Riaan van der Merwe
Gladstone,Queensland
Summary
Accomplished Mechanical Fitter/Machinist with extensive experience at Fitt Resources, specializing in high-speed rotating equipment overhaul. Proficient in laser alignment and machinery installation, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills. Successfully led projects to enhance operational efficiency, ensuring optimal performance and reliability of critical machinery. Committed to safety and precision in all tasks.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mechanical Fitter/Machinist
Fitt Resources
Gladstone, Queensland
06.2024 - Current
- We specialize in overhauling high-speed rotating equipment; some of the equipment runs at 6,600 rpm. This equipment includes steam feed turbines, vertical turbine pumps, split case pumps, and also the refurbishing of check valves and non-return valves.
- Working to tight tolerances and clearances for maximum efficiency.
- Most work requires me to go to the site, remove pumps from the site, do a full overhaul in the workshop, reinstall, and commission it.
- Installing pumps, I need to do coupling alignment using a laser aligner to get the alignment within 0.03 mm.
- I have been part of the contracting team to do shutdowns at Callide Power Station, Swanbank Power Station, Tarong Power Station, and Mt. Isa Mine.
- My machining experience comes in handy when I need to machine impeller wearings to a new size, or when we encounter seized sleeves or nuts; I machine them off the shaft.
Mechanical Fitter/Machinist
Technical Systems
Southafrica, Capetown
06.2020 - 06.2023
- Led in-house project team to design and manufacture auger and flat chain machinery.
- Engineered fully functional machines by cutting, welding frameworks, and machining components.
- Assembled parts to prepare machines for production readiness.
- Conducted general maintenance on plant equipment, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Removed seized shafts and worn bearings to ensure optimal equipment performance.
- Repaired pneumatic and hydraulic systems, including pipes, fittings, pumps, and compressors.
- Refurbished water pumps and electric motors to extend equipment lifespan.
- Performed TIG welding on stainless-steel tanks
Freelanced
Dennes Engineering
11.2019 - 12.2019
- Cutting internal and external threads
- Remove old bearing and install new bearings.
- Do running maintenance on all the machines
- Conduct equipment checks
- My work was always according to specification and requirements.
- I performed my assigned duties in a timely and safe manner.
Artisan Fitter & Turner
Desert Diamond Fishing
10.2018 - 11.2019
- Served as fitter and turner on 120m Russian fishing trawler, part of four-member repair team.
- Managed small workshop aboard, ensuring adequate materials and tools for 35-day sea trip.
- Executed repairs across vessel, addressing issues from engine room to bridge.
- Remediated leaking water and fuel pipes by replacing damaged fittings and hoses.
- Repaired rusted holes in bulkheads and floors to maintain structural integrity.
- Serviced fuel and water pumps through stripping and repairing components.
- Replaced bearings in net winches and electric motors to enhance performance.
- Innovated tool solutions when faced with limited resources, demonstrating problem-solving skills.
Artisan Fitter & Turner
Dennes Engineering
South Africa , Capetown
06.2018 - 08.2018
- Operated center lathe and milling machine to manufacture components with high tolerances.
- Executed repairs on journals through pre-machining, welding, and re-machining.
- Cut internal and external threads, keyways, and installed new bearings.
- Conducted equipment checks and performed running maintenance on all machines.
- Utilized AutoCAD for precise measurements and part drawings.
- Set up jobs and tools for CNC programming efficiently.
- Completed job cards accurately at shift end while adhering to safety standards.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization of work area consistently.
Apprentice Fitter & Turner
Dennes Engineering
04.2014 - 06.2018
Fitter/Trainee
SA Crane General
01.2014 - 04.2014
Education
National Diploma N4 - Engineering Science N4, Mechanotechnics N4, Mathematics N4, Mechanical Draughting N4
North Link College
01.2014
National Certificate - Fitting and Turning - National (Vocational) Level 4 - Fitting and Turning, English First Additional Language, Mathematics, Life Orientation, Engineering Processes, Applied Engineering, Technology, Professional Engineering Practice, Fitting and Turning
False Bay College
01.2013
Skills
- Turning and milling
- Hydraulics and pneumatics
- Brazing and soldering
- TIG, MIG, and ARC welding
- Equipment fault finding
- Oxyacetylene cutting
- Laser alignment of couplings
References
- JC van Schoor, Workshop foreman, Dennes Engineering, +27 82 224 0395
- Giovani Jonker, Senior artisan, Dennes Engineering, +27 76 1578127
- Ryan Williams, Workshop Manager, Technical Systems, +2781 2525 933
- Jaco van Stryp, Manager, Technical Systems, +27 76 3328 376
- Matt Allport, Workshop Supervisor, Fitt Resources, 0411 251 056
- Daimion Oliver, Workshop Manager, Fitt Resources, 0476 666 095
Certification
- Working at heights
- Working in confined spaces
- Basic rigging
- forklift ticket
- Dogging
Timeline
Mechanical Fitter/Machinist
Fitt Resources
06.2024 - Current
Mechanical Fitter/Machinist
Technical Systems
06.2020 - 06.2023
Freelanced
Dennes Engineering
11.2019 - 12.2019
Artisan Fitter & Turner
Desert Diamond Fishing
10.2018 - 11.2019
Artisan Fitter & Turner
Dennes Engineering
06.2018 - 08.2018
Apprentice Fitter & Turner
Dennes Engineering
04.2014 - 06.2018
Fitter/Trainee
SA Crane General
01.2014 - 04.2014
National Diploma N4 - Engineering Science N4, Mechanotechnics N4, Mathematics N4, Mechanical Draughting N4
North Link College
National Certificate - Fitting and Turning - National (Vocational) Level 4 - Fitting and Turning, English First Additional Language, Mathematics, Life Orientation, Engineering Processes, Applied Engineering, Technology, Professional Engineering Practice, Fitting and Turning
False Bay College
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