Leveraging Expertise in Energy Markets and Regulatory Frameworks
At EPS, we offer specialized services in energy trading and regulatory analysis to empower businesses to make informed decisions in the dynamic energy sector. Our deep understanding of energy markets and regulatory environments, particularly in analyzing Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) filings, enables us to provide valuable insights and strategic guidance.
Engineering Expertise Overcomes Data Gaps in Renewable Ethanol Explosion Investigation Challenge: A devastating explosion at a farm silo resulted in significant structural damage and loss of life, with renewable ethanol and fermentation-related causes suspected. However, critical production data and laboratory samples were not preserved by the owner, complicating the investigation. Solution: EPS engineers performed forensic analyses, including debris mapping, blast force calculations, and process evaluations, to identify the origin and cause of the explosion. EPS’s investigation confirmed the presence of ethanol that had been improperly handled during the biofuel production supply chain. Result: The investigation determined biofuel manufacturing operational missteps, key safety protocol violations, and destruction of data, resulting in a pre-trial award for the deceased’s family.
Economic Implications in Oil Field Services Industry Dispute Challenge: An oil field services company in the Niobrara-DJ Basin faced significant financial challenges from its business partners during a rapid downturn in crude oil prices, with allegations of management failing to anticipate and mitigate the market impact. Solution: Leveraging expertise in economic analysis, EPS demonstrated the strong correlation between crude oil prices and demand for oil field services, exposing critical flaws in the actions of the business partners. Result: EPS provided pivotal evidence about the energy industry's market dynamics, demonstrating the predictability of the downturn, which substantively informed the court proceedings and clarified the parties' financial responsibilities. This analysis enabled the client to recover the monies owed successfully.
About Dr. John A. Williams
A Leader in Intellectual Property Consulting
Dr. John A. Williams, PE, ASA, MBA, CFEI, AIChE Fellow, is the founder and General Manager of EPS. With over 40 years of operations, engineering, and construction experience, Dr. Williams is a recognized expert in the engineering analysis and financial appraisal of energy, power, and manufacturing technologies.
With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Williams offers unparalleled expertise in technical analysis, IP valuation, and litigation support. He has developed and instructed courses for the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, focusing on cost engineering, project evaluation, and intellectual property appraisal.
Credentials
Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) by the American Society of Appraisers in Machinery & Technical Specialties: Energy, Environmental, and Manufacturing Technologies.
Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) by the National Association of Fire Investigators.
Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE Fellow).
PhD in Chemical and Fuels Engineering from the University of Utah