chemical-processing-plant-controller/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — chemical processing plant controller

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 51-9011.00 (Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders).

Task statements

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

Detailed work activities

• Adjust equipment controls to regulate gas flow.
• Adjust temperature controls of ovens or other heating equipment.
• Clean production equipment.
• Collect samples of materials or products for testing.
• Compare physical characteristics of materials or products to specifications or standards.
• Direct operational or production activities.
• Estimate material requirements for production.
• Inspect production equipment.
• Load materials into production equipment.
• Lubricate production equipment.
• Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
• Maintain production or processing equipment.
• Maintain safety.
• Measure ingredients or substances to be used in production processes.
• Mix substances to create chemical solutions.
• Monitor instruments to ensure proper production conditions.
• Notify others of equipment repair or maintenance needs.
• Operate chemical processing or water treatment systems or equipment.
• Operate pumping systems or equipment.
• Read work orders or other instructions to determine product specifications or materials requirements.
• Record operational or production data.
• Repair production equipment or tools.
• Review blueprints or other instructions to determine operational methods or sequences.
• Test chemical or physical characteristics of materials or products.
• Watch operating equipment to detect malfunctions.