Richelieu Barranco

Experience

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  Monomeros Colombo Venezolanos S.A.

  Jul 1995 - Jan 1996

  Assistant Engineer

  I provided technical assistance to the fertiliser plants including process control and operation, equipment and operations assessment, and plant production records and statistical data analysis.

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  University of Nottingham

  Oct 2000 - Dec 2001

  Research Assistant/Demonstrator

  I carried out a challenging research project related to coal characterisation and utilisation. I had to assess, as part of a small team, a number of coals from different suppliers around the world to select the most suitable for combustion purposes for UK based coal firer power stations. I was also responsible for the supervision of example classes, marking laboratory reports and assessing coursework for a fluid mechanics module and laboratory sessions.

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  Universidad del Atlántico

  Feb 2002 - Sept 2002

  Lecturer

  As a lecturer in the engineering faculty, I was responsible for teaching Chemical Engineering related subjects to BEng and MSc students including fluid mechanics, physical-chemistry, research methodology, design projects, and coal science and technology modules. In addition I supervised final year undergraduate research projects/theses. I develop the coal science and technology module, made a significant contribution to the design and development of the research methodology module.

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  Carbones del Caribe - Colombia / Eon UK

  May 2002 - Sept 2002

  Consultant

  I designed and implemented a research program with the aim of assessing Eon UK coal washing plant process and the variability of the quality of coal supplied by a Colombian company (Carbones del Caribe). I was able to help the two companies to understand the process and coal quality figures which led to clarify their discrepancies.

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  University of Nottingham

  Oct 2002 - Aug 2009

  Postdoctoral Research Fellow

  I was involved on the development of a pilot scale microwave system for the treatment of contaminated drill cuttings by coordinating the design and construction of vapour recovery systems and the integration into the existing design. The process was operated successfully and moved towards commercialisation. I also communicated and co-operated with external stakeholders including industrial partners, academia, vendors, and contractors.

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  Imperial College London-Novacem Ltd

  Sept 2009 - Sept 2011

  Group Leader - Operations and Design

  I worked at Novacem, as part of a multi-disciplinary project team, in the development of a carbon negative cement. I was responsible for the Operations and Design team and managed a group of eight people. After proven the technology in a laboratory batch pilot plant, we then designed and developed a continuous process.

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  Imerys

  Nov 2011 - Feb 2015

  FiberLean HSE and Plant Manager/Senior Process Engineer

  • Managed the day-to-day operation, maintenance, and Health and Safety of our semi-commercial LDU plant in Belgium and our first micro-fibrillated cellulose plant built in the US.• I was selected as the I3 - Imerys Industrial Improvement - Champion to undergo full training on Lean Six Sigma methodologies and Industrial Continuous Improvement programme to apply to our existing facilities.• Ensured an effective continuous improvement culture; supported the resolution of immediate issues and supported longer term performance improvement projects.• Collected/analysed data, identified trends, and provided advice for process improvements, energy, and cost savings.• Conducted asset/process optimisation studies and provided process engineering expertise to other business units.• Resolved process related engineering issues during customer trials and plant operations.• Led and developed talent within the team to maximise engagement and underpin delivery. Show less

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  Imerys-Omya JV - FiberLean Technologies

  Feb 2015 - May 2016

  Performance Improvement Manager/Industrial Implementation Manager

  • Worked with a multidisciplinary team on the design, implementation, commissioning, and start-up of our process plants.• Conducted equipment sizing; pump, and pipe sizing calculations; developed process control strategies; and supported plant commissioning and operation.• I was the Industrial Continuous Improvement Champion of my business unit and was responsible for process and plant performance improvements and energy and waste reduction programmes.• Managed the development of mass and energy balances, data analysis, design calculations, technology selection, major equipment datasheet specification, process flow diagrams, process control philosophies and P&ID’s.• Identified improvement opportunities and executed strategies aligned with our company goals.• Reported on the progress of initiatives and communicated impact and results to stakeholders.• Provided support to HAZOPs/HAZID’s and other technical reviews, such as FAT/SAT, as required. Show less

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  FiberLean Technologies Ltd

  May 2016 - Jun 2024

  Industrial Process Manager/Data Insight Manager

  I was part of a global team working on an innovative project to develop and commercialise high-value products from micro fibrillated cellulose, in the paper, cardboard, fibreboard, MDF, and the agriculture sector. With five operational industrial plants, we are at the forefront of mineral/materials process engineering. My main responsibilities are:• Leading the process and plant design; performing, reviewing, and approving equipment sizing and pump and pipe sizing calculations; developing process control strategies; and supporting plant commissioning and operations.• Developing and optimising our industrial data system and pipelines; enhancing plant and process KPIs reporting; supporting skills development; and improving our analytical capabilities.• Identifying and implementing performance and continuous improvement projects in plant operations and plant process design, including energy reduction and waste management.• Supporting the operations and projects team with regards to product quality performance; asset failure analysis; supporting preventive maintenance implementation across the existing plants; and incorporating the learnings and changes into the new plant operation and design.• Collaborating with other business areas to develop and tender new business opportunities and to assure and leverage high quality data management and analytics for agile decision making. Show less

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  Origen

  Jun 2024 - now

  Design Engineering Manager

  I am excited to join Origen as we move through scale-up and commercialisation of our Direct Air Capture technology!