ENUGU STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

A REPORT ON STUDENT INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (S.I.W.E.S)

UNDERTAKEN AT

INTERNATIONAL ENERGY SERVICE LIMITED (I.E.S.L), PORT-HARCOURT

BY

RAYMOND CHIDUBEM STEPHEN

2019030187464

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL AND PRODUCTION ENGINEERING

FACULTY OF ENGINEERING

ENUGU STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

FROM

JUNE 2023 TO NOVEMBER 2023

 ABSTRACT

This Industrial training report presents the experience garnered during my 6

months of industrial training undertaken at International Energy Service Limited,
Port-Harcourt branch.

My training was on the functions and maintenance in automobile vehicles.

During this period, I acquired practical knowledge on the functions and what it
entails to maintain the mechanical parts and systems of automobile vehicles.

This report discusses the technical skills gained during the training period and
justifying the relevance of the scheme in equipping students with needed
technical competence to thrive in the real world.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

My appreciation goes to God almighty, through the help of the Holy Spirit made
me to choose mechanical engineering as my discipline.

Also, I will like to thank the Industrial Training Fund for their foresight in putting
this program to place. My gratitude to the mechanical and production engineering
department, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, for providing the
platform on which was engaged in the training.

I am highly grateful to International Energy Service Limited for providing the

opportunity to be exposed to engineering services to the automobile industry.
 TABLE OF CONTENT

Title Page

Abstract

Acknowledgements

Table of Content

List of Tables

List of Figures

Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1 The Siwes Program

1.2 Brief History and Survey of the Company

Chapter 2

Activities of the Siwes Program

2.1 Brief Description of Work Done

2.2 Automotive Mechanical Systems & Maintenance

2.2.1 The Cooling System

2.2.2 The Electrical System

2.2.3 Brakes
2.3 Repair and Maintenance Process

2.3.1 Tools Required

2.3.2 Vehicle Fluids

2.3.3 Dashboard Indicator Lights

2.3.4 Tyres

Chapter 3

Work Experiences and Challenges Encountered

3.1 Work Experience

3.2 Challenges Encountered

Chapter 4

Conclusion

4.1 Conclusion

4.2 Ways of Improving the Program

4.3 Advice for Future Participants

 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 2.0: The Cooling System

Figure 2.1: A part of the Electrical System

Figure 2.2: Jumpstarting a dead battery

Figure 2.3: Disc Brake

Figure 2.4: Drum Brake

Figure 2.5: Anti-lock Brake System I

Figure 2.6: Anti-lock Brake System II

Figure 2.7: Tools Required

 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 THE SIWES PROGRAM

Students’ Industrial Work-experience Scheme (SIWES) is one of the Industrial

Training Fund (ITF) programs that was introduced in 1974 due to the inability of
engineering and technology students in Nigerian universities and polytechnics to
meet the practical aspects of their training. That is, the need to enable the
student to match their theoretical school knowledge with the practical aspect of
their training in the industry is expected to last for six months.

The result of the ITF survey showed a reasonable difference between students’
knowledge and their ability to apply it in relevant jobs. In order to bridge the gap
between the two, the ITF 1974 established a cooperative internship program,
which enabled students of technology to spend some part of their courses on
relevant on-the-job practical experiences in appropriate areas of the Nigerian
industry (Ekpenyong, 2011). The author further stressed that the internship
program, SIWES, can therefore be seen as that which is intended to give Nigerian
students studying occupationally related courses experience that would
supplement their theoretical learning as well of equip the students with the
needed skills to function in the world of work.

This need to combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills in order to

produce results in the form of goods and services or to be productive is the
essence and rationale for industrial training and a basic requirement for the award
of the Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng).
OBJECTIVES OF SIWES

The objective of the SIWES is to strategize for skill acquisition. It is designed to

prepare and expose Indents of all institutions to the real-life work situation they
would encounter after graduation. Specifically, the objectives of SIWES are to:

 Provide an avenue for students in Nigerian universities to acquire industrial

skills and experiences in their course of study.

 Prepare students for the real work situation they are likely to face after
graduation.

 Expose students to work methods and techniques in handling equipment

and machinery that may not be available in the universities.

