Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders
Human Advantage 67%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.6 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
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.
Also Known As: Acetone Recovery Worker, Acetylene Plant Operator, Acid Bleacher, Acid Cleaner, Acid Concentrator, Acid Condenser, Acid Extractor, Acid Maker +132 more
Core Tasks
- 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.
Emerging Tasks
New and evolving responsibilities for this role:
- Load products into tanks for shipment.
Education & Training
Job Zone 2 Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (8)
Tools & Equipment (97)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Production & Automation Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 1
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers 79% match
Zone 2
Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders You are here
Zone 4
Fuel Cell Engineers 79% match
Zone 5
Microsystems Engineers 76% match
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