Darren Hewson

With over 15 years of Process Operational experience working for chemical plants on a top tier COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) site, for Vivergo Fuels, BP Chemicals and INEOS Chemicals. I have had roles as Process Operations Technician, Control Room Operator (CRO) and for the last four years as a Senior Control Room Operator. I have been part of a team commissioning & recommissioning of a bio-ethanol plant to full production where it became one of Europe’s largest. I have an excellent eye for detail that links closely with my enjoyment and challenge of problem solving, bringing solutions/improvements for plant issues to my Line Manager, Area Managers, Continuous Improvement Team and the wider Production Team.

Safety is absolutely central to my approach, maintaining standards where everyone works safely and responsibly at all times, consistently making decisions that safeguard people, the environment, and the plant.

My experience, ability to operate under pressure and my listening and communication skills make me an excellent team player and support my passion to further develop myself and others. As a qualified trainer and assessor, I have had the opportunity to train new CRO’s in the safe and efficient practices of running a plant, enhancing my ability to mentor and guide others effectively.

2021 – 2025          VIVERGO FUELS LTD                 SENIOR CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR 

Upon returning to Vivergo Fuels to assist with the recommissioning of the plant, I applied my existing knowledge of the facility to take on the responsibilities of a Senior CRO. I analysed laboratory sample results and closely monitored operational trends. By adhering strictly to operational procedures, I managed the 35,000 m³ capacity industrial-scale brewery, the site's water treatment plant, including both anaerobic & aerobic treatment along with the biogas production facility. I also oversaw plant utilities, including HP & LP steam, desuperheater letdown to MP steam, clean steam generation from demineralised water, natural gas supplies, water supplies, the cooling tower, and the site’s enclosed wastewater export, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental and FEMAS obligations.

I reported faults and breakdown issues to engineers using reporting software in combination with P&IDs, ensuring that each issue was clearly identified and that safe isolation (LOTO) was completed for maintenance or repair. I supervised and monitored production across the plant, directing rate changes to the Distillery and Liquefaction/Animal Feed CROs to meet production requirements. My role also involved overseeing the ethanol tank farm storage, confirming and signing off parcels for loading onto customer ships and road tankers. Additionally, I trained and assessed new CROs and acted as shift supervisor when required. I maintain meticulous notes throughout each shift, ensuring my handover documents are clear, comprehensive, and accurate for my colleagues.

2018 – 2021          BP CHEMICALS LTD / INEOS LTD        SHIFT OPERATIONS TECHNICIAN

My role involved working at an Ammonia production plant, where I collaborated closely with the Control Room Operator as part of a two-person shift team. My responsibilities included performing daily plant AVIs, scheduled routines, and monitoring and recording current plant performance to identify any anomalies. I logged plant defects in the SAP system and made necessary manual plant or equipment adjustments by following strict procedures. Additionally, I was responsible for preparing and isolating the plant for both planned maintenance and unplanned repair work. I routinely collected samples, conducted laboratory testing, and entered results into the LIMBS system.

I worked closely with various equipment and systems: -

• High pressure Hydrogen/Syngas compressors.
• Cryogenic cold box system.
• Haber Reaction Reactors.
• Boiler systems for HP & LP steam production.
• High pressure oil seal & lubrication systems.
• Shell & tube heat exchangers.
• Centrifugal & positive displacement pumps.
• High pressure filters & chemical dosing systems.

2010 – 2018          VIVERGO FUELS LTD                 CONTROL ROOM OPERATOR

8 years’ experience as a Control Room Operator, utilising the DeltaV operating system to control a two train three-stage distillation system with a final stage molecular sieve dehydration, alongside a twin four-stage evaporation system that runs continuously with extensive use of integrated heat recovery.

I possess a strong understanding of solids handling via drag conveyor systems, bucket elevators, and large-scale bulk storage silos. My knowledge extends to the UK's largest producer of high-quality animal feed, using multiple ring die pellet presses and coolers. I continually monitored plant processes via trending package and regular LAB sampling, strictly following set procedures.

I confidently operated the plant's water treatment system, which consists of both anaerobic and aerobic treatment with a final stage UV treatment. I am adept at reporting, recording, and making prompt process changes to maintain set process flows and to ensure quality standards. I enjoy the challenge of problem-solving plant and process issues, which has enabled me to report improvements to the CI team creating substantial cost saving improvements for the business.

As part of the team that continually reviews and rationalises alarms for all areas of the plant. I regularly liaise with our logistics team to ensure customer loads are achieved on schedule and to the required specification by confirming current stock levels and expected usage. My additional responsibilities include operating the plant's tank farm, running the twin road loading gantry system, ship loading, tank-to-tank transfers.

I write new standard operating procedures, redline existing ones for review, and review and test knowledge of Emergency Response Procedures. I am a confident user of the Emerson DeltaV control system, AutoCAD, and the Laboratory Information System (LIMS). I have an excellent understanding of P&IDs and can draw and update them as required via AutoCAD.

VIVERGO FUELS               

 -Teaching & Assessing training.

- Level 3 Diploma, Process Operations, Bioethanol & Animal Feed Processing

- Process Safety Training

- VFL Underpinning Knowledge & Plant Technical Specific Training

- DeltaV Simulator Training (Emerson Process Management)

- COSHH Training (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)

- FEMAS Training (Feed Materials Assurance Scheme)

- Confined Space Training

- CI Yellow Belt Training

BP / INEOS CHEMICALS    

- Building Craftsman level 2

GENERAL                        

- 12 years’ operating AUTOCAD 2D & 3D

- Microsoft Office software

- Full Clean Driving Licence