1.2 BRIEF HISTORY AND SURVEY OF THE COMPANY

The internship program was conducted in International Energy Services Limited,

also known as IESL. IESL is a specialist, multidisciplinary, energy services company
that provides integrated, client-focused and cost-effective services in the oil and
gas industry. Dr Diran Fawibe is the Group Chairman/CEO at International Energy
Services Limited. He attended University of Ibadan. He has understanding of the
local and international petroleum industry with over 50 years experience.

IESL provides clients with engineering expertise throughout the project lifecycle,
from feasibility studies and scope documents to design conceptualization,
construction management and post-construction evaluation.
Our objective is to provide integrated, client-driven consulting engineering and
design solutions that help companies attain a competitive edge in the market. IESL
has assembled a highly-qualified team of highly skilled engineers and other
professionals with worldwide experience and capabilities to provide practical
solutions to complex problems at all phases of oil and gas engineering projects.

IESL has grown to a foremost position in the provision of services to the oil and
gas sector because clients over the years have come to value their approach to
quality, cost effective services, teamwork and an unswerving commitment to
clients’ satisfaction. IESL executes its services in line with the requirements of ISO
9001:2015 to the utmost satisfaction of its customers, while ensuring continual
improvement of its quality management.

The company offers various services such as:

 Engineering design

 Project development and operations

 Environmental and waste management services

 Manpower resource management and training.

The company has her head office situated in Ikoyi, Lagos, and she has other
branches within Nigeria and outside Nigeria. My internship program was
conducted in the Port Harcourt office which is located at No. 12 Geodetic Street,
Rumuobiakani, Port Harcourt.
She has the following principles and core values: integrity, collaboration,
innovation, client satisfaction, excellence and diversity. Her mission is to achieve
excellent quality of services, operate business in an efficient, safe and innovative
manner; create value for our shareholders, clients and employees, protect our
clients’ rights to privacy and confidentiality. Her vision is to employ human and
material resources for energy services delivery as a world class company with
highest standard of efficiency and integrity.

Her expertise spans over 30 years; the commitment and resources to handle every
project to its successful completion and the satisfaction of its clients have been
the driving force of the business and this has been achieved by providing an
innovative cost-effective solution using the best available technology.

Some of her clients include:

 Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

 Exxon Mobil Corporation.

 Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

1.2.1 HISTORICAL SURVEY OF IESL

IESL, as they are popularly known, was established about 33 years ago. The
company was started in 1990 by the CEO, Dr. Diran Fawibe, but rolled out
effectively in 1991 and they have been engaged in providing consultancy and
oilfield services in the industry.
She started as a training company and then moved out to other activities like
environmental and analytical laboratory services, waste management and so on.
For example, she has a big analytical laboratory in Port Harcourt, where various
types of analysis like full hydrocarbon analysis, emission control, effluent
monitoring, corrosion management, and water analysis are provided. She also has
a microbiology lab and a geotechnical lab all within this laboratory, and she works
for virtually all the major oil companies, Chevron, Shell, Total, Exxon Mobil, and so
on.”

IESL later moved on to do manpower supply to the industry by hiring both

expatriates and locals for the various oil companies. She also does Project
Management, Construction Supervision for various projects, Pipelines and Facility
upgrade, but what remains the flagship service operation she provides is the
engineering design of oil and gas facilities and pipelines, including FPSO (Floating
Production Storage and Offloading) designs.

As a matter of fact, for over 10 years now, IESL has been engaged in engineering
designs. She was the only Nigerian company that did four modules to the
Deepwater Usan FPSO, with 180,000 man-hours. She also worked on Ofon 1 & 2,
as well as Chevron’s DSO Offshore Project, involving the design of two Offshore
Platforms.
IESL was also a part of the Egina success story, being one of the consortiums of
three companies that undertook the Engineering Design of the FPSO. Our
contribution was about 30% of the job and that happened so successfully.

