C h E 5 2 7 (E ) F I E L D T R I P S AN D S E M I N AR S

10 th Periodic Technical Lecture

“Basic Energy and Loss
Engineering”
By Engr. Genesis Fabia
Process Oil Loss Energy Engineer

Merciline Joy S. Palaje

BSChE 5

The 10th Periodic Technical Lecture organized by the Philippines Institute of

Chemical Engineers –Junior Chapter V was held last February 1, 2017 at the Old Civil
Engineering Hall, BUCENG. Engr. Genesis Fabia, a former student of Bicol University
Chemical Engineering Department, served as the guest speaker with the topic Basic
Energy and Loss Engineering.

For the first part of his lecture, the objectives were to know the definition of energy
engineering; and the need, requirements and nature of work of an energy engineer.

Energy engineering is the process of energy source management that involves

the harvest, transport, storage and usage of energy. This is not only limited to traditional
sources such as coal, oil, gas, and nuclear but also on the Renewables such as solar,
wind, water (hydroelectric wave), biomass, and geothermal. Energy engineering is
needed to address the variance of the expected (ideal) system to the real (actual) one.
It also plays a significant role in the production rate, energy requirement, and energy
cost. In a typical refinery, two thirds of the operating cost is the energy cost. A typical
refinery operates at 100,000 bbls per day. An Energy Engineer is one of the most valued
engineer of any large scale industry. The ‘efficiency people’ are the ones who creates
that extra savings for the company. Skills needed includes being a team player, flexible,
a fighter, a good problem solver, and a good presenter. The approach to things are on
a Macro scale. Unlike process engineers or operations engineers, energy engineers have
what is called specializations. They are known best known for being the experts in their
units or respective areas. But, energy engineers as well as loss engineers are well known
for their wholistic nature of work. The role of energy engineers is very broad and is unique
depending on the industry, either on traditional or non-renewables, but the nature of
work essentially remains the same. They are tasked to constantly monitor fuel and
energy consumption patterns; decide which energy source is economical, feasible and
safe; creates a roadmap that aims to further increase energy efficiency; survey areas
for leaks, damages or any irregularities the incur heat losses; staying alert for any
irregularities; champions the optimization of energy consumption; and presents to higher
management the overall energy situation. You need to convince them that your energy
efficiency initiatives are worth investing in.

For the second part of his lecture, the objectives were to know the definition of
loss engineering; basics of loss; and requirements and nature of work of a loss engineer.
Loss engineering is the process of energy loss management that involves the detection,
analysis, mitigation, elimination and prevention of any loss that may occur. Most if not
all industries have mass loss and volumetric losses. Loss may come as virtual (non-
material) or real (material); and physical or chemical. Real Loss may come from major
leak and fugitive emissions, evaporation losses, impurities, reliefs, and deliberate loss. An
equipment must always be designed with a relief system to address this loss. Skills
needed includes being a team player, flexible, a fighter, a good problem solver, a good
presenter, and detail-oriented. . They are tasked to conduct analysis of key parameters
to detect signs of loss, account and analyze loss figures and estimate impacts, create
projects that reduces loss in the long term, champion the synergy of different disciplines
to minimize loss, and present to higher management the overall loss situation.

Engr. Fabia also shared some life lessons that he learned after graduating from
college. Attitude is important. Developing soft skills such as communication, team work,
adaptability, problem solving etc. is an advantage. Keep it simple and straight. If you
can’t, it’s either you think you have a need to impress or you don’t know how to simplify
things. Always have a backup plan. Not all things can be controlled so it is best to be
ready for anything that life throws at you.