Graduate / 'alternate sources of energy' SOP for admission to MS programs in US/Canada. [5]

Hello everyone...here is a draft of my SOP for graduate admissions. Kindly provide your useful comments. I am really keen to help other applicants and do provide me the opportunity to help you...much thanx....

Development of alternate sources of energy and improving the present methods of exploiting the existing natural resources while striving for a sustainable and eco friendly development has been a major field of research for Chemical engineers in the recent years. It is with this objective to make fruitful contributions in the areas of Energy engineering and Process optimization I wish to pursue my masters in Chemical Engineering at University of xxxxx. Undertaking higher studies at the University would eventually help me towards fulfilment of my long term goal of developing a career in research and teaching.

In the initial semesters of my undergraduate studies itself I started working on various projects and presentations. In my first project on "optimization of shell and tube heat exchanger" I worked on simulation of a shell and tube heat exchanger using Chemcad 6.0 and computing the change in value of overall heat transfer coefficient by changing certain parameters. Along with this I also worked on laboratory synthesis of various chemical compounds such as Bakelite and extraction of Almond oil. It was through active participation in these projects I developed a lively interest in fields of research and development. Pursuing advance courses in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics during the first two years of my bachelor's laid a strong foundation for completing it with distinction.

Thereafter, to gain in-depth knowledge about the energy sector and study the various aspects involved in oil and gas processing industry I did a one month internship at Indian Oil Co. Ltd (IOCL), Mathura, India (capacity of 6.0 MMTPA). By preparing a project report on plant operations I learnt about the various processes involved in crude oil refining and the range of products that are extracted at different stages of the refining process. Having been my first industrial experience I learned a great deal about the role of automation in process control and computational flow dynamics. The industrial training was crucial in enhancing my interest and knowledge in areas of process control, simulation and process optimization.

However, it was during the junior year of my undergraduate study I did a two month internship at Oil and Natural gas Co. (ONGC), Mumbai. Here I got ample opportunities to comprehend the processes involved in extraction of LPG, Light Aromatic Naphtha and stabilizing of crude oil. Under the guidance of astute professionals I successfully completed a project on "Recovery of Butane and enrichment of Propane for the product coming from EPRU (Ethylene Propylene recovery unit). The project includes designing an extraction unit consisting of a distillation column and a flash drum separator. It was designed using Fensky-Underwood-Gilliland method and was then simulated using Hysis 3.2. The necessity to deliver pragmatic results under given time constraints taught me a systematic and organized method of approach towards problem solving.

While working on my senior thesis on "Design of Vinyl Acetate monomer plant" I was keen to present and publish my research proposal on plant designing and simulation. I got this opportunity at Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee where I gave a presentation on my research paper on modelling and simulation of VAM plant. I was awarded third in the national level technical paper presentation event and the research paper is published in the annual IIT journal. It discusses about various steps involved in plant designing from capacity selection to cost estimations. The project covers a practical application of almost all the major core chemical engineering subjects learnt during undergraduate studies. Working as a team was crucial to root out any problems that we encountered and the spirit of teamwork made the project a pleasant learning experience. This project helped me in developing a strong foundation for carrying research at advance levels in areas of computer aided process engineering-optimization, designing and simulation.

I took elective courses on Energy sources and energy conservation, Petrochemical Technology and Fluidization engineering to gain further knowledge in areas of energy conservation and fluid dynamics. Subsequently after completion of my Bachelor's studies I joined a cement manufacturing firm (capacity 5 million TPA) as a process/production engineer. Being in a core production firm I learnt about various nuances of process control, plant operations and maintenance of plant machinery. Along with this I also learnt about environmental issues and pollution control measures that are associated nearly with all major manufacturing units.

After having professional work ‎experience of nearly two years, now I have a balanced view of my interests, potential contributions and ‎priorities, which enables me to make a decision between pursuing a career in the ‎industry or one in academia. I find the academic environment more appealing because ‎of the high level of intellectual challenge and creativity associated with it as well as ‎the opportunity it provides to follow my research interests in the field of chemical ‎engineering.‎

Prof. xxxx current projects in areas of petroleum engineering and advanced petroleum exploitation strategies and Prof. xxxx research work in areas of system modelling, optimization, statistics and feedback control match with my areas of interest and would be a great endeavour to work on these issues under their guidance. Enrolling in a graduate program is a big commitment, and requires consistent effort for many years. I am sure with my determined attitude and consistent research experience I will be able to deliver to the standards and expectations of the university.