APETT Technical Conference 2016 – Innovative Engineering Solutions

for the Caribbean

The opening address for the conference was done by the

Conference Chair and APETT Vice-President Eng. Dr. Chris

Maharaj. He welcomed and thanked the respective sponsors

and participants for their contributions to the event. The

conference welcome was then given by Eng. Fazir Khan,

APETT President and Conference Advisor and was followed

by the principal of the University of the West Indies, Professor

Brian Copeland, a fellow engineer, giving the keynote

address.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal Designate

gave his definition of innovation as the process of translating

an idea or invention into a good or service that creates value

for which customers will pay. He explained that there are three keys to innovation; economic,

social and ecological. Professor Copeland used the example of the Percussive Harmonic

Instrument (PHI), and showed many other examples of

where innovation was needed in our society. He

proposed a National Innovation System to motivate,

protect and reward creative ideas as not enough was

being done, in his opinion, to endorse innovation. Giving

many reasons as to why the Caribbean should indeed

invest in innovation, and pointing out the fact that the

University of the West Indies‟ Faculty of Engineering,

alone, produces 150 projects per year, he showed how

the culture and mindset of people are already beginning

to change, as more and more people seek to produce

commercially viable creations. He concluded by stating

that he intends to create an atmosphere of this sort,

during his tenure as Campus Principal, encouraging

Day 1

everyone in the audience to create an innovation rich Caribbean.

The first feature speaker of the event, H.E. Fernando Schmidt, Ambassador of Chile to

Trinidad and Tobago, started the conference by presenting on the “Development of Solar

Energy in Chile”. However, he also spoke about the unlocked

potential for geothermal, biomass and wind energy in his

country. His discussion highlighted that approximately 20%

of Chile‟s energy is currently being produced by renewable

energy methods and that up to 60% of the country‟s subway

system is run using this. Chile, like many of the Caribbean

countries, agreed to Paris COP21 and as such, national

policies were set by NGO‟s, without government subsidies, to propel this motion. He claimed

that our islands should adopt similar practices if we are to meet the initial targets set (20% for

the Caribbean) by 2017.

The succeeding International Forum Feature Speaker,

H.E. Mitsuhiko Okada, Ambassador of Japan to

Trinidad and Tobago, presented his report on “Japan‟s

response towards the creation of a sustainable and

resilient society.” This report was particularly directed to

the resistance of buildings to earthquakes and tsunamis.

His research indicated that 88% of casualties that occur

after an earthquake is related to the collapse of buildings or homes. However, the number of

quake resistant houses have been increased from 82% to 95% since 1980, through the

practices of Tsunami Detection and Resilient Infrastructure. He further explained that Japan will

provide USD $12 billion to developing countries, including Jamaica, Barbados, St. Kitts and

Trinidad and Tobago, and over the next five years, will provide up to USD $200 billion dollars for

quality infrastructure investments, worldwide.

After the coffee break, the conference was divided into two groups where simultaneous

discussions were held. The first group, focused on Innovations in Processes, where the first

speaker, Mr.Christopher Fullerton of (previously) Arcelor Mittal Point Lisas Ltd., discussed

“Improvement in Operations at a steel manufacturing melt shop.” He was able to identify points

where the waste occurs in the process. This was; during work-in-progress and during the

continuous casting processes. He indicated that the company was performing at standards

below those of the international „best practice‟ standard. As such, he suggested the

implementation of 5S (Shine, Sort, Sustain, Standardize, Set in order), TPM (Total Productive

Maintenance) and Production Smoothening. The study showed that implementing these

practices would reduce the set up time and then he used a computer simulation to validate his

study. Recommendations were suggested to conduct a nationwide survey into Lean

Manufacturing.

