Occupation: 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. Equipment used includes devulcanizers, steam-jacketed kettles, and reactor vessels.
Reported Job Titles
(7)
- Chemical Operator
- Chlorination Operator
- Multiskill Operator
- Outside Operator
- Process Operator
- Spray Dry Operator
- Vessel Operator
Core Tasks
(23)
- Observe safety precautions to prevent fires or explosions.
- Record operational data, such as temperatures, pressures, ingredients used, processing times, or test results.
- Control or operate equipment in which chemical changes or reactions take place during the processing of industrial or consumer products.
- Patrol work areas to detect leaks or equipment malfunctions or to monitor operating conditions.
- Draw samples of products at specified stages so that analyses can be performed.
- 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.
- Monitor gauges, recording instruments, flowmeters, or products to ensure that specified conditions are maintained.
- Test product samples for specific gravity, chemical characteristics, pH levels, concentrations, or viscosities, or send them to laboratories for testing.
- Inspect equipment or units to detect leaks or malfunctions, shutting equipment down, if necessary.
- Open valves or start pumps, agitators, reactors, blowers, or automatic feed of materials.
- Read plant specifications to determine products, ingredients, or prescribed modifications of plant procedures.
- Implement appropriate industrial emergency response procedures.
- Measure, weigh, and mix chemical ingredients, according to specifications.
- Dump or scoop prescribed solid, granular, or powdered materials into equipment.
- Notify maintenance engineers of equipment malfunctions.
- Estimate materials required for production and manufacturing of products.
- Add treating or neutralizing agents to products, and pump products through filters or centrifuges to remove impurities or to precipitate products.
- Observe and compare colors and consistencies of products to instrument readings and to laboratory and standard test results.
- Direct activities of workers assisting in control or verification of processes or in unloading of materials.
- Drain equipment, and pump water or other solutions through to flush and clean tanks or equipment.
- Flush or clean equipment, using steam hoses or mechanical reamers.
- Make minor repairs, lubricate, and maintain equipment, using hand tools.
- Inventory supplies received and consumed.