction started on both units (Vogle Unit 3 and 4) in Georgia back in 2009, but stalled for eight months in 2012 when the contractor, Westinghouse Electric, filed for bankruptcy. There were talks about cancelling the projects altogether. Unit 4 is still being finished and is expected to come online in 2024. The original projected cost for both reactors was $14 Billion. Cost overruns have pushed the price to $30 billion (so far). The start of Unit 3 was the first commercial reactor to come on-line in the US in seven years, and prior to that since 1996. 4. Surprisingly, the US has the most generation capacity from nuclear power (per country) worldwide. There are 93 nuclear plants in operation in the US. Nuclear accounts for approximately 18.2% of total US generation capacity. By comparison, petroleum is 60.4% (coal, natural gas, petroleum products). Renewable energy accounts for around 21.3%. Other sources account for the remaining amount (0.1% ) 5. Cost by Source (from 2017, approximate levelized cost of electricity) Solar (Utility) -$0.06/kWH Wind - $0.05/kWH Natural Gas - $0.17/kWH Coal - $0.12/kWH Nuclear - $0.17/kWH
6. Worldwide, nuclear accounts for about 10% of total generated energy. Nuclear Power Concerns The major concerns of using nuclear power are the potential for significant safety issues and health risks. Because of these factors, it is a heavily regulated industry. In comparison to other industries, the HSE operational record of US nuclear is reputable. The worst incident occurring in the US was a partial core meltdown at the Three Mile Island Plant in Pennsylvania, which occurred in 1979. There was a release of radiative gases and radioactive iodine into the environment. After this accident, there were new regulations implemented in the nuclear industry. Worldwide, serious incidents have occurred - Japan (due to an earthquake) and Russia (Chernobyl). Chernobyl was the most significant incident worldwide with commercial nuclear power. Areas around the plant still remain uninhabitable. A comprehensive list of the worst US incidents is available in Reference #3 below. In summary, even with the limitations (available fuel) and environmental health concerns, nuclear power will still be a significant contributor to clean energy in the United States going forward. Hopefully, with the completion of both units in Georgia, it will resurrect the nuclear industry that has been mostly dormant for decades. References 1. US. Energy Information Administration Website (www.eia.gov) - Nuclear Power Section 2. CNBC – Delays in Starting Georgia Nuclear Plant - https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/31/ vogtle-unit-3-nuclear-reactor-long-delayed-starts- delivering-power.html 3. Wikipedia - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_reactor_accidents_in_the_United_States 4. US Energy Information Administration Website - - Energy Projections through 2050 https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=42555 3
Improving Your Benefits Support By Carolyn Sutton
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IS has partnered with USI, a trusted benefit broker, to enhance our benefits support services. Your well-being is our top priority, and we're proud to introduce the USI Benefit Resource Center (BRC), dedicated to providing you with comprehensive benefit-related guidance. If you have any questions about this new benefit, please don't hesitate to contact Carolyn Sutton, HR Manager csutton@eisllc.net or 504.249.5755.
2023 Recognition & Rewards Employees Redeemed Nectar Points for $4,423 in Gift Cards. Employees that received the most recognition: Veronica Pohl Received 79 Shoutouts Keith Adkins Received 59 Shoutouts Tyler LaCombe Received 51 Shoutouts
Employees that gave the most recognition: Craig Soignet Gave 80 Shoutouts in 2023 Veronica Pohl Gave 58 Shoutouts in 2023 Tyler LaCombe Gave 57 Shoutouts in 2023 4
Benefits Resource Center 855-874-0110 BRCSouthwest@usi.com Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm EST & CST
What is Process Control and Instrumentation? By Travis Brink
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am often surprised with how little I know of other engineering disciplines, so I wanted to share a simple example from the Instrumentation discipline. And instrumentation is all about process control.
So what is process control? I would simply define it as measuring a process input and controlling the output according to some setpoint. In the below graphic, I am showing a simple pressure control loop using symbols typically shown in a Piping and Instrumentation Diagram (P&ID). The process fluid is flowing from left to right and is undergoing 100 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure. Let’s say that this piping leads to your kitchen sink faucet. Well, 100 psi would be a high amount of pressure, so we would like to reduce it to 70 psi. How can we meet this setpoint of 70 psi? With instrumentation!
Pressure Transmitter
Electrical Wiring
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Shown by the #1 blue diamond is a circle with the letters “PT.” This stands for Pressure Transmitter. The pressure transmitter is connected to the pipe and allows water to push against a flexible diaphragm. As the water presses against this diaphragm, the mechanical force is converted to an electrical signal within the transmitter. This signal is a small amount of current ranging from 4 to 20 milliamps (mA).