Mr. Roger Camacho, a consultant with over thirty-five years of experience, was able to deliver

for the next discussion “Some examples of innovative projects in the manufacturing sector in

Trinidad and Tobago.” Four examples highlighted are

Use of chill water air handling unit as a cooling tower

The modification of four colour flexographic printing press to print 5 (or more) colours

The electronic window patch detection system

A management system to eliminate tool pilferage

The first project occurred due to a low water supply

at the plant where he worked, which then lead to

downtime of the equipment and increased costs to

supply water. Mr. Camacho was able to design a

control system that saved the plant “Tens of

thousands of dollars weekly.” The plant requirement

dropped from approximately 15000gallons/day to

2000gallons/week which was an investment that was

paid back in less than three months.

His second and third projects were performed for

envelopes, where (for the second), printing of more

than five colours either could not be done locally, or

was very expensive, as such, the simple idea of

splitting the printing stations came about and was a

low cost, highly effective solution to the problem, that

then gave the company a competitive advantage.

For the third project, the issue occurred because there was no reliable way to detect if the clear

window patch was sticking to the envelope, which led to faulty envelopes and machine

downtime. This issue was rectified by having fiber optic infrared sensors to detect if a patch was

present, by blowing air onto the open sides of the envelope. The new system was able to detect

all envelopes, however, due to the incredible speeds at which the machines moved, the system

overcompensated and would sometimes (<0.4%) remove more envelopes than necessary. The

final project, which was a social one, of tool pilferage, was solved, by simply creating a tool

lending process, which Mr. Camacho claimed to work 100% (in his experience).

On the other hand, the overlapping group addressed

Innovations in Framework/Policy. This group began with a

discussion on the “Use of Satellite Images, Remote Sensing,

Lidar, GIS, Hydrological and Hydraulic Software to Manage

our Environmental Resources Sustainably”, by Dr. Pramenath

Narinesingh of the UWI Department of Civil and

Environmental Engineering. Dr. Narinesingh defined

Sustainable development as, “Growth that meets the needs of

all without endangering the natural resources needed for the

future.”

However, it was learnt from annual reports that dangerous trends in our environmental

resources are constantly depleting. Hence, the Caribbean should implement steps forward and

utilize the present technology as a community and make efficient use of our natural and built

resources. The remote sensing technology and the advancement in geographic information

system makes it easy to capture environmental data rapidly anywhere on the planet and

accurately process it into useful information. Thus, through the integration of information from

satellite and earth observation systems from around the world, better informed decisions may

be made regarding biodiversity and ecosystem sustainability, disaster resilience, sustainable

urban development and water resources management.

Following this presentation, was “Strategies for Developing Sustainable

Transit Connectivity in Diego Martin”, by Dr. Rae J. Furlonge of LF

Systems Ltd., and was presented by Hawwa Hassan of the UWI‟s

Department of Geomatics Engineering. This study investigated the poor

transit connectivity that affects the everyday residents of Diego Martin

and provides meaningful recommendations that would improve the

sustainability of the transit system. It was highlighted that there are not

any resources and facilities that can be utilized firstly before engaging in

more expensive plans of action. From various sources, land use,

transport demand and transport supply are the main aspects affecting transit. Suggestions such

as, social marketing, accessible to schedules/routes, altering peak periods and equipping buses

with Wi-Fi to enhance commuters experience should encourage more residents to use the local

transit.

Heading the final session for the morning, was Dr. Ashton

Rogers of UTT‟s Biomedical Engineering Unit. His delivery was

based on “Improving the storage of electricity produced by

renewable sources.” Dr. Rogers‟ study focuses on the most

recent advancements for electrical energy storage in the form of

Hydrogen. Two main technologies highlighted that produces

hydrogen are solar fuel cells which uses artificial

photosynthesis and water electrolysis with various

improvements such as increased pressure and temperature of

electrolyte as well as wide electrodes in an absolute vertical positions. There are many other

improvements to the basic water electrolysis to produce hydrogen fortunately, they all prove to

be very cost effective and overcome many disadvantages of earlier designs such as low

efficiency and reliability and many more.

After lunch, the groups were further divided, but this time, into the categories of Innovation in

Design and Innovation in Processes. Continuing the Innovation in Processes portion, was Mr.