She was also involved in the subsea production system design with Cameron as a
subcontractor for Erha North Phase 2, with a remarkable performance which
stood her out as a good stead for partnership with other companies for similar
subsea system designs. Disclosing that despite all its achievements, IESL also
ventured into the area of Power and Renewable Energy, with the capability to do
Solar designs and installation, and even combine it with Wind Energy. This hybrid
was done for the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) so many years ago and it is
still working. She also did a rural electrification solar project in Imo State. She has
done various solar design and installation of facilities including and navigational
aids, homes, schools, boreholes and so on.
1.2.2 IESL's ORGANOGRAM
 CHAPTER TWO

ACTIVITIES DURING THE SIWES PROGRAM

2.1 Brief Description of Work Done

During my stay at International Energy Service Limited (IESL), I was assigned to the
Engineering Design department but due to very low or no activities of the
department during that period at the Port Harcourt branch, I was asked to join the
Analytical Laboratory Department to assist and be of service with an Automobile
Maintenance Technician. Job duties includes; Keep equipment’s available for use,
inspecting and testing of the vehicles used for the outdoor field work by the
laboratory workers done every week, completing preventive maintenance such as
oil changes, wheel balancing, dashboard lights, brake changes.

Maintain vehicle functional condition by listening to the operator complaints;

conducting inspections, repairing mechanical systems malfunctions; replacing
parts and components.

Verifies vehicle serviceability by conducting test drives, adjusting controls and

systems.

SAFETY INFORMATION

Most accidents in servicing/mechanical repair involves slips, trips and falls or poor
manual handling. Other causes of incidents sometimes resulting in serious injury
or death include working under inadequate supported vehicles, incidents
involving petrol and the likes.
Keeping work areas free of clutter is an important, but often overlooked step in
running a safe and productive workshop. Requiring appropriate (PPEs) Personal
Protective Equipment’s minimizes eye and finger lacerations, as well as body
contact.

2.2 AUTOMOTIVE MECHANICAL SYSTEMS & MAINTENANCE

2.2.1 The Cooling System

The cooling system decreases the possibility of overheating by removing excess or

extreme heat from the engine itself. If a car is running without a functional cooling
system, the engine will overheat and become unusable leading to permanent
damage to the car.

The Cooling System Maintenance

Given the importance of a cooling system, a regular maintenance check needs to

be performed. This is to prevent the system itself from overheating and to prevent
destructive electrolysis (a breakdown of metals that occur inside the engine block)

The coolants liquid should be checked around the same time as the oil change
(approximately every 5kmiles) and only distilled water can be used if not the
passages might have high chances of getting blocked. If the passages eventually
gets blocked, a flush needs to take place.

Flushing: It is to be done every 5 years or after 100,000 miles

 Fig 2.0

 First check for leaks and breakages. Some important areas to check for leaks
are; Water pump, Heater core, Hoses, Radiator, and other locations where
the coolant may reside or circulate.
 Place a bowl or bucket beneath the radiator drainage valve.
 Drain the radiator by opening the drainage valve
 Remove the thermostat and disconnect the lower radiator hose
 Force the coolant through the thermostat housing with a garden hose until
the water is clean.
 Then connect the garden hose to the radiator and flush water through that
it runs clear.
  Make sure all the water is completely drained throughout the system and
put back the thermostat
 Disconnect the water reservoir and flush with the garden hose in the same
way.
 Re-connect the hoses and replace the drain covers.
 Now re-fill the cooling system with new coolant to manufacturer’s
specification and distilled water as appropriate.
 Following the flush, use a pressure tester on the radiator to ensure that the
pressure is between 13-16 psi.

2.2.2 The Electrical System

This electrical system in a vehicle is a closed circuit with an independent power

source. It has 3 main components

Fig 2.1
Battery: It provides power source of the car and system. The electrical current
flows from a cable attached to the battery to the part requiring power and back to
the battery through the car’s metal body. The body is connected to the earth
terminal of the battery by a thick cable

Alternator: A recharging device used to keep a constant charge in the battery. The
alternator plays its part in the electrical system’s efficiency by keeping the battery
fully charged when the engine is running and providing additional power where
appropriate.

Ignition System: It ignites the fuel. The ignition system shouldn’t be confused with
the act of starting a car. The ignition here refers to the spark or heat that’s applied
to the fuel and air mixture in the combustion chamber of the engine.

How to jumpstart a dead battery

 Align the two cars and turn off the active vehicle making sure there are no
noticeable fumes or odors from the batteries.

Fig 2.2
  Connect the cables starting with the ‘dead’ vehicle, attaching the red cable
to the positive (red) terminal on the battery.
 Connect the black cable to the negative terminal of the dead battery or any
unpainted metal surface like a bolt or bracket.
 Connect the positive (red) cable to the positive terminal of the working
vehicle.
 Connect the negative (black) cable to the negative terminal of the working
vehicle.
 Start the working vehicle and allow it run for at least 5 minutes.
 If successful, remove the cable in reverse order to which you applied them
(remove negative first) making sure that there is no physical contact
between them.