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The red dashed line is the P&ID symbol for physical electrical wiring. In this case, there is wiring traveling from the Pressure Transmitter that will deliver the amount of psi in the form of electrical current.
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The square and circle symbol containing letters “PC” represents the Distributed Control System (DCS). “PC” or Pressure Control is done within the DCS. You can just think of the DCS as a centralized computer that accepts inputs and produces outputs.
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Distributed Control System
The “PV” is a Pressure Control Valve, the final control element. The DCS receives current from the PT indicating 100 psi, but it knows to reduce pressure to 70 psi, the setpoint. So the “PC” or Pressure Controller within the DCS sends an electrical current that correlates with 70 psi to the “PV” or Pressure Control Valve. The electrical current is converted to a mechanical force and the valve closes in order to reduce pressure to 70 psi. Pressure Control Valve
DID YOU KNOW? Instrumentation is used to control many processes in everyday life, not only in a refinery or chemical plant. In your car, you can find a speedometer and tachometer behind your steering wheel and pressure, temperature, position, and other sensors under your hood. Your local brewery has all kinds of instruments, including temperature, pressure, and density sensors to brew consistently tasting beer. These are just a couple of examples. Instrumentation makes our lives easier!
Images 1. https://sensorpros.com/cdn/shop/products/Rosemount3051T-Pressure-Transmitter-82_grande.jpg?v=1660780305 2. https://www.houwire.com/assets/images/buckets/HW101.png 3. https://theautomationblog.com/wp-content/ uploads/2020/08/TheAutomationBlog-20-08-ImageByBrandonCooper-HoneywellC300_1280.jpg 4. https://www.lakesidecontrols.com/asset/163518?s=570
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INSERT TEAM PHOTO
Pictured from left to right: Todd Jeanne, Richard Courville, Hope Perkins, and Clyde Diaville.
Inspection Expansion T
By Lisa Bordlee
he EIS Inspection Division office is now officially open in Port Allen, Louisiana. Our endeavor to create a permanent and standalone inspection office has been years in the making, and all the while, our team has been simultaneously working to provide only the best service for our clients. Our team doesn't miss a beat, and their new office allows them to fully expand our workforce and capabilities. We now offer a complete turnkey solution with 24/7 on-call service, analytical engineering support, a variety of high quality personnel and expanded NDE services. EIS is excited to introduce our core Inspection Division and their plans for the future.
ANALYTICAL SUPPORT
24/7, ON -CALL SERVICE
All your project needs met in one place with our team’s direct access to Analytical Services, including Fitness for Service, Failure and Stress Analysis, Finite Element Analysis, Vessel Re-rates and more.
We’re a relationship-based team available 24/7 for our clients. We’re there when you need us and our high quality personnel bring years of expertise to every job.
TURNKEY SOLUTION FULL SERVICE INSPECTION
NDE Services, Turnaround Inspection & Planning, Mechanical Integrity Program, Special & Capital Projects, Vendor Surveillance, Analytical Services, and more. 6
QUALITY PERSONNEL
NDE Technicians, API, CWI, and NACE Inspectors, Embedded Support and more. We provide continuing education to our team to keep them at the top of their game.