Ryan Roper of CADPEC Limited. His contribution was on “Optimizing the fermentation period

of Trinidad and Tobago Cocoa beans for chocolate production.” He began by explaining that the

native Trinitario Bean comprises of a mixture the Creole and Foresto Beans and that the

potential products for it was not just chocolate, but also for cosmetics, paper and cocoa powder

too. He highlighted that that the value of the beans depended on the fermentation. Most farmers

rely on intuition and weather patterns, to determine if they think the fermentation process is

complete.

Mr. Roper suggested that temperature and pH levels, or

other measured variables could be used instead. He

suggested that a mandate or business model be

developed and that they work with the UWI Cocoa

Research Center, as there is an abundance of

information available there. However, a gap exists

between educating the farmers on the results of research conducted, as more theoretical

approach is used, whereas the farmers prefer a practical one.

Mr. Areo Hosein a student of the University of the West Indies

presented his findings on the “Additional of waste polymers in road

surfaces of T&T.” He identified the various layers of the road, paying

attention to the composition of the surface layer, and showing the

problems that occur. These were found to be mainly; rutting and

cracking. His project involved the addition of varying compositions of

PET (polyethylene therepthalate) and CR (crumb rubber). Marshall

Stability and Marshal Flow tests were then performed on the new

mixtures and it was found that the PET mixture produced better results

when compared to the crumb rubber, having the higher stability and the lower flow.

Mr. Andrew Castor of PCS Nitrogen delved into “An investigation into the efficiency of

chlorinators in preventing biofilm buildup in seawater cooling systems at the Point Lisas

Industrial Estate.” The issue that was occurring was an amassing of biological fouling in the

pipes, reducing its surface area and insulating the pipe so cooling could no longer occur. His

solution was – chlorination. It is simple, low cost, available and effective. He recommends that

there be an increase in current supplied to the cells, increase the number of cells available for

production of a hypochlorite and add a dripline for the chlorine directly.

In the Innovation in Design sessions, “The Quadric-Surfaced Sledge Digester for Developing

Caribbean Countries”, was prepared by Mr. Navin Ramroop of

UTT‟s Department of Project Management and Civil

Infrastructure. Mr. Ramroop‟s paper outlined the ongoing

research as well as the benefits of the Quadric Surfaced or egg-

shaped sludge digester (ESD). The ESD is said to be the most

efficient and cost effective secondary treatment of wastewater

sludge. Due to its parabola shape, it has proven to be most

efficient in scraping at the base of the tank hence, producing a

cost saving mechanism. Unfortunately, construction of tanks are

very costly since it requires highly skilled labourers to assemble. Thus, the study investigates

techniques involving 3D printing which achieves the similar results to that of the concrete tanks.

Ms. Kristal Sookdeo of the UWI‟s Department of Mechanical and

Manufacturing Engineering, demonstrated the “Improvement of

Cassava Harvester using TRIZ”. Her final year project consisted of

improvements made to a cassava harvester by applying the method

of TRIZ, a problem solving method based on logic and data in which

the propose is to find superior solutions, to overcome the need for a

compromise between two elements. After applying the method of

TRIZ, the working depth of the crop harvester was increased which

allowed the improvement of loosening the soil capabilities without

damaging the produce.

Mr. Roger Mylan also from the UWI presented, on “Creating the Optimal Product Formula for

use by a Heavy Clay Block Manufacturer.” Mr. Roger investigated the possible root causes for

major quality defects such as cracking, excessive shrinkage and

unsatisfactory colour in clay blocks manufactured in Trinidad by looking

at the non-optimization of the block ingredients. Scanning Electron

Microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy was

conducted to measure the efficiency of mixing in the preparation of the

blends along with the elemental composition and distribution at the

surface.

After the coffee break, Ms. Cheryon Morin of the UWI led the final

lectures on Innovation in Processes. Her discourse on the “Reuse of

slag in the surface of road pavements,” showed how the ferrous smelting

byproduct could be reused, as opposed to being disposed of and contributing to environmental

degradation. The study varied the composition of electric arc furnace steel slag from 0% - 20%

of ¾ inch aggregates, and was then verified using Marshall Stability and durability tests.

