Work Experience

CordenPharma

I have completed two internships at CordenPharma. While much of the information is confidential, here is an overview of the main projects.

Shown here is a simplified example of a process flow diagram and what components may be needed to construct.

Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) (2024)

During my second internship at CordenPharma, I was tasked with creating process flow diagrams. These diagrams would allow operators to set up vessels and piping more easily and accurately. In total, I was able to complete 18 complex flow diagrams that are currently being implemented into setups for different processes.

How Were These Made?

What I Learned From Creating PFDs

I enhanced my ability to interpret process flow diagrams (PFDs) and piping & instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs), translating hand-drawn sketches into digital process diagrams using Visio. This involved analyzing symbols, line connections, and equipment tags to ensure accuracy. Collaborating with operators and engineers further refined my problem-solving and communication skills, allowing me to create clear and reliable process documentation. In the process, I developed a strong understanding of an overall system and how various components interact within a larger operation.

While I had a basic understanding of different flow components from school, throughout this project I learned how they functioned and how to identify key components in the plant such as types of:

Valves

Pumps

Heat Exchangers

Vessels

Although this is a different vessel, it is similar to the one we used for our analysis. For reference, the original source can be found here: Link.

Filter Experiment (2024)

I had the opportunity to work in a laboratory setting to address a filtration issue impacting the plant's operations. The filtration process was slowing down, and a small team, including myself, was assigned to investigate and resolve the problem. In order to test this, we set up a small-scale agitated filter to simulate conditions found in the plant. During this project, I gained hands-on experience with lab equipment by running processes through the filter setup to monitor how the flux changed over time. Ultimately, we developed several theories to explain the slowdown and identified potential solutions to improve the filtration process.

What I Learned From the Experiment

Laboratory Experience - I gained a broad range of skills, including working with different instruments and equipment to conduct experiments and gather data in a way that ensures quality control throughout the procedure. I developed an understanding of experimental design, troubleshooting, and analyzing data to find meaningful conclusions.

Teamwork and Collaboration - Working closely with a small team allowed me to strengthen my collaboration and communication skills to find solutions to the problem.

Process Improvement - Throughout the experiment I was able to theorize about possible inefficiencies within the lab setup as well as in the plant and ways to optimize the process.

This is a pressure relief valve I was able to locate and mark with the correct identification number to then put into SAP.

SAP Equipment Cataloging (2023)

During my first internship at CordenPharma, I learned how to use SAP effectively to catalog and manage equipment. It was my responsibility to optimize the outdated organizational system to ensure equipment was properly identified with the correct identification numbers. Some of the duties for this included :

Locating equipment throughout the plant to verify and assign correct identification
Etching identification numbers onto equipment that lacked them
Completing and submitting change request forms, and accurately filing them into SAP for record-keeping

What I Learned From Cataloging Equipment

SAP Proficiency - I gained hands-on experience using SAP enhancing my familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

Attention to Detail - My experience cataloging equipment allowed me to refine my attention to detail, as I carefully verified data to make sure equipment was labeled and documented.

Equipment Knowledge - My experience also taught me how to identify equipment, recognizing specific features, labels, and serial numbers, allowing me to distinguish between different types of machinery.

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