Safety Through Relationships Above all things, our Inspection Division proudly proclaims that relationship-building is the most important part of their job. This all comes down to the fact that safety is a key aspect of their work, and that, in turn, relies on trust with the client. Inspection is the eyes and the ears in the field. As the Division simply puts it, “We find the problem before it’s a problem.” They check for damage on existing equipment and create repair plans for clients to review. If something goes wrong, not only are money and time on the line, but lives as well. Inspection Services Manager Todd Jeanne states, "If I had to stress anything in the industry, it's the personal liabilty you're doing your due diligence to make sure everything runs safely." Relationship-building goes beyond the client as well. It extends to the personnel that works together on a daily basis. The inspection world is a tight-knit group of professionals, with many having known each other for years. Mentorship is prevalent in the community as continuing education and training are a necessity for this multidisciplined career path. If you want to work for the best team, you have to nurture the best team. "It's the people that you work with and it's the friendships and the relationships you build along the way that's going to get you the quality people you want," says Inspection Office Administrator Hope Perkins. Building the Team Our core Inspection Division members, Clyde Diaville, Todd Jeanne, Richard Courville and Hope Perkins, are no strangers to the typical journey of someone working in the industry. Together, they have more than 25 years experience in the field and the office, leading to a deep understanding of what it will take to make the new office work. They even know each other personally from previous projects. Our Regional Site Services Rep Richard Courville can even be thanked for introducing Inspection Division Manager Clyde Diaville to his career in inspection. And Clyde was able to entice Hope Perkins to join our EIS team this year after having worked on several turnarounds together in the past. Small world! With their mindset centered on trust and experience, our EIS Inspection Division aims to grow the team dramatically over the next year. Pulling together their knowledge and connections, they plan to gather only the best personnel for our office in Port Allen. Their top priority is providing 24/7 on-call service for clients with an expanded offering of services, including NDE, scanning technology, and a fleet of trucks with mobile dark rooms for radiographic testing. To make sure we have the right people with the right skillset to jump in at a moment's notice, EIS offers continuing education for our NDE technicians, API, CWI and NACE inspectors. As we grow, the ultimate goal is for clients to trust us as a "one-stop shop" for all of their needs, and that all starts with a strong team. Providing A Turnkey Solution Last but not least, a defining capability that sets us apart from our competitors is the Inspection Division's direct access to our EIS Analytical Engineers. This truly allows us to stand out. Clients will not need to waste time nor money looking elsewhere when they find that their equipment needs analysis, whether it be for something like a failure or stress analysis, fitness for servce, or vessel re-rate. Our inspectors are only a phone call away to speaking with an engineer, something that most other inspection companies can't say. From around the clock service, to high quality personnel, every aspect of our newly expanded Inspection Division has come full circle as turnkey solution for clients. We can truly say that we offer full service inspection. There will be very few, if any, limitations to what we can do as we grow. As Richard Courville says "With the capabilities we have now, we're going to be looking across the United States for many of our future projects."
CLYDE DIAVILLE Inspection Division Manager On Quality Personnel:
“You build trust with these guys over time. When you have that loyalty, they want to come and work for you, and you know that they will do the job right.”
TODD JEANNE Inspection Services Manager On Service Expansion:
“With this new venture, it's going to open the market up a lot more for us. I have several clients waiting right now for us to become a 'onestop shop'. It will take us a little while longer to get there, but we are implementing the basics right now."
RICHARD COURVILLE Regional Site Services On Division Expansion:
“I want to grow this team. I want to see how big we can actually make this. I've seen other companies grow. Here, we started grassroots, and I want to see how far we can take it."
HOPE PERKINS Inspection Office Administrator On Quality Personnel:
Visit us at Booth 206! Our Inspection Team will be exhibiting at the 2024 Inspection and Mechanical Integrity Summit in San Antonio, TX from January 23-25 to network and showcase our capabilities. Spread the word!
“It’s all about relationships. You don’t get the best personnel without building a relationship with the individual.”
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Driven to Solve Superstar WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT ROLE ON THE TEAM? I am the Technical Manager and Lead Mechanical Engineer at EIS. Currently, I manage four mechanical engineers in our Analytical Division. We perform all kinds of stress analyses, and our projects range from simple pipe stress analyses to complex fitness-for-service evaluations, as well as finite element analyses. We generally evaluate piping systems, pressure vessels, and storage tanks. HOW HAVE YOU GROWN PROFESSIONALLY WHILE WORKING AT EIS? Since joining EIS in April 2014, I have worked on countless projects for various clients all over the country. I’ve attended multiple ASME and API courses to get a thorough understanding of piping and pressure vessel design, as well as their repair and alteration requirements and damage mechanisms. This helped me to grow into a subject matter expert for piping and fixed equipment. I also challenged myself to earn my Professional Engineering (P.E.) certificate. I am proud to say I was successful in accomplishing this goal in 2017 on my first attempt.
Rolf Inderbitzin Technical Manager
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS INTERESTED IN THIS FIELD? Work hard and be curious. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. No one expects you to know everything. I’ve been doing this for a while now, and I’m still learning new things. Listen to the seasoned engineers; they have a wealth of knowledge and are generally happy to share it. WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT EIS COMPANY CULTURE? Everyone at EIS has their strengths and brings unique skills to the team, which is invaluable from a professional standpoint. From my personal point of view, it’s truly a work family. You can stop by anybody at any time to discuss anything. EIS does a fantastic job to get everyone together outside the office, with fun events throughout the year.