In case it doesn’t work, the dead battery needs to be change.

Please Note: A diesel engine should never be jump started because it requires
more power. However, a hybrid engine (gas and electric) can be used to jump
start or be jump started.

2.2.3 Brakes

The importance of a well-functioning brake in an automobile cannot be over-

estimated and is important to the safety of everyone on the road. As we know, the
main purpose of a car brake is to quickly slow the momentum of the vehicle
resulting to a dead stop or slower speeds for better control and intensive
maneuvers.
Types of vehicle brakes: Disc & Drum Brakes

The main difference between them are the actual shapes of the brakes and the
substance of their friction material. This friction material provides a barrier that
prevents the metal from grinding when the brakes are applied. This material
withstands the extreme heat produced by the braking action but it will eventually
wear with time and need to be checked regularly.

Disc Brakes: They have a disc for each wheel on a car, along with brake pads that
provides the ‘friction material’.

A brake caliper applies force to a brake pad (which are usually made from ceramic
components and metallic fibers) and presses it against the disc, where heat is
generated and the car subsequently stops.

Fig 2.3
Drum Brakes: These are shaped like drums and have brake shoes to act as the
friction material. A wheel cylinder applies pressure to the brake shoe (usually
made with the same material as brake pads) with friction lining. It’s a circle acting
within a circle, as hydraulics cause the shoes to press against the inside of the
drum, generate heat and stop the vehicle.

Fig 2.4
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)

The system is very important but is in a place in modern vehicles to prevent a

complete loss of control during extreme conditions or emergency stops.

The ABS consists of electrical and hydraulic components which prevents the
wheels from skidding (slippery movement) during such situations.

Fig 2.5

The system achieves this by using digital signals from a sensor on each wheel and
determines if one is stopping faster than the others. If this is confirmed, the ABS
will command the hydraulics (fluids) to isolate the wheel, release some brake
pressure and distribute the force to the 4 wheels.
 Fig 2.6

For the ABS to be effective, the brakes should be routinely and correctly checked.
For example;

1. The Level of brake fluid

2. On the 4 wheels, check the drum brakes or discs for damage or noticeable
wear, thickness of the brake pads or shoes. They are most likely to show
wear and need to be replaced.
3. Pay more attention to the front brakes as they usually wear faster since they
bear the brunt of the stopping actions.

2.3 REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE PROCESSES

Mechanical systems in automobiles are a little complex and some problems may
need to be serviced at the repaired shop.
2.3.1 TOOLS REQUIRED

There are other advanced tools, but these are the fundamental tool kit for a
mechanic which we used.

1. Wrench set. Some includes (socket ratchet, oil filter wrench, lug wrench)
2. Screw drivers
3. Car Jack
4. Hammers
5. Funnel
6. Tyre Pressure gauge
7. Flash Light
8. Computer Scanner

Fig 2.7
2.3.2 Vehicle Fluids

Brake Fluids: These hydraulic fluid is essential for the braking system if it is low,
you will be alerted via a dashboard light. This fluid is kept in a see through
container where you can check the level and should always be between the
maximum and minimum marks.

Engine Oil: Designed to keep the components running smoothly.

Engine Coolant: It is a water-based liquid used to absorb heat from the engine its
is transferred to the radiator which is usually at the front of a vehicle.

Power Steering Fluid: It is similar to brake fluid but it aids the steering instead. It is
meant to be checked like brake fluid and if low may affect the steering ability.

Transmission Fluid: It is a multi-purpose liquid normally colored red, designed for

transmission in valves and gears, providing lubrication. Its location may differ in
different automobiles.

2.3.3 Dashboard Indicator Lights

One of the most important features of an automobile is an efficient lighting. These

indicator lights should be regularly checked for correct operation, example;
speedometer should be easily legible in the dark or dim light.

Some dashboard lights include;

Abs Lights: Orange/Yellow lights shows that there is an issue with your antilock
braking system and that they are disabled.

Brake Light: Red Light

Air Bag: Red/Orange Light

Check Engine: Red/Yellow Light; The Car’s internal system has detected some DTCs
(Diagnosed Trouble Codes) meaning there is an obstruction or blockage of flow of
fluid for light flashes during acceleration. This needs immediate response.