Accelerated weathering and comparison testing showed that the optimal slag content of 4%

increased the mechanical properties of the road pavement by increasing its stability and its

ability to withstand stronger forces.

Ms. Helena Ali-Victor of the UTT presented her findings on “Optimising

conditions for maximum adsorption of greenhouse gases using zeolite

and hydrotalcite in packed bed columns.” As Trinidad is a large oil and

gas exporter, it is imperative to note that many greenhouse gases are emitted as our industrial

processes are carried out. This project aimed to directly reduce emissions in order to reduce

their effects (increased temperatures and sea level rise). Three main pollutants were targeted –

CO2, SO2 and NO. The process of adsorption, using zeolites, (SiO4)4- and (AlO4)

5- and

hydrotalcite, was investigated and compared to other methods (like MEA scrubbing systems) to

determine if it was more economical and to ensure that it did not replace one pollutant for

another since adsorbents usually have resultants that are contaminants also. Although the

actual experiments were not yet carried out, the phases of the experimental procedure and

response surface methodology were presented.

The adjacent gatherings however, reverted to the Innovation in

Design categories. “Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) of Vapor

Compression Cooling (VCC) vs. Vapor Absorption Cooling (VAC)

for Chiller Plant in the Range of RT: Case study for T&T”, was

conducted by Mr. Daryl Joseph of Energy Dynamics Ltd. He

explained that, due to the fact that Air conditioning is becoming an

important utility, much like electricity and other services, a study

was conducted to determine the Life cycle cost analysis for the Vapour compression cooling VS.

Vapour absorption cooling. The study investigated whether the VAC was more economical than

the VCC by comparing the life cycle cost of the chiller plant ranging from 50-400 RT. The results

from various analysis showed that the VAC system was capable of being the feasible economic

option to provide cooling for buildings. Additionally, the VAC systems were proven to have less

environmental impacts when compared to VCC systems.

Concluding the day‟s presentations, was Dr. Denver Cheddie of the UTT‟s Utilities Engineering

Department, on “Domestic Wastewater Treatment and Associated Biogas Generation using

Anaerobic Granular Bed Baffled Reactor (GRABBR).” Dr. Cheddie‟s

project assessed a pilot scale anaerobic granular bed baffled reactor for

domestic wastewater treatments at high organic loading rates under

varying temperatures with the associated biogas production. The

applications of GRABBR as a single unit, two phase treatment system

could be an economical option reducing the cost to achieve similar

treatment goals for high strength waste waters. The findings of this

research suggested that the application of GRABBR is indeed suitable for the treatment of

multiple pollutants present in domestic wastewater where each compartment act as a

specialized treatment stage with equivalent biogas production.

Concluding the day, the final feature speaker, H.E. Mr. Gauri Shankar Gupta, High

Commissioner of India to Trinidad and Tobago lectured the

audience on “Sustainable Development.” He spoke of making

a better lives for the future by using only what we need and

nothing more. He explained that our society has become

wasteful and distant from nature and recommended that we

need to go back to it. He suggested that governments impose

limitations for societies that will allow them to meet the needs

of it without jeopardizing the future society‟s and that the

wealthier classes do more to share what they have. He cited

many examples of this being done in his country and how it can be incorporated into ours, finally

stating that it doesn‟t matter how much we speak about it, unless nothing is done about it, it

would all be for nothing.

The following day started with a feature

sponsored speaker on behalf of the Canadian

High Commission, Mr. Glen Sharp on the

“Engineering Design/ Engineered Wetlands

construction management.” As someone who

had overseen this project‟s development in his

country, Mr. Sharp had showed its success and

offered proposals to companies such as Yara

and SWMCOL suggesting that the same could

be done here. That is, a specially designed

wetland, with specific plants being grown at an

Day 2

area, such as a delta, where there is a large amount of effluents leaking into the ocean. His

presentation showed how the wetlands will act as a filter and help reduce the effects of

chemicals as they runoff into the environment.