Events EIS On The Move Employee Holiday Parties - Beaumont/Metairie 2023 New Orleans Heart Association Heart Walk - Metairie, LA Employee Thanksgiving Lunches - Beaumont/Metairie NASA Stennis Day in the Bay - Bay St. Louis, MS 2023 ExxonMobil United Way Golf Tournament - Houston, TX 2023 Nova Chemicals Geismar United Way Golf Tournament - Baton Rouge, LA GBRIA's 18th Annual Golf Tournament & Gumbo Cook-Off - Baton Rouge, LA Halloween - Metairie, LA RCN - Reality Capture Network Conference - Boise, ID Laser Tag & Axe Throwing - Metairie, LA Top Golf - Beaumont/Lamar Students 8
2023 Chalmette Classic Golf Tournament benefiting United Way - Chalmette, LA
Tips and Tricks from IT
By Chris Huddleston
Password Management IS follows a policy of changing passwords every 90 days—a task that may seem daunting but can be simplified with a bit of ingenuity. Instead of creating a random combination of letters, numbers, and special characters, consider using a passphrase, such as ‘RedCar5isVeryFast!’. When it's time to change the password, maintain the theme by altering certain elements: ‘BlueCar5isVeryFast!’, ‘RedPlane5isVeryFast!’, ‘RedCar9isVeryFast!’, ‘RedCar5isNotFast!’, etc. Over time, the phrase will evolve, but you only need to remember the changes from the previous version.
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Another effective practice is the use of a password management program. Several low-cost or free options are available. Web-based password managers, accessible across various operating systems and devices, are easily maintained. However, they often come with a cost, and some companies have experienced security breaches. Personally, I recommend KeePass—a freeware that operates from a flash drive, encrypts the password database, and offers software for Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone, and more. While it requires user diligence in updating the database on storage options like OneDrive or Dropbox, its user-maintained nature makes it less susceptible to hacking. Additionally, most web browsers have built-in password management, accessible from multiple locations if you sign in to the browser. Apple AirDrop AirDrop, a feature within the Apple environment, enables users to send files to other Apple devices. The sender can specify the recipient or send to all devices within range. Users who have not disabled AirDrop from anyone will receive a message prompting them to accept or decline the incoming file, complete with a preview. To mitigate potential risks, it's advisable to set AirDrop to "Contacts Only" or "Receiving Off." Newer operating systems may restrict "everyone" access to just 10 minutes. Computer Ergonomics Considering that many of us spend the majority of our day in front of computers, it's crucial to prioritize comfort and health. While an exhaustive exploration of ergonomic principles is beyond the scope here, some basics include maintaining a straight vertical back, horizontal alignment of knees, and flat placement of feet on the floor. Armrests should be at an equal height to the work surface, and the top of monitors should align with eye level. If you find that your ergonomic needs aren’t being met, please communicate this to your supervisor.
Driven to Solve Superstar WHAT’S YOUR CURRENT ROLE ON THE TEAM? I am the lead electrical engineer for EIS. My specialization and focus areas are in industrial power systems, including power distribution and electrical substations. My work typically involves various electrical equipment and system components associated with electrical power delivery and utilization in facilities. I also work on critical power systems, plant electrical distribution (cables/wiring), generators, and lighting. WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENTS WHILE AT EIS? Since joining EIS, I have acheived dual licensing in Texas as well as updating my NCEES profile to allow dual licensing in other states. I feel like I have also contributed to future EIS electrical and instrumentation (E/I) work by obtaining some of the basic things needed, like updated standards, software, and design go-bys. Our team has purchased a specialty software package by SKM for power system analysis. This will greatly improve our capabilities for specific projects. Additionally, I’ve recently authored and published a technical paper in the national trade journal. The paper discusses several case studies for critical power systems at an industrial facility. WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHERS INTERESTED IN THIS FIELD? Try to obtain field experince either through on-site assignments or commissioning special efforts. Delve into your area of expertise to understand the technical aspects - how it works, how improvements are made, what technology is available, and how it can be applied. Seek mentorship with someone knowledgeable in your field. I was fortunate enough to work under several engineers at different locations that helped me immensely. WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT EIS COMPANY CULTURE? It’s easy going. I feel like I can openly discuss any issue with anyone, whether it is serious or fun. Additionally, our employees are focused and results driven. I am impressed with the various levels of work completed and the work ethic shown across the entire organization.
