Dipak Bhandva

Experienced engineering professional with 18+ years of experience leading large-scale utility maintenance and operations across process-driven and capital-intensive industries. Demonstrated expertise in managing critical mechanical systems, power & utility infrastructure, and engineering performance aligned with strategic business goals. Proven success in driving end-to-end maintenance strategies, enhancing asset reliability, and optimizing the performance of steam, power, and mechanical systems in 24/7 operational environments.

Adept at implementing reliability-centered maintenance (RCM), predictive analytics, and digital tools to minimize downtime, extend equipment lifecycle, and reduce total cost of ownership. Spearheaded infrastructure modernization and capital projects, from scope development through execution and commissioning, while ensuring full regulatory, environmental, and safety compliance. Strong focus on integrating engineering decisions with P&L objectives, risk mitigation, and long-term asset planning.

Manager | Utility Operations & Maintenance - Tata Chemicals Ltd. - Mithapur, Gujarat

(2011-08)

Leading operations and maintenance of utility systems comprising high-pressure boilers (105 kg/cm², 760 TPH), 100 MW steam turbines, cooling water systems, compressed air systems, PRDS systems, heat recovery units, and material handling systems. Administering condition-based, preventive, and predictive maintenance programs to reduce breakdown frequency & improve plant reliability. Monitoring equipment performance using LLF (Low-Level Function) routines, condition monitoring tools, and reliability analysis techniques.

Ensuring compliance with IBR, OEM guidelines, and industry best practices (RAGAGEP). Executing shutdown & overhauling activities, including annual IBR boiler inspections and RLA-based replacements of boiler pressure parts.

• Overhauled and maintained major rotating and static equipment including turbine and generator sets (back-pressure type, condensing, and double extraction turbines)
• Maintained screw-type air compressors, FD (Forced Draft), SA (Secondary Air), and ID (Induced Draft) fans across various boiler systems
• Serviced centrifugal, multistage boiler feed, reciprocating, and vertical pumps
• Conducted servicing and major maintenance of various boiler types, including AFBC, PF, and CFBC systems from OEMs such as Siemens, BHEL, Shin Nippon, Thermax, and ThyssenKrupp
• Managed steam and condensate recovery systems, including flash tanks, PRDS (Pressure Reducing & Desuperheating Stations), and steam trap systems
• Supervised maintenance, repair, and replacement of process pipelines and structural components using materials such as MS, CS, SS, Alloy Steel, FRP, GRP, and MSRL
• Led erection and commissioning of greenfield and brownfield projects including new 300 TPH CFBC boiler (ThyssenKrupp), revamping of 2×30 TPH AFBC boilers, ESP upgrades, DeNOx system installation, and SWAS system implementation
• Reviewed PFDs, P&IDs, equipment specs, QAPs, ITPs, thermal & utility load calculations and validated layouts, vendor drawings, and structural plans
• Witnessed FAT, hydro tests, MRTs, NDTs, and PMIs
• Coordinated with consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders for smooth execution
• Supported long-term strategic and minor reliability projects under CAPEX and LTSP
• Managed the entire maintenance lifecycle via SAP PM including scheduling preventive maintenance, breakdown response, tracking maintenance KPIs, and generating work orders
• Designed maintenance SOPs, overhaul checklists, and predictive maintenance intervals for critical equipment
• Drove cost control initiatives by aligning maintenance spend with annual budgets
• Conducted internal audits and ensured strict compliance with ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018
• Executed HAZOP, PSSR, and HIRA studies prior to commissioning new equipment
• Enforced permit-to-work systems and LOTO procedures across all high-risk activities
• Led safety toolbox talks and promoted a zero-incident work culture
• Collaborated with procurement and supply chain teams to ensure timely availability of spares and critical materials
• Evaluated technical specifications and vendor capabilities for new equipment and service contracts
• Supported SAP Ariba processes for purchase requisitions and vendor management
• Actively involved in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and employee volunteering programs
• Regularly conducted internal training sessions for Graduate Engineer Trainees (GETs), Operators, AOCP, and MMCP personnel on plant operations and maintenance best practices

Asst. Manager – Mechanical - Essar Projects India Ltd - Jamnagar, Gujarat

(2011-01 - 2011-08)

Led equipment erection and mechanical systems installation.

Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) - Mechanical Engineering - Government Engineering College, Modasa, Gujarat (2007)

Boiler Operation Engineer (BOE) - Boiler Operations - Gujarat Boiler Board (2017)