Merion Evans

Experience

• 

  Unilever

  Sept 1990 - Apr 1997

  I led a number of research projects, based in the UK and overseas, on novel processing routes, the production of novel products and process optimisation. I undertook a broad technical and commercial training including a number of placements with operating companies: analyser devleopment for Lever Brothers, manufacturing for Birds Eye Walls, process design for an a new liquid detergent manufacturing plant, assistant brand manager at Elida Gibbs, Surfactant research at Unilever Research, New Jersey.

  • Chemical and Process Engineer

    Aug 1992 - Apr 1997

  • Unilever Engineering Management Trainee

    Sept 1990 - Aug 1992
• 

  BP

  Apr 1997 - Aug 2015

  working at senior manager/ deputy director level, I was a leadership team member of bp' s Conversion Technology Centre in Hull.I led a multidisciplinary research team based in the UK and US with a multimillion dollar budget to develop new fuel and chemical processes for bp. I also evaluated ways to turn unconventional feedstocks, such as biomass and coal, into fuels and chemicals. Development of deep understanding of gasification of coal and biomass. Led a team based in UK and US to evaluate 3rd party options to make bio-syngas using gasification. I led capital projects to design two >$10M pilot plants. For each pilot plant, I recruited and set up multidisciplinary project teams of contractors and staff. I ensured that the technology and project teams worked together to develop a clear and prioritized project scope and led the project team to develop detailed process, equipment and building designs and drawings. I developed agreements with potential pilot plant manufacturers. I provided technical expertise and thought leadership in process engineering and modeling, particularly in the area of reaction and reactor model development, multiphase flow, fluidisation and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The unique VIPA (Visualization, Imaging and Process Analysis) centre consisted of the X-ray building with several operational units, a nozzle testing rig and LOV (Limiting Oxygen Value) unit. I led a small team and was responsible for balancing the multiphase research requirements of different parts of BP. I led the pilot plant during the assurance phase and early commissioning of the 1st full scale plant for this process. I was responsible for the research projects, safe pilot plant operation and shut downs as well as designing all chemical engineering modifications. I was the technology transfer engineer based on commercial acetic acid plants in Hull looking for opportunities for optimization and process improvement.

  • New Processes and Feedstocks Programme Manager

    Jan 2012 - Aug 2015

  • Feedstocks Project Manager

    Jan 2010 - Dec 2011

  • Pilot Plant Capital Project manager

    Jan 2008 - Jan 2010

  • Process Engineering Specialist

    Jul 2005 - Dec 2007

  • VIPA centre Senior Technologist

    Feb 2002 - Jun 2005

  • Pilot plant team leader

    Sept 1999 - Feb 2002

  • Close Plant Support Engineer

    Apr 1997 - Sept 1999