James McConnell

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT JAMES MCCONNELL

Consultancy Manager for R-Tech Consultants Ltd, where I am a member of a team that provides leading world-class materials expertise. Within this role I specialize in the performance of lab-based failure analysis, material testing, and condition assessments for a wide range of materials, components, and industries. Over my career I have gathered a wealth of experience with the numerous damage and failure mechanisms that can adversely affect the safe operation of key components across a variety of plants. I principally specialise in the assessment of high-temperature steam plants and associated components, with specific expertise in creep failure and remanent life assessment, including extrapolation techniques for long-term creep strain and creep life prediction.Through the quality of my work I have established strong and long-lasting relationships with clients across a breadth of industries, including upstream and downstream oil & gas, power generation, energy from waste, transport, and aerospace amongst a range of others. My aim is to always support clients through the implementation of efficient and cost-effective preventative measures.My lab-based knowledge is also complemented by extensive experience of various on-plant activities, including intrusive visual inspection, metallographic replication (of both low-alloy and stainless steels), portable hardness testing, positive materials identification, and stress analysis. Coupled with my metal’s expertise and an understanding of the plant itself, I can utilise this information to provide clients with effective inspection regimes and/or a detailed integrity assessment of the plant. This can enable clients to determine fitness for service, remaining plant life, and possible opportunities for life extension. My on-plant expertise also includes ~10 years in the offshore sector. I currently hold all necessary certification to work in an offshore environment, which allows me to provide onboard metallurgical support. To date I have undertaken numerous intrusive inspections of onshore/offshore steam plants and large industrial boilers.Through previous employment within the offshore marine sector I have also gained substantial experience in project management, including cost estimation, fabrication, and installation of steam plants and associated components.Recipient of:First Class Honours in Material Science & Engineering (Swansea University). Second Class Honours; Upper Division in English Literature (QMUL).