Mark Varisco Lead Electrical Engineer
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The Solar Splash Project:
A Journey into Sustainable Engineering By Anna Rockhold
About the Solar Splash Project and Competition n a thrilling fusion of academia, innovation, and community collaboration, Lamar University's Mechanical Engineering seniors are entering into the much-anticipated Solar Splash project for the academic year 2023-2024. The senior mechanical engineering team, known as the "Sun Sailors," is setting sail on a groundbreaking journey while EIS employees provide tools and guidance along the way.
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The Solar Splash competition is a racing event where teams design and craft their own boats. The unique twist is that these boats must be electrically powered and incorporate solar panels. This world championship of collegiate solar boating, takes place in Springfield, Ohio in a five-day event. Any two or four-year college, university, vocational or high school is eligible and teams from as far away as Poland and Puerto Rico come to compete. The main events consist of a 2-hour endurance race to determine which boat can cover the greatest distance, a 300m sprint, and a maneuvering course that assesses the craft's ability to navigate swiftly around a series of buoys. The endurance race holds the highest point value among the three, emphasizing the importance of efficient boat performance. Last year, students successfully connected batteries, panels, a trolling motor, featuring a steering wheel, Deadman’s switch, on-off switch, and a bilge pump onto a heavy canoe. This year, students have an ambitious plan to undergo a significant boat and hull overhaul. This includes the introduction of a new motor capable of running at low speeds while maintaining the ability to win the sprint competition.
industries, professors, students, and more will serve as judges for the project. In the event of winning the symposium, their achievement will be highlighted across newspapers, social media platforms, and on-campus displays. Additionally, the project will receive a small cash prize and a certificate, solidifying its place in the annals of engineering excellence. EIS: Nurturing Tomorrow's Engineers EIS, has a longstanding affiliation with Lamar University's Department of Engineering, and has become an integral part of the educational ecosystem. EIS has welcomed numerous Lamar graduates into its ranks, boasts parents with Lamar attending children, and currently hosts Lamar interns. EIS embodies a commitment to education and industry collaboration. This year's Solar Splash project holds a special place in EIS's heart as the company not only sponsors the initiative but also provides crucial technical consultation. Adding a unique touch, Mr. Allen Gautreaux, EIS Beaumont Office Manager, has generously offered his boat space as a workshop for the Sun Sailors, allowing them to translate their ambitious designs into reality.
Furthermore, they are set to conduct thorough propeller tests, integrate solar panels, install a battery, incorporate a speedometer, battery level sensor, and GPS. Upon completion of the design phase, a part of our team will be dispatched to compete in Springfield, Ohio, with the event being featured on the official Solar Splash YouTube channel. The culmination of their efforts will be showcased at the senior symposium. This event will witness the presentation of their boat, along with a detailed overview of the design and manufacturing processes. Ambassadors from various local
Abby Gautreaux
Roles: Lead Estimator, Field Engineer, Design Engineer, Social Media Passion: Enjoys spending time with family and fishing.
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Alejandra Zapata
Roles: Batteries Engineer/Electrical Team Member, Estimator Aspiration: Aiming for a career with EIS and later branching out to work for BASF as a Field Engineer.
Meet the Bright Minds Behind the Solar Splash Team:
Crystal Likevoang
Roles: Co-lead, Lead Estimator, Vice Project Manager Interests: Cooking, working in the family shop, and exploring various engineering roles post-graduation.
Drew Maramba
Roles: Machinist in manufacturing engineering Future: Aspires to work in maintenance, reliability, or manufacturing, focusing on designing and maintaining moving equipment.
Why Study Engineering at Lamar University? The College of Engineering, located in Beaumont, Texas, encompasses five academic departments. Each department offers ABET-accredited undergraduate and graduate degree programs which focus on producing engineers who are ready to take on the current challenges in their chosen industry and our world. Engineering · Chemical and Environmental Engineering · Civil Engineering · Electrical and Systems Engineering · Industrial · Mechanical Engineering
The Lamar University College of Engineering (LUCOE) students have numerous employment opportunities during and after graduation through the co-op and internship program and they consistently see high demand for their highly trained, job-ready graduates. The job market for Lamar graduates has never been better over nearly 22 years. All 15 masters’ degree options in the LUCOE now offer 4+1 pathways, and are offering six new certificates that students can take as part of their degree program or as a standalone certificate for nondegree seeking students. Graduates are well sought after by many industrial sectors: ·manufacturing, petrochemical, aerospace, automotive,
biomedical and more. Most students participate in internships, co-ops and employment experiences prior to graduation which leads to an excellent job placement rate. Senior design course allows students to create projects that incorporate the design and construction of many types of machines sponsored by our industrial partners. The faculty is focused on providing valuable, results-driven undergraduate education. Access to fully equipped research and teaching laboratories. Currently the department has 46 full-time faculty members,§ 1,255 undergraduate students, 325 masters’ students and 67 doctoral place for students, faculty, and staff that are driven to make a difference in society.
