Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
Chemical equipment operators and tenders operate or tend equipment to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products. The equipment used includes devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels.
Chemical operators operate equipment including devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels. to control chemical changes or reactions in the processing of industrial or consumer products.
A chemical equipment operator's job description entails operating equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products and recording operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, processing times, or test results. They patrol work areas to monitor operating conditions, draw samples of products for analysing, and adjust controls to regulate temperature, pressure, or flow of liquids or gases. They may also be required to carry out minor repairs or keep the work area clean.
A high school diploma is required with an internship under experienced workers. Skills needed are operations and control, monitoring and critical thinking for a decent chemical equipment operator salary. One should possess knowledge of production and processing, chemicals, mechanical and some computer knowledge.
Chemical equipment operators and tenders work in manufacturing industries on the production floor. The work environment can be hazardous and there can be exposed to chemicals, fumes and other pollutants. They need to wear personal protection equipment.
To be successful in an equipment operator job, one must be an experienced machine operator, with in-depth- knowledge of production procedures, analytical skills and be detail-oriented. They should be comfortable with teamwork and possess the physical stamina and strength to handle heavy equipment.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- B.Sc. Chemical Engineering
- Diploma Chemical Engineering
- ITI Course Attendant Operator - Chemical Plant
Tasks
- Adjust controls to regulate temperature, pressure, feed, or flow of liquids or gases and times of prescribed reactions, according to knowledge of equipment and processes.
- Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
- Monitor gauges, recording instruments, flowmeters, or products to ensure that specified conditions are maintained.
- Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.
- Measure, weigh, and mix chemical ingredients, according to specifications.
- Inspect equipment or units to detect leaks or malfunctions, shutting equipment down, if necessary.
- Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.
- Test product samples for specific gravity, chemical characteristics, pH levels, concentrations, or viscosities, or send them to laboratories for testing.
- Draw samples of products at specified stages so that analyses can be performed.
- Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
Progression Routes
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