Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders
Metal refining operators operate or tend furnaces, such as gas, oil, coal, electric-arc or electric induction, open-hearth, or oxygen furnaces, to melt and refine metal before casting or to produce specified types of steel.
Metal refining furnace operator job description includes regulating supplies of fuel and air, or control the flow of electric current and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjusting temperatures, drawing smelted metal samples from furnaces or kettles for analysis, and calculating types and amounts of materials needed to ensure that materials meet specifications and weigh materials to be charged into furnaces, using scales.
They are also responsible for recording production data and maintaining production logs, observing air and temperature gauges or metal colour and fluidity, and turning fuel valves or adjusting controls to maintain required temperatures thus need knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
To be successful in the job role of metal refining operations, candidates need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees and a recognized apprenticeship program. The annual furnace operator salary for this profile is commensurate with experience, knowledge and seniority.
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.
- NSQF Level 4 Furnace Operator
- Certificate Furnace Operator
Tasks
- Draw smelted metal samples from furnaces or kettles for analysis, and calculate types and amounts of materials needed to ensure that materials meet specifications.
- Drain, transfer, or remove molten metal from furnaces, and place it into molds, using hoists, pumps, or ladles.
- Record production data, and maintain production logs.
- Operate controls to move or discharge metal workpieces from furnaces.
- Weigh materials to be charged into furnaces, using scales.
- Regulate supplies of fuel and air, or control flow of electric current and water coolant to heat furnaces and adjust temperatures.
- Inspect furnaces and equipment to locate defects and wear.
- Observe air and temperature gauges or metal color and fluidity, and turn fuel valves or adjust controls to maintain required temperatures.
- Observe operations inside furnaces, using television screens, to ensure that problems do not occur.
- Remove impurities from the surface of molten metal, using strainers.
Progression Routes
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