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Enrique Monge
Role: Lead Mechanical Engineer Current Work: Involved in modeling, simulations, and calculations in the industrial insulation industry.
How You Can Support the Sun Sailors: As EIS takes pride in supporting these aspiring engineers, we invite you to join us in sponsoring the Solar Splash project. Your contributions will aid in the design and construction of a stateof-the-art propulsion system, electrical system, and telemetry to excel in the competition. The department offers three sponsorship tiers, each with unique benefits: Admiral Sponsor Package: $1,000+ Large logo on the boat, Symposium sign, and team T-shirt. Shout-outs on team social media. Collaboration on a longer promotional message. Captain Sponsor Package: $500+ Medium-size logo on the Symposium sign and team T-shirt. Shout-outs on team social media. Collaboration on a shorter promotional message. First Mate Sponsor Package: $100+ Smaller size logo on the Symposium sign. Shout-outs on team social media.
§ Scan QR code for donation website.
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Jacob Zumwalt
Role: Leader and Project Manager of Sun Sailors Goals: Learning about pumps, filtering, and manufacturing, with a vision to contribute to new technologies in engineering.
Lakota Jaton
Role: Machinist and Propeller Design Engineer Aspiration: Eyeing opportunities in the aerospace or additive manufacturing industry after graduation.
Ruth Sanchez
Role: Telemetry Engineer, Assistant Project Manager Future: Secured a full-time position with ExxonMobil in their Mechanical Integrity department. 11
EIS Hiring: Right Person, Right Seat By Carolyn Sutton
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t EIS we're not just searching for great candidates; we're seeking the perfect match to join our EIS family. Let's walk you through the EIS Right Person, Right Seat Process. Since September 2023, Tiffany Pfister has been a key player on our HR Team. She's now guiding candidates and hiring leads through the process explained below.
Hiring Questions? Connect with Tiffany! Tiffany Pfister, HR Associate tpfister@eisllc.net 504-249-5726
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Every applicant's journey begins with a multiple-choice pre-assessment, their attention to detail, communication skills, and unique personality profile. We're eager to unravel the candidate's story right from the very start.
the applicant's skill set aligns with the hiring lead's specified requirements, we 2 Ifextend an invitation for a phone screen. It's our chance to hear the candidate’s story, and we get a glimpse of what makes them the perfect fit for the role.
next step is the virtual interview, a stage where we explore the candidate's 3 The skills and experiences. Inviting hiring leads to join ensures they witness firsthand the candidate's brilliance on camera.
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The job skill assessment is the stage where candidates showcase their talents in action, demonstrating what they can bring to the captivating EIS table. While this step may seem daunting, rest assured it's not a decision-making tool; it's a brushstroke in the masterpiece of the hiring picture. This step is reserved for those destined to work at an EIS office location.
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For the chosen few, their journey advances to an in-person interview. We'll be faceto-face, ensuring that EIS feels like the perfect fit for them. This often involves a multi-person interview – more minds, more insights.
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As we approach the final decision, we embark on the reference check, a crucial step where we consider not just where the candidate has been, but where they're headed and how they'll contribute to our collective success.
Let's Be Safe Out There Pocket Dosimeters: Ensuring Safety By Clyde Diaville
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pocket dosimeter, a type of radiation dosimeter resembling a pen, is a crucial tool in monitoring and maintaining safety in environments where ionizing radiation is present. This compact device measures the cumulative dose of ionizing radiation received over a specific work period. Typically clipped to a person's clothing—commonly on the breast pocket for whole-body exposure—it provides an essential gauge of an individual's radiation exposure. To guarantee effective utilization, a pocket dosimeter should have a range from zero to at least 2 millisieverts (200 millirems) and must be recharged daily or at the start of each shift. Electronic personal dosimeters can substitute ion-chamber pocket dosimeters but are subject to the same stringent requirements. Each personnel dosimeter must be assigned to and worn exclusively by one individual. Periodic checks for correct response to radiation, not exceeding one year, ensure their reliability. Acceptable dosimeters must read within ±20 percent of the true radiation exposure, with records of positive dosimeter responses maintained for three years for departmental inspection. Direct reading dosimeters, including electronic personal dosimeters or pocket dosimeters, necessitate daily readings and exposure recording at the shift's commencement and conclusion. These records should be diligently maintained for three years or until the Office of Environmental Compliance authorizes their disposal.