Change Oil Soon: Yellow/Orange Light

Low Coolant Level: Red/Orange/Blue

Packing Brake: Red Light; This indicator says you have a parking brake either or
fully partially engaged.

Temperature (Temp): Red Light; Engine temperature exceeded maximum limit.

Tyre Pressure Warning: Yellow/Orange; Below 25% of recommended pressure.

2.3.4 Tyres

Checking the pressure is advisable rather than just kicking it and hoping for the
best. There is a commonly used tyre pressure gauge with the size of a pen but for
some automobile shops, a built-in gauge is used.

Wheel Alignments: There are 3 main angle measurements which includes

1. Camber Angle • View from looking at the car from the front or back. The
wheels will be totally vertical. ‘Camber measurement (0)’
2. Toe Angle • View from the top of the car. The front and back wheels will be
exactly parallel to each other. ‘Toe measurement (0)’
3. Caster Angle • View from the sides. For this angle, most vehicles don’t have
a ‘measurement (0)’.
Wear Bar: The wear bar is a visual guide to the amount of wear and tear on a
vehicle’s tyre.

Replacing a tyre:

 Firstly, ensure the car is parked on a flat surface ground

 Ensure all your tools needed are nearby
 Using your wrench, loosen the wheel nuts by turning the wrench
anticlockwise (DO NOT TOTALLY REMOVE THE NUTS)
 With the aid of a jack, lift the car up to at least 10-15cm above ground
 Remove the nuts totally and the damaged tyre
 Replace the spare tyre and tighten the nuts by hand
 Carefully lower the car and tighten the nuts with the wrench
 Double check the wheel
 Drive with caution until you are certain.
 CHAPTER THREE

WORK EXPERIENCES AND CHALLENGES ENCOUNTERED

3.1 Work Experience

In my first month of industrial training at international energy services, I was only

allowed to do minor jobs and observe more in other to master the processes.
After the first month, I became more involved in different tasks assigned to me
and I assisted and contributed to many successful jobs. After my first two months,
I was added to the analytical laboratory department due to low or no activities in
the engineering design section. I was assigned to assist the automobile technician
in maintaining the vehicles used by the lab attendants for field trips.

3.2 Challenges Encountered

I was not fully exposed to the engineering section to be able to explore more
because the activities taken place where low due to it being a branch,
nevertheless I was taught to an extent and I acquired good amount of knowledge.
 CHAPTER FOUR

CONCLUSION

4.1 Conclusion

My industrial attachment as a junior maintenance technician at international

energy service limited was a huge success and a great time of acquisition of
knowledge and skills. Through my training I was able to appreciate my chosen
course of study even more, because I had the opportunity to blend the theoretical
knowledge gained here to perform important tasks that contributed in a way to
my productivity in the company. My training here has given me a broader view to
the importance and relevance of Mechanical Engineers in the immediate society
and the world as a whole, as I now look forward to impacting it positively after
graduation. I have also been able to improve my communication and presentation
skills and thereby developed good relationship with my fellow colleagues at work.
I have also been able to appreciate the connection between my course of study
and other disciplines in producing a successful result.

4.2 Ways of improving the program

I’m using this means to make the following recommendations concerning the
training of students in Industrial attachments.

1. I would like to recommend that the Engineering curriculum in the Enugu

State University of Science and Technology be adjusted such as would
provide the students the official period of time for the industrial
attachments.
 2. Allowances should be paid to students during their programme just like
NYSC and not after. This would help them a great deal to handle some
financial problems during their training course.

4.3 Advice for future participants

As a student, you will observe that there is a difference between the school
environment and the labor market, as it is a different ball game entirely.

The participants should know that safety is paramount and should be seen as the
primary goal, to themselves and the workplace. Also note the safety instructions
and take them seriously as it is the ticket to a safe and successful industrial
training.

Neatness is also a key attribute even though the job is usually seen as a dirty job,
participants should always be as neat as possible in their dressing and in carrying
out their duties.

Hospitality should be a part of you in and out the work place, treating people with
much care and respect.

Participants should note that communication plays a vital role in the successful
execution of jobs. Communication among personnels in a section. Good flow of
information will be required as it is a vital key in every work place. Poor
communication results to poor job.