The IMechE’s Student Chapter Global Engineering Debate (GED) on “Public Transportation

Solutions for the Future” was delivered. The debaters this year consisted of Mr. Kavir Ramdass

(transporting sharing companies/services), Ms. Leanda Bidaisee (alternative fuels and

autonomous/connected vehicles) and

Ms. Leah Wright (improvement to public

transport). The debate chair was Ms.

Onika K Morris Alleyne. The event

started off with a poll to determine what

the audience thought was the solution

themselves, and then each member on

the panel gave a short discourse as to

why their option should be invested in as

oppose to others. After one round and a

few more questions and comments from

the audience, the audience was polled once more and found to have a sway in their vote.

Mr. Bill Ramrattan’s presentation on „Foundations and floors

on expansive clays and compressible soils,” highlighted that

numerous structures in Trinidad are set up on marginal soil

using details that exclude shrinking of clay and the

compressibility of the soils. From various studies, piles and

rafts foundation are found to be the most common to counter

soil factors in Trinidad. Additionally, Mr. Ramrattan gave

insight on using unbounded pre-stressing cables which are

very useful and economical for post tensioning of foundations

for counteracting effects swelling of clays and settlement in

compressible soils. Consequently, the compression that

results from post tensioning counteracts the tension forces

created by subsequent loading and shrinkage of the soil

Alternative fuel and

autonomous and

connected vehicles

Improved public

transport

Transportation

Network

Companies

(ride-sourcing)

Poll

before

debate

35 34 4

Poll after

debate 9 43 19

significantly increases the load carrying capacity of the concrete.

The groups were divided once again after the break, this time to discuss the issues on

Innovation in Design and Innovation in Health. Mr. Ilias Papadopoulos of the UWI‟s

Seismic Research Center started the proceedings with his presentation on “Earthquake Loss

Estimation in the Caribbean.” The seismic research center has initiated the past several years‟

projects, aiming towards the direction of identifying and quantifying the

seismic hazard and risk for the region. In modifying Ergo-EQ, the

researchers are able to statistically classify building structure type using

widely available proxy data sets. The project aims to provide the

resonance frequency and soil classification of the ten major areas in the

country, providing engineers with a useful tool with regards to civil

construction.

Mr. Nishkal George of the UWI‟s Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

delivered his findings on the his “Design and Development of the Anatomical Model: Application

of CAD and Rapid Prototyping Principles,” he stated that in the

training for medical practitioners they require provision of fully

comprehensive knowledge of patient-specific anatomy that traditional

models lack considerably. Rapid prototyping and Computer aided

design principles together have the ability to meet the situation by

allowing fabrication of three dimensional anatomical objects which

facilitates first-hand view of the anatomical build of the human body.

Thus, this study explores the used of Genetic algorithm on the

design performance of anatomical CAD models. The results from this

study proved to be successful in producing a RP patella model resulting in 27% material savings

and was deemed satisfactory for practical use.

Mr. Kiran Ragoo, also reported on his final year project findings,

“The Design of a children‟s playground kit to introduce the design

thinking through free play.” Mr Ragoo‟s paper details the design of

a mechanical playground kit that allows children to use their

imagination, physical, cognitive and socialization skills in

assembling the elements. The design supports the critical thinking

of utilizing simple machines covered in the school curriculum, while at the same time instilling a

passion for outdoor activity. He hopes that the design would contribute to building young

designers and a culture of innovation and design through play.

On the Innovation in Health side of things, Ms. Amalia Hosein of

UTT‟s Biomedical Engineering Unit presented her results of

“Testing three cardiovascular disease risk prediction models of the

Trinidad and Tobago population.” She introduced her audience to

the five models used to generally predict CVD, showing that they

are not applicable to us. Genetic variations called SNPs (snips),

were looked at in both CVC and non-CVD patients. The results

found that gene scores did not give good predictions, and the

typical SNPs used, did not either. MIAs and MRAs did and from

this, an ROC curve for risk prediction was created and found to be

more accurate than the previous models used.

