Page 17 - Handbook of Electrical Engineering

Foreword

The oil, gas and petrochemical industries depend for safe and efficient operation on their electrical
supply and equipment. There have been huge advances in electrical engineering in the last 50 years
and thus a need for a comprehensive book on a very sophisticated and complex subject.
When an experienced engineer is considering retirement it is very sad if all his carefully
acquired knowledge disappears. I am therefore delighted that Dr Alan Sheldrake has taken the trouble
to record his knowledge in this book. He covers both the design of the electrical supply and the
specification of the equipment needed in modern oil, gas and petrochemical plants. The book covers
generation, supply, protection, utilisation and safety for a site which is brimming with potential
hazards and reliability requirements. As a consulting engineer I experienced many of the design
problems that are explained here, I only wish this book had been available then for reference with
its detailed explanations and specifications.
This is a book that every electrical engineer working in the petrochemical industry should
have on his desk. In my time I have read many books on this subject but never one as comprehensive
as this. It should be read by every young engineer and dipped into by the more experienced engineer
who wants to check their designs. Students will find the theory section useful in their studies.
This book is well laid out for easy reference, contains many worked examples and has a good
index for those who do not have not the time to read it from cover to cover.
Dr David A. Jones FREng FIEE FRSA MRI
Past President, Institution of Electrical Engineers
Former Consulting Engineer