Ryan Armstrong

Current Role: Mechanical Design Engineer

In my current role, I am responsible for the design and development of aggregate and sand recovery machinery used in the minerals washing industry, including logwashers, static screens, and more recently, bespoke coarse and fines sand recovery units for global projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• From the initial design process, transforming initial concepts—including AggFlow diagrams and P&IDs—into detailed, full-scale 3D CAD models. This includes overseeing multiple high-profile projects across Europe, with a strong focus on design efficiency, material optimisation, and cost-effective engineering solutions.
• Ensuring all equipment is designed in compliance with the latest British and European standards, specifically BS EN 1009.
• Proactively resolving design issues (snags) in a timely and cost-effective manner, with a focus on identifying and mitigating potential errors early in the design process.
• Providing comprehensive technical support to production, service, and commissioning teams on site, and delivering effective design solutions to reduce rework and improve efficiency.

• Analysing and updating drawings based on observations from site visits and proposed changes made by other consultants and contractors.
• Developing plans, sections and P&ID's for refrigeration and A/C systems using the latest software and packages - AutoCAD.
• Projecting the efficiency and energy analysis of cooling systems.
• Tender preparation including specifications and drawings.
• Assessing tender quotes and contributing to tender negotiations with contractors.
• Using the latest design packages to calculate pipe sizes fluid flow rates/ velocities and specific heat capacities.

• Skills were developed on alternative CAD software (AutoCAD), through which different design tasks were assigned.
• Performed technical queries, which involved resolving technical issues with the sea jacket design and took suitable steps to instruct the project manager on what actions to take on specific technical matters.
• Other tasks included: load calculations, as well as assisting EDM level reviews.
• Knowledge was gained on non-destructive (NDT) and ultrasonic testing (UT) for examining large weld structures.

• Worked closely with other team members to ensure effective and efficient manufacture and distribution processes.
• As I was only there for a few short months, my work rotated around various parts of the site, acquiring knowledge in operating a range of different types of machinery.

• Executed daily production line set up through managing the batch quantities that were to be processed through the line as well as ensuring that the machinery would be running efficiently so that the target number order number was achieved daily.
• Other duties included the handling of the paper work which involved recording the product type that was used by the line for each batch, as well as ensuring the correct use by dates were recorded as this was very important in food handling.
• Another duty was to co-ordinate roles for every team member on my line, ensuring the line would operate most effectively with everyone working at their best suited tasks.

• Main duty was to perform tasks at a time efficient manner, whilst maintaining the required standards.
• Identified, eliminated and mitigated risks of hazards in kitchen area, including contamination and use by dates.