Another UTT biomedical student, Ms. Keri Gobin, also looked at a common health issue

affecting Trinidad and Tobago and how to assist in mediating it. “An android app for detection

and self-monitoring of diabetic foot ulcers.” Foot ulcers can be severe, leading to amputation

and handicapabilities. Ms. Gobin‟s innovation was to use an infrared camera, FLIR1, with an

app to send images and data (such as age and glucose levels) to doctors, without patients

having to leave their homes.

Finishing up this section, was the head of the biomedical

department at UTT, Dr. Natasha Ramroop-Singh, on,

“Establishing a new system of biomedical technology

assessment in Trinidad and Tobago.” Dr. Ramroop-Singh

enlightened fellow engineers on how her department

bridges gaps and transcends occupational barriers as there

are multifaceted roles such as designing, repairing and

calibrating machines to name a few. She proposed a TTQ-

MTA (three tier question based medical technology

assessment) system that could be used in a scientific, clinical or business setting. This included

the measurement devices, therapeutic devices and clinical information studies. She suggested

the restructuring of the regional health authority by asking three questions at every venture; Is it

real? Can we win? Is it worth it?

After this presentation came the call for lunch, but diving straight back into the program, was Dr.

Sharad Maharaj of UWI‟s Department of Chemical Engineering, on the “Development of a

Supercritical Fluid Extraction Industry in Trinidad,” for Innovations in Processes.

Essential oils and Oleoresins as well as other plant extracts has grown significantly

over the years, such that trade oils have risen drastically. The traditional extraction

technology is that of steam distillation for essential oils and solvent extraction for the

oleoresins. Fortunately, modern technology of Superficial Fluids extraction using

carbon dioxide, has the capability of producing the both types of products. Once

introduced in Trinidad, the SFE would use the carbon dioxide from the ammonia

industry which is used in the extraction of high value products from plant materials. The

researchers are also looking to introduce the concept to Dominica since bay oils has been

produced by steam distillation for many years.

Subsequent to this, was another member of the UWI‟s Chemical

Engineering Department, Mr. Jeffery Smith, on using “Plastics waste to

petrochemical feedstock.” This presentation highlights alternative

approaches available for the recycling of waste PET including physical,

chemical and energy valorisation options. Due to the drop in value of oil,

Trinidad and Tobago need to reduce the outflows of foreign exchange

from the country. Thus recycling of these plastic bottles could result in

dual benefits of reduction in foreign exchange outflows and negating an

adverse environmental situation.

The final presentation for the conference, on Innovation in Processes, was done by Ms. Maria

Kesse of Herriot-Watt University, on “Waste tyres to Petrochemical

Feedstock.” Industrial symbiosis is focused on the development of

techniques to turn apparent waste into industrial feedstock. Trinidad

and Tobago being a well-developed petrochemical industry would be

capable of receiving as feedstock, breakdown products of vulcanised

rubber and fabric from chemically recovered tyres, due to the fact that

the country has thousands of waste tyres generated per year.

Abandon tyres serve as a serious health hazard as they are potential breeding ground for

insects and vermin.

Adjacent presentations were being delivered on Innovations in Design, and Mr. Kamel Singh

of Energy Dynamics Ltd. discussed, “Expanding opportunities for organic waste producers in

the Dominican Republic to become energy providers, waste treatment operators and organic

fertilizer suppliers.” He spoke of how the high source of methane emissions that comes from

meat and poultry can be used, along with waste treatment technology of anaerobic digestion.

His project proposes centralized co-digestion or a location either centrally or where the largest

waste producers are. He showed that smaller farms have greater difficulty thriving as compared

to larger farms that only focus on one animal rearing, yet between 50-100 head sized farms are

still economically feasible enough using the suggested methods as there are quite a few

incentives, tariffs and subsidies, making it easier to tie into the grid in the Dominican Republic.

