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Irina Ward
RETIRED Principal Materials and Corrosion Engineer/Metallurgist
Professional Background
Irina Ward is an accomplished Materials and Corrosion Engineer with a remarkable track record specializing in sour gas applications. With extensive experience in material selection, design, and construction for wells, wellsites, pipelines, and facilities, she has significantly contributed to industry practices that ensure safety and reliability in corrosive environments. Her distinguished career also includes serving as a Principal Materials and Corrosion Engineer/Metallurgist at Shell Global Solutions, where she honed her skills in material qualification and laboratory testing, particularly regarding susceptibility to stress corrosion cracking and sulfide stress cracking as per NACE TM 0177 guidelines.
Irina’s professional expertise encompasses designing fit-for-service qualification programs for critical components such as casing, tubing, coiled tubing, and pipeline materials. She is adept at assessing applications for both metallic and non-metallic materials, including advanced corrosion-resistant alloys and composites. By setting application limits for materials like high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and various flexible composites, she has played a pivotal role in enhancing operational integrity in challenging environments.
Education and Achievements
Irina’s academic foundation is as robust as her professional experience. She earned a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the prestigious University of Calgary, where she developed a comprehensive understanding of engineering principles that inform her work in materials science. Additionally, her Master of Science in Metallurgy of Non-Ferrous Alloys from the Institutul Politehnic București Facultatea de Metalurgie provided her with specialized expertise in alloy behaviors which are crucial for applications in the petroleum and gas industries.
Her commitment to professional excellence is reflected in her long-standing membership in various esteemed organizations. APEGGA (the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists, and Geophysicists of Alberta) has welcomed Irina as a member since 1998. She has contributed her knowledge and experience as a member of the CSA Z662 Technical Committee in materials since 2006, focusing on enhancing standards for pipeline systems. Her involvement with NACE International, also starting in 1998, showcases her dedication to combating corrosion in diverse industries, indicating her strong advocacy for maintaining the integrity and longevity of materials used in engineering solutions. Furthermore, her participation in the Industry Recommended Practices (IRP1) since 2012 highlights her commitment to advancing best practices in the oil and gas sector.
Achievements
Irina Ward’s contributions to the fields of materials science and engineering are numerous and impactful. She has been instrumental in developing and implementing specialized programs that enhance the durability and safety of materials under corrosive conditions. Her expertise in applying rigorous scientific principles to practical engineering challenges has helped many projects avoid potential failures due to corrosion, enabling safer operations in some of the world's most challenging environments.
As a thought leader in her discipline, Irina has shared her knowledge through participation in various technical committees and groups, collaborating with fellow engineers to establish and update critical guidelines and standards. Her technical insights and research efforts continue to shape industry practices, making her a valuable asset and a respected voice among her peers.
Irina's achievements extend beyond her technical work; she is also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of engineers. By engaging with engineering students and professionals through workshops and forums, she fosters a collaborative environment aimed at addressing the issues of materials and corrosion in modern engineering.
In summary, Irina Ward is a highly skilled Materials and Corrosion Engineer whose extensive experience in sour gas applications and commitment to advancing industry standards ensure she remains a vital contributor to the engineering community. Her educational accomplishments, coupled with a strong professional background and a dedication to collaboration and mentorship, mark her as a leader in her field. She continues to push boundaries in materials engineering and corrosion prevention, striving for innovation and excellence in every aspect of her career.