In the event of a pocket dosimeter registering beyond its range or an electronic pocket dosimeter indicating a dose greater than 2 millisieverts (200 millirems) with uncertain exposure origins, industrial radiographic operations must cease immediately. The individual's personnel dosimeter requiring processing should be sent for evaluation within 24 hours. For dosimeters not requiring processing, evaluation should commence within the same timeframe. The individual must refrain from returning to work with radiation sources until the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) or their designee determines the radiation dose. Results of this determination are to be recorded and maintained indefinitely or until authorized for disposal by the Office of Environmental Compliance.
Accurate and detailed records of pocket dosimeter readings must be retained for departmental inspection for three consecutive years. If these readings were instrumental in determining external radiation doses, the records should be maintained indefinitely or until authorized for disposal by the Office of Environmental Compliance. In cases where a personnel dosimeter is lost or damaged, work cessation is imperative until a replacement is provided. The calculated exposure for the period from issuance to loss or damage must be recorded and maintained indefinitely or until authorized for disposal by the Office of Environmental Compliance. Strict adherence to these guidelines ensures the continued safety and well-being of individuals working in environments with potential radiation exposure.
ALARA As Low As Reasonably Achievable
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2024 Employee Holiday Schedule By Carolyn Sutton
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t's time to mark your calendars and plan your well-deserved breaks for the upcoming year. The 2024 Employee Holiday Schedule is here! EIS recognizes a total of 10 holidays for full-time employees, regardless of your work schedule. Holiday hours are recorded in easy-to-follow 8-hour increments. For our employees in the field, Century Tower, and Port Allen Office, here's the good news: 7 out of the 10 holidays are paid on the day they actually fall. Additionally, 3 holidays are considered Floating Holidays: Mardi Gras Day, Good Friday, and the day after Thanksgiving. You have the flexibility to choose when to enjoy these special days. Floating Holidays In 2024, we're introducing a new way to handle Floating Holidays. No longer will they be front-loaded at the start of the year. Starting now, they will accrue in 12-hour increments on February 1st and July 1st, totaling 24 hours. This new approach ensures fairness as employees accrue their holiday hours. With this semi-annual accrual, you'll still have the freedom to celebrate when it's most convenient for you – whether it's a long weekend, a special occasion, or simply some well-deserved "me-time." Remember, these Floating Holidays can't go into the negative, and they won't carry over to the next year. So, be sure to plan and make the most of them in 2024. For our Metairie Office employees, it's even more straightforward. You'll receive all 10 holidays on the actual day they fall, making it a breeze to enjoy your time off.
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2024 Holidays January 1, 2024 (Monday): New Year's Day February 13, 2024 (Tuesday): Mardi Gras* March 29, 2024 (Friday): Good Friday* May 27, 2024 (Monday): Memorial Day July 4, 2024 (Thursday): Independence Day September 2, 2024 (Monday): Labor Day Nov. 28, 2024 (Thursday): Thanksgiving Day Nov. 29, 2024 (Friday): Day After Thanksgiving* Dec. 24, 2024 (Tuesday): Christmas Eve Dec. 25, 2024 (Wednesday): Christmas Day
EIS Awards Setting the Standard ExxonMobil Golf Tournament Participation Award In November 2023, the EIS Leadership Team participated in the ExxonMobil United Way Upstream, Global Projects, EMTEC, LCS Golf Tournament. EIS was awarded as a top sponsor at the event, and all proceeds raised were donated to the Houston, Texas United Way. During the day, we were joined on the green by the ExxonMobil DRE (Digital Reality Ecosystem) Team, with whom we colloborate with throughout the year. We hope to continue our partnership with them and look forward to many new projects in 2024!
CONGRATULATIONS Alvin Castay, Sr. Mechanical Designer, welcomed a granddaughter, Vivian Marie.
Todd Englehardt, Sr. Mechanical Designer, welcomed a grandson, Leland.
John Morris, Sr. Mechanical Designer, welcomed a grandson, Oliver.
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Employee Pet Corner Our employees love their pets! If you are a proud pet parent, please share the love. Send pictures to marketing@eisllc.net.
Tiffany & Stormi Rose
Kevin & Franklin Ferdinand
Tiffany Pfister, Human Resources Associate
Kevin Kern, Business Development
Tonya & Archie
Tonya Chauvin, Chief Operating Officer
Lisa & Lana
Lisa Bordlee, Marketing Coordinator
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Chris & Charley
Chris Morris, P.E., Director of Engineering
Entertainment
ENGINEERING CROSSWORD
WE’ VE GOT JOKES!