Next, Ms. Davatee Maharaj gave a presentation on “Radiation shielding parameters of concrete

made with electric arc furnace slag aggregate.” The energy of radiation and thickness of the

blocks, both help in determining is something can be safely protected. Also, density, which will

increase, due to an increase in atomic number, leads to having

more atoms to react to. Currently, lead is the most common

shielding source used in Trinidad and Tobago, so the aim of this

project, was to find a more cost effective material. Thus, she

compared lead blocks to concrete blocks made with electric arc

furnace slag aggregate (which is an industrial by-product). The

results found that the thickness of the concrete samples had to

be increase to improve the radiation shielding parameters.

Concluding the afternoon processions, was Ms.

Kathryn Maharaj of the UWI‟s Mechanical and

Manufacturing Engineering department, on the, “Design of

a special-effects wrist--mounted flame thrower.” Ms.

Maharaj‟s aim was to show that local isn‟t bad and that

foreign isn‟t better. The device‟s main use was intended to

be Trinidad and Tobago‟s entertainment industry. Although

the objective was to have a 4in high flame in the palm of

the hand, the flame produced was able to reach as high as

3ft.

Changing over to the Innovations in Framework/Policy, Professor St. Clair

King of UWI‟s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering started

of the presentations after the evening break with “The Engineer in the Fourth Industrial

Revolution.” Fourth Industrial revolution is being driven by extreme automation and connectivity

especially through wider implementation of intelligent systems. Developed economies will most

likely be the winners at this stage whereas developing economies will face a greater challenge

as their low skilled labour would cease and limited technology infrastructure will not reap

benefits of extreme connectivity. Thus, the paper presented elaborates on ideas and

demonstrates the impact the revolution must have on the training and education of fellow

engineers.

Concluding the days discourses, was Dr. Lorrain Sobers of the UWI‟s

Chemical Engineering Department, with, “What does COP21 mean for

Engineering in the Caribbean?”. Dr Sobers‟ paper highlights the

potential for Caribbean SIDs to transition to low carbon economies with

financial and technical support for developing new technologies. The

path towards an ambitious, economy-wide emission reduction, cannot

be done without innovative engineering solutions. Dr. Sobers looked at

numerous Caribbean countries and the respective methods they wish to

implement to gain a more renewable-based economy.

The penultimate discourse for the evening was done by Rheal Thomas of WASA Operation

Division on “Developing software to mimic real world objects in the design of water and sewer

systems.” The aim of the project is to standardize the design process for approval. The solution

was to develop a program where objects were created in JAVA with state and behavior.

Sequencing diagrams were used to accomplish a task pipe flow and then simulations used data

inputs, such as two sample points, and mass balance equations to get a full conditioned

assessment. The program was successful in integrating the structure of objects which enabled

the design and optimization of waste water systems. The validation showed that the system

would save both time and money.

Mr. Lloyd Lynch of the UWI‟s Seismic Research Center delivered the final lecture for the

conference on, “The advanced geophysical monitoring network of the Eastern Caribbean.” His

suggestion for Caribbean tsunami early warning systems is to detect seismic waves first, since

they are faster than the tsunami wave, and relay data via the internet. He divided the project into

four categories;

Warning

Preparedness

Communication

Hazard/impact assessment

His suggestions reduced the detection time to less than one minute, although it may take longer

(up to 5 minutes) to get the information to the public or media. On the other hand, larger

earthquakes take longer to detect, due to their large wavelength and high energy. Additionally,

he recommended having sea level monitoring equipment to assist his project in the future.

The conference concluded with closing remarks by Eng. Imtiaz Easahak, APETT President-

Elect and Conference Advisor, and the distribution of tokens to participants. The IMechE would

like to acknowledge the session chairs, Mr. Jonathan Chang and Mr. Jainarine Bansee, as well

as our debate chair, Eng. Anthony Mathura, along with all other conference committee members

who assisted with the presentations. Overall, the conference was deemed a large success, with

everyone looking forward to attending in the coming years.

Article Author: Shreedevi Sahadeo – IMechE Student Chapter Newsletter Editor

Assisted by: Resha Mohammed – IMechE Student Chapter PRO