While working at NASA, Robert Swint founded ATA Associates (ATA) in 1974. He focused the firm on accident reconstruction and forensic engineering, with particular emphasis on transportation and marine incidents. Today, ATA is widely known and greatly respected as a leader in these fields.
While the petrochemical sector has always been an active part of the business, ATA is now pursuing strategic growth in this arena. ATA has the capability to reconstruct incidents such as personal injuries or deaths, equipment failures, fires, eruptions, and/or environmental releases and then provide expert witness and litigation support, if requested, to insurance and legal entities.
Some examples of high-profile incidents where ATA participated include: The Exxon Valdez oil spill, a chemical explosion in a Celanese facility in Texas, the Phillips explosion in Pasadena, Texas (the event which led to the PSM law), and the BP Deep Water Horizon oil spill off the coast of Louisiana.
ATA will further its capabilities by partnering with companies having complementary and parallel expertise in the industry. Knighthawk Engineering has been established as a partner, bringing extensive experience in plant repairs and analyses to minimize downtime from non-scheduled shutdowns. ATA will enhance their work by reconstructing incidents and providing expert witness and litigation support.
Phil Johnson will lead the effort technically. Phil has over 35 years of professional experience spanning the oil and gas and petrochemical industries. He has extensive experience in facilities from engineering design and construction to high fidelity process simulators and operator training systems. Phil now concentrates on the use of AI to understand and optimize operations. He holds a BSEE degree in Electrical Engineering from Texas AA&M University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in multiple states.
Smith Howland will lead the business development effort. Smith has over 55 years of service in the petrochemical industry and has experience in plant operations and maintenance, capital project management, commercial and senior management responsibilities including significant international experience. Smith holds BChE and MSc degrees from The Ohio State University and additional MBA and MIA (Master’s in International Affairs) degrees. Smith is also a member of Tau Beta Pi, an engineering honorary.
Please contact us for additional information about our petrochemical capabilities. We are always available to visit your facilities and welcome visits to our office and laboratory in Clear Lake City (Houston), Texas.