Image Credit: Forbes
Answers Below
SUDOKU
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3 1 2 4
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9 5 4 7 6 9 8 7
5 7 5 3 1 6
4 5 9
8 2 7 3 1
Crossword Answers
Have a joke, crossword or other game you’d like to contribute to our newsletter? Let us know! Send to marketing@eisllc.net.
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October - November - December
1 Year
5 Years
11 Years
Kurtis David Reyes
Bismarck Munoz Gary Grable Jared Lavergne Sarah Cook Andy Messina Callan Burgess Cody Gilfillian Roderick Joseph Gene Hardy Rob Harrison Dustin Edwards Gene Ledoux Glenn Broussard Russell Devillier Jack LeDoux Casey Pridgen Jerry Campbell Ken Vidrine
John Tav
2 Years Richard Courville Jody Rozas Michael Lockhart Tyler Andrew Tommy Smith James Glaze
4 Years Todd Jeanne John Morris Chase Hopkins
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Welcome to the Team
Ryan Henley
John Hoover
Taylor Schooley
Brelen Aikens
Jeremy Delatte
Cade Falgout
Derrick Vidrine
Travis Payton
Analicia Schexnyder
Amanda Hemstad
Wilfred Morton
Hope Perkins
Reality Capture Specialist Metairie, LA
API Inspector Syngenta/Louisiana
API Inspector Syngenta/Louisiana
Payroll & Accounting Specialist Metairie, LA
NDE Technician Shintech/Louisiana
API Inspector Syngenta/Louisiana
NDE Technician Syngenta/Louisiana
API Inspector Syngenta/Louisiana
E/I Drafter & Document Control Beaumont, Texas
API Inspector Syngenta/Louisiana
NDE Technician Syngenta/Louisiana
Inspection Office Administrator Port Allen, LA
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Who to Contact for What Carolyn Sutton, Human Resources Manager
Jennifer Schnauder, Financial Coordinator
csutton@eisllc.net or 504.249.5755
jschnauder@eisllc.net or 504.249.5754
• • • • • • • • •
• • •
BambooHR 401k Enrollment & Changes PPE – Cintas (FRCs), H2 monitor, etc. Employee Benefits Worker’s Comp Employment Verifications Professional Development Training PTO, Floating Holidays, Holidays, Jury Duty, etc. Employee Events
Tiffany Pfister, Human Resources Associate tpfister@eisllc.net or 504.249.5726 • • • • •
DISA (Drug Screening & Background checks) Site Training (ITSC, GCSC, Alliance) Badge Reactivations HR Nectar Job Openings & Employment Referrals
Unanet Questions & Login Help Unanet Project Setup Client/Project Invoice related Questions
Yvette Patton, Operations Coordinator ypatton@eisllc.net or 504-249-5758 • • • •
Office Supplies Office & Building Concerns Travel Perk Inquiries Contracts Administration, New Client Setup
Hope Perkins, Inspection Office Administrator hperkins@eisllc.net or 225.325.7900
ahemstad@eisllc.net or 504.249.5723
For Inspection Employees Only: • DISA (Drug Screening & Background checks) • Site Training (ITSC, GCSC, Alliance) • Badge Reactivations • Unanet – Entering Time and Expenses
• •
Christopher Huddleston, IT/Systems Technical Specialist
Amanda Hemstad, Payroll & Accounting Specialist
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Paycor/Payroll Questions and Login Help Paper timesheets & expenses: timesheets@eisllc.net (Chevron, Shell, IMTT) Unanet – Entering Time and Expenses Track: Valero Meraux, Marathon, PBF Accounts Payable, Vendor Setup
chuddleston@eisllc.net or 504.249.5722 •
IT Helpdesk - support@eisllc.net or Call to Create a Ticket
Engineering & Inspection Services (EIS) is a full-service engineering, design and inspection firm delivering practical solutions for our clients through technical expertise and emerging technologies. We are driven to solve the most complex challenges our clients face. EIS serves the U.S. refining and petrochemical industries while our technology team Captura also serves the AEC, Manufacturing, Disaster Recovery and many new developing markets. Our offices are located in Metarie and Port Allen, Louisiana and Beaumont, Texas.
Let’s keep in touch 504-837-3310 info@eisllc.net www.eisllc.net