Chemical Equipment Operator
A Chemical Equipment Operator is a professional responsible for controlling and monitoring machinery that transforms raw materials into commercial and industrial products. Their role involves overseeing chemical processes, maintaining equipment, and ensuring accurate measurements and chemical flow. Operators typically work in various environments, including large manufacturing facilities, often requiring the use of personal protective equipment due to exposure to hazardous materials and noisy conditions.
This occupation attracts individuals who are detail-oriented, enjoy problem-solving, and have a strong interest in chemistry and industrial processes. Daily responsibilities may include reading processing instructions, setting gauges, sampling products, and keeping detailed production records. Entry into this field usually requires an associate degree in applied science or chemical technology, alongside moderate-term on-the-job training.
The job outlook for Chemical Equipment Operators is favorable, with employment growth projected at around 3%. This career not only offers a competitive median salary of approximately $56,750 per year but also provides opportunities for advancement within the manufacturing sector.
Chemical Equipment Operator
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Manufacturing
Interests: Chemistry, industrial processes, repetitive work, solving problems, analyzing information
Earnings (Yearly Median): $56,750 per year $27.29 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 3% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education Associate's degree
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Moderate-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Chemical equipment operators are responsible for the control and monitoring of machines that change raw materials into commercial and industrial products. They control the flow of chemicals through production equipment and are responsible for maintaining equipment, measuring and adding chemicals, and checking tracking gauges that monitor chemical processes. Operators may monitor multiple machines and may be responsible for taking and testing samples to ensure that chemicals are being processed correctly.
Work Environment. Chemical equipment operators work in a variety of environments, as different chemical processes have highly specialized environmental needs. They often need to climb ladders in order to access tanks and may work in close, tight spaces both indoors and outdoors. Safety equipment varies from industry to industry but often includes respirators, safety glasses, chemical-protection suits, and breathing devices. Chemical equipment operators work in noisy environments and may be subject to extreme lighting and temperature variations depending on the industry in which they are employed.
Occupation Interest. Individuals drawn to the profession of chemical equipment operator are detail oriented and focused. They are interested in science and chemistry but also in industrial processes. They do not tire of repetitive, multipart tasks. They are comfortable working with minimal social interaction but are conscious of the safety of themselves and their colleagues. They are independent thinkers and can solve problems quickly and analyze complex information.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. The daily duties of chemical equipment operators vary according to the product under production. Operators typically begin by reading ingredient and processing instructions for the machines for which they are responsible and measuring ingredients to add to the machines. Some processes use premeasured ingredients. Operators set and monitor gauges and timers and implement machine operation. Once the process is underway, operators monitor temperature and pressure and may draw samples to test the product using specialized equipment such as pH meters and hydrometers. Operators keep detailed records of chemical processes, often in log format, where various aspects of the process are noted over the course of production.
Once production is complete, the operator typically cleans and drains the equipment, inspects it for damage or malfunction, and completes the necessary records. They also often perform minor repairs and maintenance, such as lubricating parts and changing filters and screens, and monitor and maintain safety equipment.
Chemical equipment operators may also be responsible for inventorying and ordering supplies and materials and may supervise other workers who deliver and work with supplies. Some equipment, particularly large-capacity fermenting and mixing equipment, is operated from a control room. In this case, operators communicate with maintenance personnel to ensure that cleaning and repairs are completed on the equipment.
Continuous-Still Operators (552.362-022). Continuous-Still Operators control continuous stills from a control station to separate and condense liquids and maintain process control by instrument readings and test results.
Batch-Still Operators (552.685-014). Batch-Still Operators tend batch stills to separate, by distillation, liquids having divergent volatilization temperatures.
Catalytic Converter Operators (558.362-010). Catalytic Converter Operators control catalytic converters to alter chemical composition of liquid or gaseous substances according to knowledge of the process and the sequence of operations.
Saturator Operators (558.362-018). Saturator Operators control saturator tank and auxiliary equipment to precipitate ammonium sulfate.
Kettle Operators (558.382-038). Kettle Operators control heat-reaction kettles to process liquid and solid materials into specified chemical products.
Dissolver Operators (558.682-014). Dissolver Operators control equipment that dissolves and precipitates chemicals used in manufacturing chemical products, such as butadiene and styrene.
Fermentation Operators (558.682-018). Fermentation Operators control fermentation chambers and tanks to produce enzymes from fungal or bacterial growth for use as industrial catalysts.
Specialties Operators (559.582-014). Specialties Operators control equipment to prepare chemical solutions to meet customer orders or specifications.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Most chemical equipment operators work in large chemical or manufacturing facilities. Some facilities have both indoor and outdoor components. Outdoor plants are usually covered and protected from the elements. Some facilities are housed within plants that perform multiple tasks in a production chain. Facilities are often brightly lit, and temperatures vary widely. Chemical equipment operators spend many hours standing and moving around, adjusting gauges and pumps and handling water-flow systems used to clean equipment.
Human Environment. Chemical equipment operators work alone much of the time, with limited opportunity for social contact while work is being performed. Interaction while on the job is often limited by the noise of the equipment and the attention required to monitor the chemical processes. However, they must be aware of the activities of others on their team, as one chemical process often depends on or affects another. The safety of others in the facility is crucial. Operators often work as part of a team and interact with colleagues and supervisors at set points in the production process.
Technological Environment. Chemical equipment operators must be familiar with computers and various computer systems, as these systems regulate and monitor multiple aspects of chemical processes. They are sometimes responsible for programming software and may use computer systems to log and track information and analyze data.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Students interested in chemical equipment operation should develop a strong background in mechanics, mathematics, and science. Classes focused on industrial mathematics are helpful, as are classes in applied chemistry and statistics. Strong writing skills are important for communicating system information and reporting data.
Postsecondary. An associate degree in applied science or chemical technology is useful when applying for positions in the field of chemical production. These degrees are often paired with on-the-job training in the form of an internship.
Related Occupations
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Bibliography
"Chemical Technicians." Occupational Outlook Handbook. US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/chemical-technicians.htm. Accessed 27 Aug. 2024.