Academic and Professional Qualifications:
| BSc |
Mechanical Engineering - University of Leeds |
| PhD |
Gas Explosions - University of Leeds |
| CEng |
Chartered Engineer |
| FIMechE |
Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers |
| FIFireE |
Fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers |
| MAIChemE |
Member of the American Institution of Chemical Engineers |
| FIDiagE |
Fellow of the Institution of Diagnostic Engineers |
| MEI |
Member of the Energy Institute |
Experience:
Alan graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Leeds and then undertook research into gaseous explosions for his PhD. After working for Rolls-Royce, he joined Burgoynes in 1977 and became a Partner in 1983.
Alan has conducted investigations into over 1000 fires, explosions, mechanical and metallurgical failures, on land, at sea (including offshore platforms) and in the air, both in the UK and abroad. Alan has extensive experience of investigating marine casualties and has particular expertise regarding the safe carriage of DRI and HBI. Major incidents Alan has been involved in include the explosions at the refineries at Syncrude, Canada and Texaco, Pembroke and on the platforms HEATHER ALPHA and PIPER ALPHA. He has also investigated a number of high profile incidents involving blast and smelting furnaces and other metallurgical process plant. Alan has advised major chemical, petrochemical, food and drug companies and other manufacturing industries on the prevention of and protection from the hazards of fire and explosion arising from flammable vapours and dusts. This includes the design of plant and equipment to withstand the effects of explosion, and conducting hazard surveys on major installations.
Alan has lectured widely to academic and industrial audiences and has published papers on gas and dust explosions, and on conducting scientific investigations into the causes of losses. He has provided expert evidence in courts and arbitrations in the UK and Far East.