Harith Altuma
BSc
Fuel Chemist
Career Summary
Harith Altuma is a fuel & lubricant specialist with more than 20 years’ experience in the field of oil testing. He obtained a B.Sc. in Chemistry in 1995.
Harith has gained extensive knowledge and understanding of laboratory practices, procedures, and chemistry techniques, having worked at several of the major testing laboratories in the USA.
He can demonstrate his knowledge of laboratory equipment and the terminology associated with laboratory practices, including Gas Chromatography, Titration, and Inductively Coupled Plasma (GC-MS & FTIR).
His broad understanding of oil and gas international analytical standards (ISO, GPA, ASTM, etc.) allows him to review test standards and laboratory practices and comment on laboratory operations and product specification.
A knowledge of ISO 17025, uncertainty calculation, method validation, and all related procedures to assess and determine the effectiveness of a laboratory's Quality Management System.
He is also familiar with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Experience includes review of off-specification fuel cases, comparison of laboratory analytical results (Certificates of Analysis), and assessment of contamination and fuel stability issues. Technical input has been provided in matters involving fuel quality disputes and P&I-related investigations.
Harith joined Brookes Bell as a Fuel Chemist in August 2025.
Background
Academic Qualifications
BSc in Chemistry – University of Basra College of Science
Professional Association
Industrial Chemistry
Previous Employment and Experience
Petro Lab POC (Laboratory Coordinator), AmSpec Group, Houston, Texas
Gasoline, Diesel, Bio Diesel, Jet Fuel
Assured compliance with laboratory QA and Safety Manuals.
Understood and keep current with laboratory quality practices and SOPs.
Kept current with all laboratory safety and reporting requirements.
Completed all laboratory reports as applicable, laboratory equipment, product safety, compounding, instrumental analysis, technical reports, and customer support.
Team Lead Supervisor, SGS Oil Gas & Chemicals, Deer Park, Texas
Training of all laboratory personnel.
Monitored the performance of laboratory staff and provided employee coaching as needed.
Supervised and provided guidance to receiving specialists to aid in sample login and transport of clients’ samples.
Provided assistance to customers in explaining laboratory analysis and technically made recommendations to the regional laboratory manager on upgrading the laboratory.
POC, AmSpec Group, Pasadena, Texas
Petroleum, Gasoline Blends, Diesel, Jet Fuels, Bio Diesel, LPG, ISO 17025, customer support, laboratory equipment, compounding, instrumental analysis, technical reports, team management.
Senior Chemist, Coastal Gulf & International (CGI), Houston, Texas
Performed laboratory tests to determine chemical and physical characteristics or composition of solid, liquid, or gaseous materials for such purposes as quality control, process control, or product development.
Laboratory Technician, Polaris Laboratory, Houston, Texas
Performed routine calibration and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation.
Monitored and troubleshooting performance of the analytical instrumentation.
Performed statistical analysis of data, preparing and presenting reports.
Preparing reagents, solutions, and standards as required.
General laboratory maintenance to ensure that the laboratory was in full compliance with all safety, environmental, and health regulations and procedures.
Developed and refined analytical methods.
LIMS experience. Knowledge of statistical (SPC/SQC) techniques.
Manager of Environmental Branch Quality Control, Ministry of Industry and Minerals, Basra Paper Factory, Iraq-Basrah
Spearheading efforts of 69 employees for water and air pollution testing.
Coordinated chemical and equipment preparation. Calibration of instrumentation.
Tested the quality and stability of fuels such as benzene and gas oil.
Analysis of effluent water, raw water, DM water, etc.
Analysis of raw materials such as Ethylene, Butane, Cyclohexane, Natural Gas, Octane, HCL, Caustic, Silica, Calcium Stearate Master Batch.
Organics (BOD, COD, TOC, O&G); BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand); COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand); TOC (Total Organic Carbon); O&G (Oil and Gas).
Senior Chemist, Quality Control Central Laboratory, Iraq-Bsrah
Supervising 36 employees.
Inspected and tested all chemical products for quality control purposes.
Performing equipment calibrations.
Trained staff effectively on complex equipment operation and procedures.
Surveying and Consultancy Experience
- Analytical Techniques: 20+ years
- Laboratory Management: 15+ years
- Quality Assurance: Internal audits, method validation, health, and safety compliance
- Client Relations: Technical reporting, customer query management, survey coordination
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